On our way to San Francisco, we stopped to enjoy a weekend of Big Sur views. Here’s my best effort at describing how these views affect the human soul. We step out of the truck, pulling both kids from the carseats. As we turn to take in our first view point of Big Sur, L, our 1 year old, gasps so audibly that we all erupt in laughter. We laugh almost to the point of tears and yet we can’t close our eyes because this moment will be forever ingrained in our minds. This view of absolute breathtaking beauty. If you ever have an opportunity to go.. Just do it! You will not regret it.

The coastline is known for it’s rugged appearance, drastic drops into the cerulean blue waters, and it’s lack of inhabitance. It truly is something to see. Once again, we feel our problems are so small amidst this grand landscape. Staring out into waters that could easily wash anything away, we feel our control over life is nothing in comparison with the that of God’s.

Our weekend at Big Sur was brief, but fulfilled in every aspect. After spending a morning at the beach, despite the chill, we packed up and headed off to San Francisco. Our goal was to spend the rest of the week treking through the city and immersing our selves into the most stunning woods. We got that and so much more.

Our campground was in the bay area but not within the city of San Francisco itself. Alameda County Fairgrounds and RV Park allowed us to be within an hour of the city but at a more reasonable cost for the area. We enjoyed the ability to bicycle to nearby parks and walk around the fairgrounds when we weren’t in the city. This allowed for some nice time of relaxation. Unfortunately, our sites were so very small that we had to be careful when pulling out our slide as to avoid hitting our neighbors campers. Sometimes affordability comes at a cost of space. It was rare to see anyone outside their campers, as there was little space to roam without the feeling you were intruding on your neighbors. However, the campground provided us with what we needed and with the exception of our laundry/clean day we were rarely at camp anyways.

The first time we crossed the Golden Gate bridge I couldn’t help but immediately start playing the Full House theme song in my head. There is something that will always keep San Francisco tied to my favorite show growing up. I’m fairly certain I only know what the city looks like from watching the show. Enjoy a little flash back into the original full house theme song below.

San Francisco was really hit hard by the pandemic. I can’t mentally imagine what it was like to be stuck in such small quarters without the ability to leave, much like New York city I pressume. One can tell by the way people communicate with others, or lack there of really. People do not look at others when walking down the streets. When our kids stroll by, we are used to the continued smiles at them as they do silly things. Here, our kids were completing their deep belly laugh on the street as we awaited dinner, the kind of laugh that can bring a smile to just about anyone. No one would even look their way. While at the moment, I thought it was a fluke…. this was definitely a continued behavior that seemed to fit with the locals. No one dares look at another outside of those they are with. Masks are worn everywhere, outside or inside. No one opens doors, no one sneaks a peak at their neighbor. No intermittent conversation in passing. Honestly, it felt like a very lonely city. I just hope this is the result of the pandemic and that things will return to normal in the near future.

Despite the lack of communication with the locals, San Francisco was absolutely astounding and unlike any place I have ever visited before. The homes lined up in rows built in massive slopes so that at any turn one can view immense views of the city. The food was amazing, one particular pizza joint, Tony’s Pizza Napoletana, was amazing. Their margherita pizza won the Italy pizza cup and they only make a select number of pizzas per day. It was a pleasure to have the opportunity to taste it and be one of the remaining few. I can’t recommend this place more, go there if you get the chance! We also checked out the fortune cookie factory where we made our own fortune cookies. It was a trip to remember and we most definitely recommend it to anyone looking to travel.

Here’s a stop by stop view of San Francisco Enjoy!

OCean Beach

Cold winds, beautiful views.

PIer 39

Tourist pier with many shops. Must see: lock bridge and sea lions sun bathing.

Lombard Street

zig zag street with 8 drastic turns within 1 block.

full house Home

Alcatraz Island

We did not tour, but heard the tour is exceptional.

The Painted Ladies

Multi colored homes known for their architecture

The palace of fine arts

Originally constructed as art exhibition

Golden gate national recreation area

views of golden gate bridge and sea lions from fishing pier

Overall this city of hilly streets, sun, bay views, and victorian homes pulled us into it’s grasp. We loved it in more ways than one and we hope to return one day.

At the end of our week, we spent an evening at Muir Woods. Our experience was absolutely unforgettable! This National Monument was named after John Muir, the man behind the creation of the National Park system. This place honors him by its penetrable peace and immense beauty. The entire place is made up of the towering redwood trees. We loved the boardwalk that made its way through the entire place to allow for easy walking for all types of capabilities. It made my OT heart happy to know that even those that are physically handicapped have the opportunity to see this marvelous piece of nature. Check it out for yourself, although I must admit nothing is comparable to seeing it in person, the sun was at just the right angle to make the entire forest look absolutely magical for these photos.

Fun fact: members of the United nations met here in 1945 in the center of the grove. Imagine that meeting…

Who knew trees can draw strength from one another?

The final photo on the bottom right displays something that we found to be eye opening and poetic. When a redwood tree dies a family of trees grows out of its remnants. The group that grows forms a circle, as they are growing directly from the remains of the old tree. These trees shelter each other and grow as a family, stronger together than one was by itself. . . Thoughts to ponder as we enter another day of life.

Onward we go towards Bodega Bay and Napa Valley… Stay tuned!