San Francisco

Our first night in San Francisco we got in quite late, but managed to find the only place around with beer and food, 21st amendment brewery above! 

The following day, after our time in half moon bay, we headed to the Golden Gate Bridge for many photos and a little walk. 

Many many photos. 

We headed to fort point to try to find the brewery there, which was allegedly open and had a tasting room. 

We found it, but no one was home. 

Instead we stumbled upon an Annie Leibowitz exhibit. 

Eventually I had to take nick to the airport, and then I headed to speakeasy to drown my sorrows. 

Really cool cat at the bar! 

The next morning I enjoyed a nice run along he bay before heading back east. Despite a narrow connection in Las Vegas that included some sprinting, I've made it on the plane back to DC. Now time to work for 6 weeks straight so I can have some more holiday! 

Half moon bay

Tuesday morning in San Francisco we headed over to half moon bay. We were dropped off at Roosevelt beach, just north of Venice beach. It was a gorgeous day. 

There was a very good coastal trail along the way with intermittent beaches accessible along the way. 

Plenty of ocean photos. They are Live Photos but don't translate here unfortunately. 

One spot to watch some surfers. 

And a precarious looking structure. 

Interesting houses along the way. 

Another random beach  

And a lot of these purple flowers. 

We came into town and the marina to track down our eventual goal of the half moon brewing company. 

Use map painted on the side of an electrical box. 

We found our way to the brewery where we had plenty of great beer and food and excellent views. 

We then couldn't locate an uber so did some more wandering around the beach and then tried to find another brewery, hop dogma. 

Unfortunately the other brewery was closed, but we were able to get some beer at a bottle shop and reuse our water glasses from the previous restaurant!  And then found an uber to head back to town! 

Last day in NoVA

Our last day in northern Virginia, we headed out to Clifton for brunch. Found a great little cafe. We also checked out all the historic placards and homes. 

Next stop was paradise springs vineyard where nick enjoyed a tasting and then admired the trees :)

Gorgeous day and one of my favorite spots in Fairfax county. 

We stopped off at the cemetery near the vineyard as I had seen my name. Found my great grandparents, great great grandparents, and some great uncles and cousins. Nick really has met the whole family! 

We headed to Occoquan for a drink and to wander along the water a little bit. At the secret garden cafe we hung out with lady Occoquan, the cat. 

To Dulles next for our flight to San Francisco. Found a nice wine bar as we had plenty of time before the flight. 

Paw Paw Tunnel

Sunday we went on a wanderbirds hike to paw paw tunnel. It was quite chilly but actually warmer than expected. We walked along the c&o canal for a bit and then to the tunnel. 

Some blue bells. Bloomed early this year. 

Approaching the tunnel. First we would go to the path on the right to go up and over it, then back thru the tunnel. 

Great views from the top. 

Excellent lunch spot. 

Heading back down many switchbacks to the canal and then the tunnel. 

Into the tunnel we go. It is half a mile long but looks much shorter as you can see to the other side. 

Heading in. 

Almost to the end. 

And back out the other side. 

Nice cold beers at the finish!