urban hike

Who says you have to leave the city to go on a fantastic hike?

The other day was unusually hot in San Francisco.  To take advantage of the weather, we embarked on an urban hike.  The plan: walk from the Castro, up to Fillmore, through Nob Hill, and down into North Beach.  It was ambitious, but we were up for the challenge.  

Walking is such a great way to see the neighborhoods.  I'm so preoccupied with safety when on my bike, I hardly have time to see what's around me.  

With no bikes you are free to give pounds to ornamental lions.

We started off up through Hayes Valley, and made our way to the Fillmore.  We wanted to treat ourselves to Fraiche, a natural yogurt cafe, owned by a close friend.  After walking up hills, this treat, hit the spot.  I ordered the frozen yogurt, topped with blueberries, strawberries, and graham crackers.  Delicious!

Feeling recharged by the cooling effects of our yogurt, we continued on to China Town.  I hardly spend anytime here.  It feels like another country.  There is so much activity, and so many new and exotic sights to captivate the eye.  

On a whim, we decided to continue on to Coit Tower.  After seven years in San Francisco, we were both appalled that neither had been.  While the Diego Rivera murals were outstanding, I was disappointed on a whole with the experience.  After a long wait, you are treated to a crowded observation deck with tiny windows.  There are so many places to get a great view of the city, there is no reason to spend $7.  

View from Coit Tower

All that dodging of tourists at Coit Tower left us famished.  It's no easy feat to get to North Beach from our neighborhood, so I definitely wanted to take advantage of this trip and get some Golden Boy Pizza.   Ryan and I split a piece.  We were also in the middle of "No-drink-November," so no beers.  

 Bellies full of pizza, tired legs, and suddenly cool temperatures, all led to the decision to take MUNI home.  All-in-all, a great urban hike, and a fun tour of seldom visited neighborhoods.

Walking: free

Fraiche: $12

Coit Tower for two: $14

Pizza: $4

Roundtrip Muni for two: $8

Total:  $38