gray whale beach

One of my favorite beaches in the Bay Area is Gray Whale Cove State Beach.  I happened to stumble across this gem several years ago and have been a fan ever since.  

Ryan and I recently wanted to make a trip down to the beach.  But first, as always, we had to figure out transportation.  It's about a 30 minute drive south of San Francisco, in between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, and there is no bus option.

After looking into Zipcar, which was going to be about $80 for the day, we landed on Getaround.  This car sharing program allows car owners, to rent out their own vehicles while not in use.  It means less new cars on the road, money for the car owner, and good deals for the car renter.  Our Getaround car was going to be $31 for the day, but we were able to find a coupon online, which brought our rental car cost down to an extraordinarily low $6.  When we tacked on gas, we ended up spending only $19 for transportation.

Whale Beach is right on Highway 1.  If you aren't paying attention, you could easily zoom past the too small parking lot.  

To access the beach you must dash across the highway, then descend a long and steep, wooden staircase.  Because the parking lot is small, and the staircase is long, there are seldom crowds at this beach.  It's always felt like just the right amount of people.  

Before you descend, make sure to hit up the port-o-potties.  There are  no bathroom options or private nooks on the beach.  Once at the bottom of the stairs, hang a left to find a spot on the family friendly side of the beach, or a right if you are interested in some nude sun bathing.  (Disclaimer: this is not beautiful-European-type-nude-sunbathing, this is more like creepy-old-naked-dude-sunbathing.)  It's a small beach, but there are places to explore, rocks to climb, creatures to find, surfers to watch, and of course toes to get wet.  I've even seen an actual whale at Gray Whale Beach.

Post beach time, Ryan and I did a short, coastal hike.  The trail head is in the parking lot, and is a mellow, mile long path to the neighboring Montara Beach.  This hike had sweeping ocean views, gorgeous spring wild flowers, and an abundance of bunnies.  

If you are planning on making a trip of this, check the fog situation ahead of time.  Even if it's sunny in the city, you just never know what it could be like in Pacifica/Half Moon Bay.  It's unreal how foggy, and therefore cold, it can get on the beach.  

earth day

I teach kindergarten, and in preparation for Earth Day, we have spent the last week talking about all the ways we can be friends to the Earth.  

Our list includes:

Bringing our own bags

Using cloth napkins

Avoiding single use plastic water bottles

Turing off the water while we brush our teeth 

Using reusable containers

Today, our Earth Day celebration culminated with a playground clean-up job.  We were able to make our campus a more enjoyable place, with the added bonus of enjoying the beautiful weather.  

Little things can make a big difference.  If we teach our children how to be stewards, they will grow up with green habits.  Now is the time to make big changes for long term rewards.

How will you celebrate Earth Day?

Our school's Green Team celebrated by
potting plants for the staff.  

(Photos via lunchbots and Solarone)

it's nice out...kind of

A few weeks ago, I was walking through the Mission on one of those sunny-but-the-fog-is-coming-for-us kind of days.  People were really trying to force the quasi-nice weather.  At one point, I over heard a couple deliberating whether or not they would sit outside for brunch.  The woman, in favor of sitting outside, said, "it's nice out...kind of."

I thought it was so funny, and so completely accurately described San Francisco weather.

That said, this weekend Sunday Streets hit the Mission.  For all those that don't know, this is a Bicycle Coalition sponsored event.  They shut down streets to cars, and people come out in droves to walk, scoot, bike, and even rollerblade.  There were plenty of activities at yesterday's event, including free yoga, hoola hooping, and make your own terrarium, just to name a few.

Sunday Streets shuts down 24th St. in the Mission

Now, when I looked outside, it was a gloriously sunny day.  I left the house in a t-shirt and light pullover.  The second I stepped outside I knew I made the wrong choice.  It was nice out...kind of.  The sun was dazzling, but it was seriously windy.  I went back in for more layers, and was glad I did.

For the rest of the day the sounds of signs, booths, and even kids on wheels crashing to the ground could be heard.  I walked blindly through the Mission as the wind whipped my hair in front of my eyes.

Was Sunday Streets fun?  I'm not sure, I was too busy battling the wind to notice.

Today was another gorgeous day...kind of.  After work, I geared up for a run. (Still training for my 10k!)  It was sunny, and warmish.  As soon, as I got out there I knew I was in for a serious challenge.  I was running straight into gale force winds.  Sand was whipping up off the trail into my mouth and eyes.  Running into the wind was basically like doing a slow army crawl.  I think I saw a few snails pass me up.

The return trip was another story.  I felt like Sonic the Hedgehog with the wind at my back.  I'm pretty sure I ran a 3 minute mile.

Pretty, but w-i-n-d-y!

Right now, I'm looking forward to when it's nice out...for real.

walk to work

Friday is Walk to Work Day.  Commuting part of the way by public transit counts!

When you're out there commuting on foot, there is so much more to see and enjoy.  Life is definitely more interesting, and unpredictable, now that I'm commuting by foot, bike, and public transit.  I've been treated to leisurely morning coffees, gorgeous views, crazy characters, incredible street art, peaceful protests, and engaging books.  I wouldn't have been able to enjoy any of these things sitting behind the wheel.  

Here are some of the sights I've seen on my walk to work.

Leaving the Ferry building

Embarcadero buildings lit up for the holidays

Moon rise

Everyone takes public transit in the city 

The Ferry Building decorated for the holidays.
I walk through here to enjoy the smell of fresh bread every day.

View of the city from Tiburon

City wildlife

My ferry arrives

Just another gorgeous sunrise

Walking to work means being able to enjoy a morning coffee

Surprised by a San Francisco Symphony concert after disembarking from the ferry 

Will you be walking?

big wheels keep on turning

I really do waffle between wanting to make San Francisco my permanent home, and relocating to somewhere more affordable and practical.  

This weekend was one of those perfect weekends that truly illustrated to me why I live where I live.  

Sunday was Easter.  I don't celebrate this holiday, but San Franciscans do, and with reckless abandon.

First up, the 34th annual Easter Bonnet and Hunky Jesus contest.  This event is sponsored by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.  Unfortunately, Ryan and I were out until the wee hours of the night, so missed most of this event.  We rolled up to Dolores Park as most people were making their way to the Castro for mimosas and brunch.  However, we did catch many an Easter bonnet.  Next year, this will definitely be on my radar.  What's not to love about a selection of the hunkiest Jesuses and the most colorful and elaborate Easter bonnets.

Post Dolores Park, and after a quick stop at Toast for brunch, we made our way to Potrero Hill for the Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race.

Want to see grown-ups wearing absurd costumes, riding child sized big wheels, and crashing into walls, other riders, and bystanders?  This is the event to be at.  I've heard talk of the race for years, but have never gotten my act together to check it out.  From the moment the first riders came down the crookedest, steepest street in San Francisco, I had a permanent smile.  You just can't believe your eyes. It looks so incredibly dangerous.  We actually saw two people get carted off the course, and one left in an ambulance.

So, if a sacrilegious celebration is more your thing, mark your calendar for next year's festivities.

And the best part: both events are free!  All you have to do is show up and enjoy the people watching.

After this weekend, I just can't imagine living somewhere without easy access to constant zaniness.  Sweet, hunky Jesus, I love San Francisco!

(Photos via wikiality and funcheapSF)