My Parents are Here!

On Wednesday night, my parents arrived and they will stay through next week. This is the first time people from my East Coast world (outside of co-workers) have been to my new world. It's kind of strange but I am so happy to have them here!

As I was working yesterday, my parents took a trek down to Monterey, which included a long visit at the aquarium and exploring Cannery Row. I think they are still in shock about the sunny 70 degree weather out here, particularly given the ongoing onslaught of snow storms back in Maine.

I took today off and the three of us ventured up 280, across the Golden Gate Bridge, to Marin County. The weather was very cooperative, although San Francisco looked a little hazy:


We made the journey in my parents' rental Prius. Is there anything more fitting for California? But given the amount of day trips that will be occurring, getting over 50 miles per gallon is a boon indeed.



The classic shot in front of the bridge...

Near the bridge is a memorial to the "Lone Sailor." Here is a shot of my dad by the statue as well as the Navy plaque. Both my dad and my grandfather were Navy men; my grandfather had far too many trips to San Francisco during WWII.

After crossing the bridge we drove to Sausalito, a beautiful little town right by the water where all the chi-chi people seem to live. It was a bit touristy but we loved shopping and eating there as well as seeing the panoramic view of the city. From there we began our winding voyage around the area, seeing Mill Valley, Belvedere, and Tiburon, which we loved (see photo from Tiburon below). The voyage on Paradise Drive was harrowing but absolutely beautiful. I need to go back and see this area on bike! All in all, it was a great day and we agreed that this part of the Bay Area absolutely reminded us of southern France. I almost had the sensation of being in a different state on vacation even though I was only a little over an hour from home!