Tunnel Tops and Mexican food

 The top photo is from Mel and Jane's all-day Monday walking tour. Cute, no? Yesterday we hopped in a Waymo to The Presidio for some walking and history and we were lucky that the GG Bridge was visible in the bottom photo here. We had a tasty lunch at Colibri and then the tourists took off for Ferry Plaza and I came home to pre-plan for tomorrow. So lucky with weather this year!

dinner at Dalida

 This is a hot newish restaurant right in the Presidio and last night grand daughter Samantha and Luke treated (!!!) me to a wonderful dinner there. That is thinly sliced octopus (with Sam) in the top photo and some outstanding little burgers in the middle. We also had colorful breads and salads and honey ice cream for dessert. This is mixed Mediterranean cuisine in a delightfully casual yet special setting and it was a wonderful evening. How fortunate am I? Very.

Tunnel Tops and more!

 Grand daughter Lindsay and I went out to the Presidio yesterday with a bunch of other people. We had Pakistani food for lunch from this colorful food truck. A lovely day indeed.

Tuesday at Tunnel Tops

 After my successful solo dry run a couple of weeks ago, it was easy-peasy to bring Ginger with me yesterday. We had a splendid time walking and then found an enclosed spot for our coffee and sweets. Very few tourists yesterday and we were able to do and see everything. 

we're talking Tunnel Tops

 I had lunch here at the new Presidio Tunnel Tops recreation area and it was even better than advertised. Lots and lots of space to walk and tons of comfy benches and tables ~ spectacular views. Only food trucks so far, but I'm sure cafes will open soon. Tons of people, but there is so much room that it never felt crowded. I avoided the lower level which features playgrounds and a gazillion happy children. The Golden Gate bridge was just shedding its fog robe and the cameras were clicking constantly. I wanted to do a solo test run before venturing here with others, Success!

way too hot

 

SF is not used to this hot weather (95º) so the Presidio was a good choice for Ginger and my walk yesterday. Lots of shade and peace. Today will be cooler, thankfully. 

The Presidio is huge

 This old army base is filled with hiking trails, converted barracks, offices, homes, art galleries and yes, I always get lost. Oh, museums and restaurants, too. Yesterday I had to run an errand out in that part of the city so I took myself for a walk and you can see that it was a glorious day. I discovered a coffee shop (my latte radar) and appreciated the lovely setting. Just a small "Where am I?" before I re-conncted with Ken, my 22 year old Toyota. One fine day.

the essential picnic

Pat and Marsha and two dogs in the Presidio. Then a nice man with three
dogs walked by and we had five wagging tails. It was a beautiful sunny
yesterday and we three women covered many topics (national and personal).
Pat and I managed to convince Marsha that she needs an Apple watch
since she too lives alone. Today is beautiful again and I SLEPT last
night and the whole world seems better. Is better.

Presdio, incarceration and shame

SF Presidio - outside

Inside 

Kimono deconstructed

Pack'em all up, they could be spies

Yesterday I met Pat, Neti and Sandy for the Presidio Tour at 11am. Great
history lesson about this unusual outpost first founded by Mexicans. Then
we went to TWO exhibits focusing on the unbelievable fact that the U.S.
Federal government rounded up Japanese (American citizens!) and sent
them to camps during W.W. II. Then They Came For Me is the title. We
all need to be reminded what can happen to innocent people when fear
dominates our lives. Do not miss this powerful exhibit.

put this on your SF list...

We had lunch with the Great Plotniks yesterday here at the Presidio Social
Club - a first for all of us. It was a good idea and I'm glad I reserved a
table because the restaurant filled quickly. Love the decor and the food was
better than OK too. Meat loaf sandwiches, liver and onion for me and a
cubano sandwich for Birthday Barb. Everytime we go to the Presidio we
say, "we should come here more often." It is beautiful indeed.

Sunday in the Presidio

Fascinating exhibit

The Officers' Club living room

Off the Grid gathering

Despite the cool SF weather, we had a fine time yesterday. The Officers'
Club has been remodeled and it looks lovely - plus the unexpected 40
year anniversary of the BabyLift exhibit. The USA took thousands of
Vietnamese children and not all of them were orphans. (Ahem.) It was
not our finest moment, but the photos and "where are they now?" stories
are fascinating. All free, but now they charge for parking in the Presidio.
Kids, dogs, tents, blankets, chairs and tons of food from picnic baskets
or food trucks now gather out on the huge lawn every Sunday. Who
says there are fewer families in SF? Not me...

back to goldsworthy

Yesterday Ginger and I hiked in the Presidio while Husbando
poked around the grounds, soaking in history. I took my Mrs.
Notthat-inspired walking sticks and was glad to have them because
there were some hills involved. It was a windy day, probably not the
best time to walk under trees, but only small branches were falling
on our heads. Here, again, is the Andy Goldsworthy spire that
remains untouched by graffiti despite the fact that it is completely
out in the open and unguarded. Either vandals respect it or don't
know about it. Andy will be working on another installation here
soon. We love that he returns to our fair (imperfect) city.

Then lunch at Liverpool Lil's ~ yummy burger and fries. A great day!

our january sunshine

We decided to get o-u-t of the house and enjoy this beautiful and clear
warm weather. This is from the look-out at the Presidio.
Our goal was to see Andy Goldsworthy's Spire. His goal is for the
new growth trees to eventually hide his piece created from old trees.
Here you can see the base a little better. There was no one here ~ odd
that you can just walk-up and see something like this with no guards
or barricades. There is a Goldsworthy exhibit at the Presidio, but it
was closed yesterday, so we'll come back.

To see this, use the Arguello Gate entrance and turn right. It's directly
across from the look-out.