"Go love your own city"

I saw a guy wearing a t-shirt while we were in SF that said "Go love your own city." I definitely fall more in love with that city with each visit, and this trip was no exception.

I spent the morning yesterday running around the city again, literally. I was considering doing my long run with the San Francisco Road Runners Club since they had a variety of distance options available. However, part of their route included what I did on my Friday run, so I opted to run on my own to explore some other parts of the city that we hadn't seen yet. I tweaked a run that was recommended by KJ and headed off...

Haight-Ashbury
Golden Gate Park
The Pacific Ocean
The Coastal Trail (I've never seen the Golden Gate Bridge from this side)
The Presidio
It wasn't a great run from a running perspective, but it was a beautiful one!!!!

After our run, K picked up lunch from his trip to North Beach then we headed down to Pier 33 for our Alcatraz tour. This was the third time that I have gone through it, and it is still just as interesting as the first time. The audio tour is so well done that I don't mind going back.
We were on the last boat off the island for the day and got back to the Wharf to join the crowds that had been gathering throughout the day for the holiday festivities. I generally don't do well in massive crowds like that (especially since I didn't get a post-long run nap), but I managed. We lucked out getting a table for dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe in much less time than we were initially told. Everything was absolutely packed! We had a fun dinner then ventured through a few shops on Pier 39 while trying to stay out of the cold (yes, COLD) until the fireworks started at 9:30. The fireworks display was definitely quite impressive!

We made the walk back (UP) to the hotel with the throngs of people leaving the Wharf after the fireworks. Those hills really did a number on my shins - so much so that today turned into a day off from running since I am sensitive about that area since I've had problems there before.

We were jolted back to reality this afternoon when we hit the 100 degree temps back in Austin. UGH. I'm thankful for the respite we got while in SF, no matter how brief.

So, what's next? Well, after traveling 8 of the past 11 weekends, we're home for the next 3 while I try to remember how to love Austin. Chicago is our next trip, then (at least) one trip per month through the end of the year.