Saturday, 29 August 2009
This was the first day of Angie's visit where both Jesse and I were off. It was to be a grand day. We were to run across the Golden Gate Bridge, then drive across it later. We were going to see Redwoods and cap our adventurous day with wine tasting. The day was designed to be full of accomplishments.
So imagine how I felt when I woke up before my alarm unable to walk.
I had a pain in my inner thigh. It was a sharp, persistent pain that would not be stretched out, rubbed away, or stared down. It was pain and it was punishment. And it was a giant roadblock to a 9 mile run.
Angie was not disappointed about my injury. It just brought her that much closer to the bridge.
Obviously she can't take all the credit for this one. If it's blurry, then I probably took it. Otherwise it was Jesse.
We tried to stay ahead of them, then behind them. But our pacing was too similar. Upon regrouping we decided the best way to avoid them would be to take a path they likely could not take. We looked at the provided map and decided on a moderate / strenuous hike along the Ben Johnson Trail to the Dipsea Trail. We figured it would get us the best views and least traffic. We also figured we'd work up a good thirst for the vineyards later.
But there were a lot of things we did not figure. We did not figure (ahead of time) that we'd be doing any hiking at all. As a result, Jesse and Angie were wearing flip flops. Angie and I were wearing skirts. We left the water and snacks in the car and even though I wad carrying my backpack, I don't think there was anything useful inside. It was the least prepared I've ever been for an excursion. And still, we went.
Tree.
Understatement.
Angie in a tree.
Angie & I demonstrating how she was able to get into the aforementioned tree.
And then we were ready for wine.
Wine connoisseurs.
From there, we (Jesse) drove. He went through Sonoma and over to Napa. We passed lots of grapes and several vineyards until we found what we needed: a place to stop and take pictures. We happened upon a castle. Clearly built by someone with two much money, it was a perfect spot for Angie & her camera to run wild. It was also the first I got to touch wine grapes. I promise we didn't eat any. Although they were tempting.
Castle Vineyards.
Proof we were really there.
We spent the rest of the day driving. We took the long way home, and stopped to have dinner at Tony's. It's a place we've passed before and I'm sure it's a goldmine. It's in the middle of nowhere. It sells seafood harvested right from the water behind the restaurant. There are very few other food options. Non seafood people like Angie can only have grilled cheese or burgers. I had fresh halibut - caught, cleaned, cooked, and eaten in less than an hour. Jesse had oysters and cioppino. Even though Angie's meal was just a cheese-less burger, we all had a good time. It was a fulfilling day - capped with a scenic drive home and a good movie on the couch. Success.
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