To break up the drive, we stopped and hiked along the bluffs. It was very picturesque with brussel sprout fields to the our right and cliffs/the beach to our left. From the cliffs we could look down on untouched little pocket beaches. 
We were able to climb down to one of the beaches. Along the rocky cliff wall we found a cave full of ferns.
(The cave was really deep. We only ventured about 10% of the way in.) 
We were standing on the beach and talking about how romantic it was. Dustinn leaned over to kiss me at the exact moment when waves crashed around us and we both ran off screaming. (I even had seaweed stuck to my jeans! It was comical, because prior to that moment, the tide had never come within 10 feet of us.)
DAY TWO
In the morning we visited my old address. The house is in the Blue Hills and, as children, these hills were a backyard; we built huts and explored and had daily encounters with all sorts of wildlife.
Dustinn and I spent a few hours hiking/exploring Blue Hills; he was very patient with my endless reminiscing.
(These giants stood during the founding of our nation!)
Next, we went to East Tamalpais Peak to watch the sunset. We knew exactly what to expect--but nothing could've prepared us for how amazing the view was. (Dustinn & I think this rivals Machu Picchu! We recommend this to anyone.) I'll try to describe it. The peak is high above the fog line. It looks like the whole earth is under this fog line except for you on this rock sticking out of the clouds (I imagine Dr. Seuss could illustrate it well.) As evening came, lights came on in the city and glowed beneath the fog. Then later the fog rolled back. It was absolutely breath-taking.
Most of you know how camera-happy I am. Well, I was so stunned that I forgot about my camera! BUT here are some images from stops along the drive.
DAY THREE
We enjoyed the city...the view of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, etc. The seals at Fisherman's Wharf were especially entertaining.
Then it was time to head home. Poor Bradshaw. He can only fit in his car seat with his shoulders hunched and head tilted. (We are scrambling to find him a new seat.) But he was very affable despite the circumstances.
Great family trip!
7 comments:
Ahhhh, those pictures make me miss the Bay area! Looks like tons of fun! We used to live in Santa Clara before we moved here to Texas. I miss it a lot!
wow. so much to take in!! I love it.. but how in the world did Bradshaw convince you to let him drive? Sounds like your mothering techniques have changed quite a bit. :)
Things I love about this post:
1. Bradshaw with his little tennis shoes :)
2. The echo caves!!! If we Paces had a Lord of the Rings-esque map, the echo caves would be an included land mark. Then we could tell the gripping story of how Dad saved the children by killing the vicious rattle snake with a rock.
3. Lots of gorgeous pictures. Beautiful family. Beautiful sites.
4. Did little Bradshaw lose his sandal at the beach?!?
What a great and beautiful trip. I love how you take Bradshaw with you everywhere. He seems like the nicest baby. Not to mention the cutest!
Kates, he did lose his sandal on the beach! We actually used pictures on the camera to trace where we'd last seen it. We knew it dropped in the cave and luckily Dustinn found it (he must've been a good carrot-eater.)
Looks like you had a great trip! So fun to go back to childhood locations and relive the memories. By the way, that blue bath ring will have to be found at goodwill or a resale shop because they don't make them anymore...check craigslist too. There is a newer version at babies are us and it has a seat with a little lip that goes over the tub for you to rest your arm on...good luck! if you can't find one, let me know and I can ship you my on loan for a while. :)
Is Bradshaw doing a Seal impersonation in the car?
:)
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