It is cooler and foggier than when we arrived. I really wanted to stay “home” and watch today’s cable tv marathon: NCIS. I lived in the East Bay from 1979 to 1981. I’ve done all of the tourist things in the San Francisco area and taken visitors also. But, I’m here and it seems like I should spend a bit of time looking at some of the “classics”.

I loaded camera, computer/GPS and Karl in the Jeep and we headed north across the Golden Gate Bridge.

I remembered that there were great views of the city from Sausalito, so I exited the freeway and took a look. That blue and white building is Scoma’s Restaurant. I had my very first business dinner at Scoma’s – late ’79 – almost 30 years ago!

The fog is hanging over the top of the city, but it was still interesting. After, I drove north to Petaluma. The sun came out somewhere between Marin and Mill Valley. But I just wanted to be home…

…with Bob, pretty much doing what he’s doing. I guess Karl did also. He asked to come in almost immediately and went for a nap…I’m on my way. We are lousy tourists…

On the cab ride into the city on Thursday, we passed a Whole Foods Market, a favorite market of mine. Karl and I headed to another location 16 miles south this morning. Saturday morning and I got the last parking spot. The place was packed and not much fun.

A block away from the rv park is a farmer’s market. I stopped here on the way back. Wonderful produce! And down the way, a meat market – real butchers there.

Across the street, Mazzetti’s Bakery, a Bakery – bread, cakes, cookies, eclairs, cannoli ! And next store a hardware. I think we’ll stick with local shopping.

Karl and I found Rockaway Beach, just a bit south of the rv park. There was easy access to the beach. Karl was not interested in the beach or the ocean – that is MY dog! I am not an ocean person. Don’t get me wrong, I can enjoy being near and watching but I don’t love it, not like I love the mountains. I have a grand passion for the mountains…

I was surprised, though, that Karl did not want to run in the sand which he likes very much at Flathead Lake and also enjoyed on Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan when we were there 3 years ago. Rockaway Beach – nope. It was not the same kind of sand – dark, not as fine, ???

But, there is a wonderful walk path and we had a nice, long walk on that path and will go there again. Although there were too many people and dogs for going off leash, it was a beautiful path. Karl met a young female German Shepherd that he was quite taken with and she with him, also several little dogs – he loves little dogs! Ultimately, it was a beautiful afternoon break and walk.

A golf course to the east. Reader, Bob Blackburn noted that he golfed in the area and I wonder if this is the course? It was very pretty, somewhat shielded from ocean views and wind by the path and to the east the land rises as the Santa Cruz Mountains.

A long work day not quite yet over in preparation for tomorrow. I have a set of sun shields for the windshield and front side windows. They filter light and heat from the outside while allowing the view out. If the sun is not shining directly on the windshield, they cut the glare enough that I can work with the front drape open. I’m pointing a perfect direction – the sun does not hit the windshield until about now – 6:30 p.m.

Bob also benefits as he has a great view and doesn’t bake.

Karl and I and Bob met Heather and Dan – neighbors who do pet sitting in the park. They love animals and Karl and Bob loved them so happy, happy all around. I couldn’t ask for nicer people that I trust with the boys. They are parked directly across from me so very convenient also. A cab picks me up at 7:30 in the morning – hopefully I’ll be home by 6:30 p.m. In the meantime, I won’t worry!

Heather and Dan told me about an off leash area very close. Karl and I went to see…

Nice!!

Oh, boy – two hang gliders were riding the wind along the bluffs…

Karl barked at them! The 3 legged Basset was a favorite of Karl’s at this spot.

The ocean – noisy, but beautiful. The fog rolled in mid-afternoon. It was cool all day. A good work day.