Usually, we travel outside the U.S. for Justin’s birthday, but this year, we broke tradition and remained stateside. Just a few days before his birthday, Justin attended a conference for work in San Francisco. On the final day of the conference, I flew out to join him so we could spend his birthday weekend exploring Northern California.
The only catch? I was sick. I’m not sure why the TSA let me get on the plane. But since they did, I would like to offer my sincerest apologies to the people I sat next to on said plane. I’m sure five hours of sneezing, coughing, and nose blowing was exactly what you hoped to be seated next to when you booked your flights.
Yes friends, I was that person on the plane.
Several hours after landing, after catching a shuttle into the city and meeting up with Justin, after a quick trip to Walgreen’s to purchase ingredients for a cocktail of OTC meds, and well after dinner, my ears finally unpopped. This trip was off to a great start!
Instead of seeing a doctor at a local urgent care clinic the next day, I self medicated with Tylenol cold pills and guaifenesin and set off to see San Francisco with delirious determination.
I’m sure Alcatraz is really cool to visit, but since we didn’t buy tickets a week in advance, we didn’t get to find out for sure. Moral of the story: if you want to go to Alcatraz, buy your tickets early. Otherwise, you aren’t going to Alcatraz. At least we got a nice view of it from Fishermans Wharf.
While we were near Fishermans Wharf, we stopped by Pier 39 to see these guys. You can click here to see what they’re up to right now.
Then we were off to do some walking, and walking, and walking. Did I mention the walking? Because when dealing with the hills (read: mountains) of San Francisco, the walking cannot be emphasized enough.
We ended the day back down by the bay. I was exhausted, but somehow, conscious and coherent.
I was feeling a little better the next day, so we decided to rent bikes and ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. We stopped several times along the way so I could rest and catch my breath, and I’m happy to report, I didn’t collapse a single time!
And the day after that was Justin’s birthday, so we rented a car and drove up into wine country.
Gorgeous scenery, delicious wine, good company… not a bad way to celebrate.
I won’t post photos from all the vineyards we visited, but I will represent each region.
First up, it’s Ram’s Gate Winery in Sonoma.
And then there’s Mumm Napa, in Napa Valley (obviously).
Wandering the streets of downtown Napa, I was inspired to throw my hands in the air like I just didn’t care.
And this concludes “Justin and Beth Tour California Wine Country”. Cheers!
tresamusantephoto.com 