Yesterday was a blast! Met the LashPair + May at their hotel, got an update on Deebs and Gracie and we made our way down Powell Street to catch a N Judas to Golden Gate Park.

They're staying at a hotel on Bush Street just a few blocks from where I lived when I first moved to SF. They're right over the Stockton Tunnel and across the street from the infamous spot where Brigid O'Shaunnessey shot Miles Archer. Being an avid Dashiell Hammett fan, I amde sure to point it out whether or not they had any interest.

The newly dubbed N Judas line is very picturesque, once it goes above ground, passing Duboce Park and UCSF and the very fun section of Irving street. It was a gorgeous day in town, really, unseasonably warm (75) and perfect.

Before heading into the park, we paused at a corner Gyros spot so the Bear and Stoat could get a bite to eat.

Attachment 1053

The hot sauce was very hot!

We then strolled into the park and made our way to the newly redone California Academy of Sciences. This was a favorite stop for me when I was a kid and it was nice to see a few familiar things, including the gator pond!

Attachment 1058

The albino gator was newly returned to the pond after getting into a fracas with another gator. He/she lost a toe, but it sufficiently recovered. Totally relaxed and enjoyed posting and moving only a little. Why bother, the people came to him/her anyway!

Attachment 1054

Looking down on the coral reefs exhibit from above, I found Nemo.

We also walked over a pond filled with little sharks and rays.

Attachment 1056

The "aquarium" setting on my camera worked very well, I'm just a lousy photographer. Many of the pics still came out fuzzy. With moon jellies, it does not really matter, I guess.

Attachment 1055


Next stop, Japanese Tea Garden & we meet up with Deebs!

Part way through the Steinhart, we got the call that Deebs and Gracie were in the park. We cut the rest of the visit short and made our way across to the Japanese Tea Garden. I was really excited and happy to finally meet Deebs.

Attachment 1062

Sadly, as soon as we entered the tea garden, Stoat was attacked by some bright blue japanese beetles. Only he was affected.

We met a squirrel by the gift shop and I managed a snap or two.
Attachment 1063

We also met a very forward and hussy like duck as we had some tea at the tea house. Brazen wench, ate many goodies and then went back to the pond where a handsome boy duck decided it was time for shagging. Thos pics did not make it on to my flash drive. I believe Gracie got action shots of the shagging ducks.

Ran across an artist drawing the Buddha

Attachment 1059

This was from his viewpoint.

Attachment 1060

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, everything but the wisteria

Attachment 1061

The bulk of my pics did not make it on the flash drive. Includign the rest from the tea garden and our stop at the conservatory of flowers. We then walked to Geary, caught the #38 and headed for Japantown for some eatz. We failed in trip report fashion to photograph any food, not even any plastic food. At that we parted, I was tired, full, content and knew it was a school night and had to head back home.

It was a fabulously fun day!

One more of the squirrel.

Attachment 1065

LOVE the squirrel! :snap: He looks to be smiling in that last shot. ;)

Only a week from today and we get to see our Bears in Yosemite! I'm excited! :D

What great photos, thanks for sharing!!!! It's too bad about the blue beetle infestation tho!

After all the planning and waiting it's hard to believe they are finally HERE! We're on countdown here too!

OK - this is goodbye (Temporarily) until we get to wendybeth's place tomorrow night.

Oh, Wendybeth, we're coming to your place to see you, OK? We're housebroken, we promise.

More trip diary to come I promise, but for now, SFO's been GREAT and we had a ball - it finished with the worlds strongest Mai Tai at the Tonga Room with Snowflake. :cheers:

See Y'all soon.

The LashPair.

Good thing you're housebroken- we're low on kitty litter.

Oh, you guys did go to the Tonga Room, I'm so glad! I wish I lived closer!

Gracie wants to know if The Stoat ate his leftovers, which you made him carry. :D

Travel safely and I hope to see you soon.

Spam Musubi is one of the greatest inventions EVER! They are one of my favorite things to eat, but I don't get them often... Been meaning to stop by the Hawaiian restaurant by my house to get some, but just haven't gotten around to it yet.

*sniff*

I didn't wanna go anyway :P