Today we left early (which in San Fran means 8:45 a.m.!) to catch the trolley and buses to Fishermans Wharf and the ship to the infamous island. We had such an interesting experience with the MUNI system here yesterday, not being able to catch one when we wanted it, that we added in lots of time to make sure we didn't miss our reservations. Needless to say we were at the wharf before 9:30 and had time to enjoy delicious and not inexpensive pastries at the wharf snack shop.
We then lined up to board the Islander - the ferry we would take to Alcatraz -for our 10:30 departure. What none of us knew was that while in line, they take a cute picture of your group. You then get to see this shot on your return, and have the option to purchase it for $22. But wait, there is more! You get not only one, but TWO 5" X 7" copies for that price! We did not come home with any of those shots.
The ferry ride was beautiful, if foggy. The weather here is holding steady at 60 degrees, cloudy and breezy. I hear it is much hotter at home, and some of us were right in making sure we wore pants and sweatshirts/windbreakers. However, Jean and I again neglected to bring sunglasses which we needed in the later afternoon.
Alcatraz was awesome! I did not know much of the history of the island, and found out that it was first a military base to help guard the Bay against potential attack. It was later that the Department of Defense shifted to housing prisoners, and when the money ran out, it changed hands again to become a maximum security prison. As one sign said "If you don't follow the rules, you go to prison. If you don't follow prison rules, you go to Alcatraz."
We went throught the entire walking audio tour, which is exceptionally well done. All of us were impressed at the ease of the information presentation, the pace of the audio tour and the great details they included. The narrators included former guards, former prisoners, and former children who lived on the island. That might have been the most surprising fact I learned today. The guards and their families often lived on the island, the kids taking a boat to school each day.
All four kids were very well behaved, if not hungry. You are not allowed to eat or drink anywhere after the dock and a couple kids were ready to have a snack within minutes of starting. But, once they got the headset they were all fine until the ride back.
By 2:30 we were ready to hit the waves and head back to the wharf for lunch. We went to the Eagle Nest for what we thought would be a quick bite. good food, but neither quick nor cheap. Ian said the San Fransisco White Clam Chowder was delicious, and Jean really liked her lobster bisque in a bread bowl. I skipped the seafood, didn't feel like going into anaphalyctic shock today.
We were pretty lucky in catching a ride back on the various busses and were home by 4:00. Now, I see Dave and Ian playing cribbage, Nick is checking out lego's online, Connor, Tressa and Carissa are playing cops and robbers, Jean is asleep on the couch and I sit here mentally chilling with a plan to make dinner.
Tomorrow is another day, another adventure! Oh, and we all came home from the prison, so obviously we were all behaved!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
San Fransisco first full day
Greetings from San Fransisco - where the 8 of us are living in complete luxury (at least compared to KOA and National Park campgrounds). We are in a vacation rental by owner in the Nob Hill area of San Fran. Four bedrooms, which means that the two boys get a room, the two girls get a room and both couples get their own rooms. There is also a full kitchen, TWO bathrooms wiht showers and a living room with computer and TV. Like I said, the lap of luxury!
I think we deserved it. The drive from the Out n About Treesort in Cave Jct, Oregon was long. It was a day drive, and took about 10 hours in the end. We took 101 which is part highway, part coastal road, part hell drive through the switchbacks and the beautiful redwoods along the way. There was no quicker way to do this - although I disagreed with this theory every hour of the drive until I had driven everyone else crazy with my bad sense of direction. We finally pulled across the Golden Gate Bridge at 8:00 p.m., and found our apartment with relative ease. (In truth, the trip would have been nearly an hour shorter, but a cell phone was left at a certain grocery store for which we needed to return to get).
Did you know that there is a fee to get off the GGB? I had no idea, and therefore, Ian had the cash in hand to pay the toll. Guess it worked out in our favor! Just kidding, but there is a toll.
Today we walked through Chinatown, which was excellent. Took some great pictures, and will post here as soon as I have the energy. I certainly have the time, just not any gumption - of course there is a story for this.
We ate lunch at an "authentic" American style Chinese restaurant. By this I mean they served seasame chicken, beef and broccoli and steamed dumplings. But to the kids utter dismay there were no chicken fingers or pork ribs (you know the little strips of "pork" that are stained red). But a bowl of plain white rice, and a plate of plain chow mein noodles later, with the rest of the food served most of the kids were finally satisfied.
There are many, many small little shops throughout Chinatown that sell all sorts of little items meant to catch kids attention and empty parents wallets. We were able to walk away relatively none the poorer, but with a few little items to keep the kids happy. Off we went to catch the trolley to the Fisherman's Wharf.
That sounds so easy. Trust me, it isn't that easy. The first four trolleys were full, so we walked some. And walked some more. Boy, did the kids LOVE that! Finally we caught a trolley and got to the wharf. We walked around a bit then the two families separated to see the sights and make our own ways to the apartment.
The Szabo's went down to the Pier to see the old battleships and sailboats, and the view of Alcatraz from the pier. We then went to catch a trolley back up the hill to our place. Not so easy either. There was a one hour wait, for which we were too impatient to stand in line for. The four of us walked up the hill all the way - which was 17 blocks. We will sleep well tonight.
The Tewksburys went to the Creamery for ice cream, then stood the line to take the trolley home which the kids loved.
Now we are making dinner and getting ready to head off to Alcatraz tomorrow! If the kids are all good, we won't leave any behind!
I think we deserved it. The drive from the Out n About Treesort in Cave Jct, Oregon was long. It was a day drive, and took about 10 hours in the end. We took 101 which is part highway, part coastal road, part hell drive through the switchbacks and the beautiful redwoods along the way. There was no quicker way to do this - although I disagreed with this theory every hour of the drive until I had driven everyone else crazy with my bad sense of direction. We finally pulled across the Golden Gate Bridge at 8:00 p.m., and found our apartment with relative ease. (In truth, the trip would have been nearly an hour shorter, but a cell phone was left at a certain grocery store for which we needed to return to get).
Did you know that there is a fee to get off the GGB? I had no idea, and therefore, Ian had the cash in hand to pay the toll. Guess it worked out in our favor! Just kidding, but there is a toll.
Today we walked through Chinatown, which was excellent. Took some great pictures, and will post here as soon as I have the energy. I certainly have the time, just not any gumption - of course there is a story for this.
We ate lunch at an "authentic" American style Chinese restaurant. By this I mean they served seasame chicken, beef and broccoli and steamed dumplings. But to the kids utter dismay there were no chicken fingers or pork ribs (you know the little strips of "pork" that are stained red). But a bowl of plain white rice, and a plate of plain chow mein noodles later, with the rest of the food served most of the kids were finally satisfied.
There are many, many small little shops throughout Chinatown that sell all sorts of little items meant to catch kids attention and empty parents wallets. We were able to walk away relatively none the poorer, but with a few little items to keep the kids happy. Off we went to catch the trolley to the Fisherman's Wharf.
That sounds so easy. Trust me, it isn't that easy. The first four trolleys were full, so we walked some. And walked some more. Boy, did the kids LOVE that! Finally we caught a trolley and got to the wharf. We walked around a bit then the two families separated to see the sights and make our own ways to the apartment.
The Szabo's went down to the Pier to see the old battleships and sailboats, and the view of Alcatraz from the pier. We then went to catch a trolley back up the hill to our place. Not so easy either. There was a one hour wait, for which we were too impatient to stand in line for. The four of us walked up the hill all the way - which was 17 blocks. We will sleep well tonight.
The Tewksburys went to the Creamery for ice cream, then stood the line to take the trolley home which the kids loved.
Now we are making dinner and getting ready to head off to Alcatraz tomorrow! If the kids are all good, we won't leave any behind!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Craters of the Moon earlier this week - cannot remember the day!
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Out n' About Treesort full day 1
Today we spent the day enjoying the sun and 85 degree weather. We all went at 10:00 this morning to go on the Zip Lines. All 8 of us gathered at the Treesort zip office, and got suited up in gear. Gear for this adventure included helmets, leather gloves, and a harness. We started on the bunny slope of lines, to learn how to hold our bodies - and stop.
I remember learning to drive, with my mom, who told me all about putting teh car in gear, lightly stepping on the brake and how to turn the wheel to go the direction I wanted. I seem to remember that she did not mention ANYTHING about the braking system. I knew there was another pedal down there, but not what it was or how to use it. The guides this morning made sure we knew how to slow and stop. It takes a little getting used to it, but it is fairly simple - use your gloved hand to pull down on the wire without grabbing the wire (which would stop your arm, but your body keeps moving - "an object in motion" and all that).
Carissa was the first to try the bunny slope and she did great. Loved it! Nick was next, then Dave and I was last. Once our little group of 4 went, Tressa went - and she looked nervous at first. Connor was next, and you can imagine his red hair flying out around his helmet as he smiled his way across. Jean and Ian came along and we were ready to go. While Tressa seemed the most nervous at first, by the second line she was a pro! You couldn't wipe the smile - grin - off her face!
There were 5 zip lines we all did. They started lower and went higher - and they were a blast. The last two were high up in trees, and to access the little metal platforms you had to use ladders. The ladders did not impress Carissa who became increasingly anxious about the climb. She saw me come in hard to one of the tree platforms, and at that point she was ready to be done.
However, she loved every zip line and was glad she did it! After the Basic Lines (6 in all) Carissa, Jean and I headed out. The rest - Ian, Tressa, Connor, Dave and Nick - all stayed to go to the Advanced Lines. There were all tree to tree lines, no feet on the ground after the first climb up. They stated that it was AWESOME!
At that point, the 5 of them did the Tarzan Swing. Now Nick has apparently done something similar in D.C. with my sister Laura and her husband Mike. But none of the others knew what to expect other than watching others do it first.
This is a rope swing into which you are harnessed both by lower body and chest harness. You are pulled 50+ feet into the air along the trunk of a tree, at which point you are told by the guide to "let go!" From there, Newton takes over and gravity swings you down and out - then back and forth till you slow to a stop. It is similar to bungee - but swinging not bouncing. Tressa again went first, then Nick, Connor, Ian and Dave. Each person got to have two swings, and you thought on the first one they were all ready to throw up. By the second swing, it was like this was what life was meant for!
While I did not suit back up to go on the Tarzan Swing, it was so worth it to see the quickly changing expressions on their faces as they fell to the earth and then back up again!
This is a wonderful resort, with roosters, chickens, horses, treehouses, indoor plumbing and sun/shade/natural pool. I love it here.
I remember learning to drive, with my mom, who told me all about putting teh car in gear, lightly stepping on the brake and how to turn the wheel to go the direction I wanted. I seem to remember that she did not mention ANYTHING about the braking system. I knew there was another pedal down there, but not what it was or how to use it. The guides this morning made sure we knew how to slow and stop. It takes a little getting used to it, but it is fairly simple - use your gloved hand to pull down on the wire without grabbing the wire (which would stop your arm, but your body keeps moving - "an object in motion" and all that).
Carissa was the first to try the bunny slope and she did great. Loved it! Nick was next, then Dave and I was last. Once our little group of 4 went, Tressa went - and she looked nervous at first. Connor was next, and you can imagine his red hair flying out around his helmet as he smiled his way across. Jean and Ian came along and we were ready to go. While Tressa seemed the most nervous at first, by the second line she was a pro! You couldn't wipe the smile - grin - off her face!
There were 5 zip lines we all did. They started lower and went higher - and they were a blast. The last two were high up in trees, and to access the little metal platforms you had to use ladders. The ladders did not impress Carissa who became increasingly anxious about the climb. She saw me come in hard to one of the tree platforms, and at that point she was ready to be done.
However, she loved every zip line and was glad she did it! After the Basic Lines (6 in all) Carissa, Jean and I headed out. The rest - Ian, Tressa, Connor, Dave and Nick - all stayed to go to the Advanced Lines. There were all tree to tree lines, no feet on the ground after the first climb up. They stated that it was AWESOME!
At that point, the 5 of them did the Tarzan Swing. Now Nick has apparently done something similar in D.C. with my sister Laura and her husband Mike. But none of the others knew what to expect other than watching others do it first.
This is a rope swing into which you are harnessed both by lower body and chest harness. You are pulled 50+ feet into the air along the trunk of a tree, at which point you are told by the guide to "let go!" From there, Newton takes over and gravity swings you down and out - then back and forth till you slow to a stop. It is similar to bungee - but swinging not bouncing. Tressa again went first, then Nick, Connor, Ian and Dave. Each person got to have two swings, and you thought on the first one they were all ready to throw up. By the second swing, it was like this was what life was meant for!
While I did not suit back up to go on the Tarzan Swing, it was so worth it to see the quickly changing expressions on their faces as they fell to the earth and then back up again!
This is a wonderful resort, with roosters, chickens, horses, treehouses, indoor plumbing and sun/shade/natural pool. I love it here.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Cave Junction Oregon - Out N' About Treesort
We are now sitting in tree house in Cave Jct, Oregon. Our tree house sits approximately 20 feet above ground, and is two levels (technically). There is a bedroom and a living area with a small loft (really quite tiny) above the living area. The three younger kids will pile into the loft, and Nick will grab some floor space near our bed. The deck outside the tree house has a large picnic table, a gas grill and plenty of room for us to hang out in our camp chairs. About 30 yards from our stairs is a natural pool that the owners built. It is spring fed, and is very cold. The 4 kids all went in, but during the first swim only two stuck it out and swam, with blue lips and goose pimpled skin! Eventually all four kids were back in the pool and splashing around happily.
Last night was our second night in the hotel, and we had a good nights sleep in comfortable beds with breakfast included. While we are sleeping in beds tonight, it is quite different and a bit more nature oriented. We may even pull our sleeping bags out and sleep on the deck under the leaves and stars.
The kids have been doing pretty well getting along – in most cases – as have the grown ups. There are areas that we find more challenging, mealtimes being the biggest. Everyone wants something different than what others have, and that makes the others want that instead. The old adage “the grass is always greener in the other pasture” certainly has proven to be true. We are trying our best to be consistent among families, but that too can be stressful as we don’t want to give in to the kids all the time.
Another difficult area is the purchasing of souvenirs. All the kids have their own money, but when one sees a tee-shirt and buys it, they all want to buy something too. And none of the four children have learned the value of a dollar yet. I am not even sure all four adults have either!!
When asked yesterday by Dave how we would each rate (scale of 1 to 10) the smoothness of this trip the answers were 8, 7.5, 5.5 and 5. Tricky game that one, as no one wanted to touch off another, but we all have found challenges with the trip. Losing items on the plane, forgetting to charge batteries for personal electronic devices and what snacks are being served are often the culprits of rearranging moods and behaviors. We have also found that two oldest children with type A personalities are very similar in behavior (just so you know, that is Ian and I). It is similar to Lord of the Flies in that whomsoever holds the conch shell gets to have a say – and everyone else will listen. Until there is a rebellion or mutiny.
Overall, as we end our second week and reach the midway point of our journey, it has been exceptionally fun, with a perfect mix of busy activities and down time. Time with family and time with friends has allowed us to learn even more about each other. Could I do this trip with anyone else? No way. Only the Tewksbury family has the ability to withstand the Szabo traits, and vice versa! Thank God for best forever friends.
Last night was our second night in the hotel, and we had a good nights sleep in comfortable beds with breakfast included. While we are sleeping in beds tonight, it is quite different and a bit more nature oriented. We may even pull our sleeping bags out and sleep on the deck under the leaves and stars.
The kids have been doing pretty well getting along – in most cases – as have the grown ups. There are areas that we find more challenging, mealtimes being the biggest. Everyone wants something different than what others have, and that makes the others want that instead. The old adage “the grass is always greener in the other pasture” certainly has proven to be true. We are trying our best to be consistent among families, but that too can be stressful as we don’t want to give in to the kids all the time.
Another difficult area is the purchasing of souvenirs. All the kids have their own money, but when one sees a tee-shirt and buys it, they all want to buy something too. And none of the four children have learned the value of a dollar yet. I am not even sure all four adults have either!!
When asked yesterday by Dave how we would each rate (scale of 1 to 10) the smoothness of this trip the answers were 8, 7.5, 5.5 and 5. Tricky game that one, as no one wanted to touch off another, but we all have found challenges with the trip. Losing items on the plane, forgetting to charge batteries for personal electronic devices and what snacks are being served are often the culprits of rearranging moods and behaviors. We have also found that two oldest children with type A personalities are very similar in behavior (just so you know, that is Ian and I). It is similar to Lord of the Flies in that whomsoever holds the conch shell gets to have a say – and everyone else will listen. Until there is a rebellion or mutiny.
Overall, as we end our second week and reach the midway point of our journey, it has been exceptionally fun, with a perfect mix of busy activities and down time. Time with family and time with friends has allowed us to learn even more about each other. Could I do this trip with anyone else? No way. Only the Tewksbury family has the ability to withstand the Szabo traits, and vice versa! Thank God for best forever friends.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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