The Island of Angelic Views

May 3, 2017May 3, 2017Leave a comment

Angel Island is not the most popular tourist destination in San Francisco, but it might be the most complete. “Ellis Island of the West” as it is known for its historic role as an immigration station back in the early 1900’s, the Island has a lot to offer visiting tourists. It’s a great way for the family to enjoy a day outdoors – hiking, biking or touring the island, while also taking in amazing views of the entire Bay Area.

The location, in between San Francisco and Tiburon, gives the Island views of many of the most popular tourist destinations in the area; including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz and the San Francisco skyline.

The ferry ride to get to the island costs $18 per person roundtrip, and takes about 30 minutes to get you there. I went to enjoy a scenic bike ride on a great day, and if you are looking to do the same, I recommend you bring your own bike because renting it there is expensive. It costs $15 per hour or $60 for the entire day, but if you’re looking to enjoy the island you will end up paying the $60.

Along with the beautiful bike ride there is also an amazing, do-able hike up Mount Livermore. The hike isn’t very long, about 35 minutes to the top, but it is pretty steep so be prepared for that. The views are incredible and you definitely won’t regret going all the way to the top.

Make sure you dress according to the weather, pack some water and snacks (or buy them there at the café); and please, remember to bring sunscreen! It’s been a while since I’ve had a sunburn but after a day on Angel Island in 75 degree and sunny weather, I came home a little red. Also, leave yourself time for the journey back to the ferry dock because the last ferry leaves the island at 4:25 p.m. and I’ll be honest, I lost track of time and almost missed it.

Till my next adventure!

Like a Wrecking Ball

April 26, 2017April 26, 2017Leave a comment

“Everyone put your phones away, this is a confidential shoot, no pictures please,” said a female member of Miley Cyrus‘ entourage after the Hannah Montana star walked past our group to the next area of the course.
Yes, Miley Cyrus was at Mount Hermon the same day that I decided to attempt the Sequoia Aerial Adventure. This was completely unintentional and irrelevant to my adventure but Like a Wrecking Ball seemed like a good title to the post because I wasn’t exactly graceful on the course…

I was nervous as I put on my harness and listened to the safety instructions from the staff. This was the first time I had tried something like this and I didn’t know what to expect. You’re not in any danger, because you’re in a harness that is hooked up to two steel clamps which magnetically attached to steel wires throughout the course. That being said, the feeling of danger definitely is still there.

You start off easy and it gets harder as you go through the two-hours of obstacles, and they range from 50-80 feet above ground in the redwood trees. I started off very afraid and clingy to the platforms but loosened up as we went through. There are two zip lines in the course and I think they were my favorite part. I wasn’t able to complete the course with the bungee jump ending, but only four out of the ten people in my group did.

I really enjoyed the progress I made throughout the course and the thrill of being so high up and trying things you only see in movies. It was another experience that I never imagined having and is a great way to switch things up for a day. The two-hour course costs $65.00 per person and the mountain is located just 10 minutes away from the beaches of Santa Cruz. I definitely recommend it.

Hot-Air Sunrise in Napa Valley, CA

April 19, 2017April 26, 20171 Comment

Wine. When I think of Napa Valley, I think of wine just like all of you do. Most people who have visited the area have been wine tasting at one of the countless wineries.

Last weekend I went to Napa for a completely different experience. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and drove out to Napa Valley so that I could be at the launch site of a hot air balloon by 6:30 (being on-time is very important). It was breathtaking.

I had seen deals on Groupon for $179 for a one hour ride and they came with a “champagne celebration.” After I did more research, I found out that this price didn’t include a $35 transportation fee. I ended up booking my balloon tour with Napa Valley Drifters for $215 because their availability matched mine. To help save you on your research you should expect to pay $185-$225 for an hour on the balloon.

There were so many feelings during that one hour in the sky. First, there’s a little bit of fear as you climb hundreds and then thousands of feet in the air. The fear turns into peaceful happiness as you experience incredible views in every direction. Actually, it’s a lot less scary than you would think because you are detached from the ground. Also, the basket is very sturdy since you are moving with the wind. Our pilot, Mark, said that he has only had one customer in 37 years of flying ever ask to land early. Yes, fear turns into enjoyment and then excitement as your ride continues.

When the ride was over I felt like I had a new appreciated for Napa and it’s beauty,
I felt a sense of appreciation for the experience I just had, and I felt a desire to try something else I have never done before!

Check back next week for another adventure!

A Twist on Tourism at the Bay Bridge.

April 12, 2017April 19, 2017Leave a comment

San Francisco is a beautiful city full of things to do and see. I have lived in the city for the last 2.5 years and it is easy to tell that it is a very popular tourist destination. I have noticed that people seem to do the same things as everyone else when they visit. They take pictures at the Golden Gate Bridge, they go to Fisherman’s Wharf, they drive down Lombard Street, they go see the Painted Ladies, they take pictures by the Bay Bridge, etc. Those places are all SF icons and they NEED to be seen, but a trip to one of the greatest cities in the United States should be remembered by more than some cool pictures.

So, how about you include one of those landmarks, add some water and a skinny, self-powered boat, and switch things up a little from the “norm”? City Kayak is located at Pier 40, on the Embarcadero, and will rent you a kayak out at $35.00 for an hour (that’s the same price of a sandwich at some places in the city). They will explain to you what you need to know and then send you on your way to learn the rest, which is more fun anyway.

With the current on your side, you can make it out to the Bay Bridge in about 15 minutes and spend some time enjoying the water, the breeze, the views, and the new perspective of such a famous piece of architecture. The way back will make you earn the entire experience, because you will work against the current to reach the dock… but don’t worry, the staff at City Kayak won’t let you go out if the current is too strong.

So there you go: you get a workout while kayaking and you get to upload a much more unique Instagram than your friends who just visited the Bay Area.