San Francisco in the summer

Summertime and the living wasn't easy. I got promoted and with that came a slew of new responsibilities and a hefty dose of prior problems to be managed.

Vacation would have been well-timed had it not been DURING the busy time of the month. Mind you, when I booked this travel, I was still little ol' Intercompany accountant me who COULD leave at the beginning of a month. Lesson learned, I can never again travel during the first of a month.

But it was still a great trip! It was orchestrated by Tanner that we'd visit while the Texans were there playing the 49'ers so we could go to the game. I'm glad we went then because we got to see Candlestick Park in its aged beauty before she gets torn down and replaced with a newfangled place 40 miles south of the city. 40 miles!!!

Open air stadiums are a godsend everywhere else besides the armpit of Texas. Here it's just a topside place for Hades to sit and play...I'm looking at you, BBVA Compass Stadium.

Note the colored sky trail. We got to see jets fly over!

We ended up next to a very nice couple from Arkansas rooting for the 49'ers. Well, I should be more specific. The girlfriend was really sweet, in IT at an audit firm, very conversational whereas the boyfriend was a funny heckler. He predicted four INT's before the game is out. I told him he's got one guaranteed but don't expect the rest. Little did I know his prediction would be nearly true when the first INT turned Pick 6 was thrown in under 2 minutes in the first quarter 50 feet in front of where we were sitting.

Anyways, I digress, and I must move on from that debacle of a game. On to the better stuff! The great food, better company, fantastic weather, and lots of coffee. Vacation to me is endless coffee. Anywhere, everywhere, every type...coffee.

We arrived Thursday night in San Fran to some amazingly perfect weather and spent the evening chatting with my cousin and his fiance. We sketched out a few plans and decided to wing the rest of the weekend. Spontaneity, thy will be done.

First stop, millionaire's bacon and other breakfast foods. Really, that's what it's called. Maple drenched, chili pepper dusted, thick cut bacon baked in the oven. We almost went there a second time over the weekend JUST to get the bacon.

It barely lasted 5 minutes.

I have an unhealthy obsession with french toast, this being the first of a few times that I ate it over the weekend.

From there, we took a digestive walk around Golden Gate.

She's a beaut, ladies and gents!

Main squeeze!

Tanner's getting better at these...

My cousin on my left and his fiance on my right. They are pretty awesome.

Look at him go!!! I'm so impressed.

We left the bridge and wandered down to Sausalito which was quaint and made me incredibly envious of people with money. The houses were gorgeous, pristine and stunning. After getting an eyeful of the riches of Sausalito we headed back across the bay to drive around town a smidge and take in the prettiest winding road in the city. Lombard street is actually not the curviest, it's just the best looking one, ha. I have yet to see the other one...next time, my friends.

Mitchell's ice cream! (#1)

We decided to go to a mexican restaurant known for its tequila and stumbled into the filming of a G4 TV show covering none other than their immense tequila collection! It was certainly interesting to watch the process and see the guys with all their gear wander through the tiny hallways. We didn't make it on screen, but I'm fine with that. It was fun to watch!

Can you see the camera guy? Tiny restaurant, y'all.

Fun, right?

After this we went back to the apartment and spent the evening reading, watching TV and finally seeing Oblivion which was truly much better than I expected

With the dawning of Saturday, we were all excited to get some hiking in. Unfortunately, due to the government shutdown, Muir Woods was closed to the public (womp womp) so we made do by crossing the bridge once again and heading into the hills. It was a heart pounding drive up the windy, two lane, sheer edge of a cliff road but worth it in the end! The weather and sights were beautiful! Didn't mind the workout either.

Nailed it.

They were twins!

When we made our way back down the mountain as I gripped the edge of my seat, we wound through the cute valley where my cousin and his fiance had met and slowly traversed back across the bay. We made it back in time for Tanner and I to run up one of the peaks and get the best 360* view of the bay. With about 50 people surrounding us, it was a smidge difficult to grab solo shots but attempt we did!

Pivot!

Pivot!

Pivot! Hey San Fran!

I really like our accidental pictures. They always make me laugh.

We watched the sun set into the ocean before making our way back to my cousin's place. They truly have it set. A nice apartment with an incredible view and QUITE the backyard, am I wrong?

Bi-Rite Creamery! (#2)

 We spent the evening playing some card games, eating dried apricots and digesting the very delicious burgers, fries and shakes we went to pick up from a nearby eatery. Yum-o! Can you see a theme for my trips? Food. Food and coffee! And ice cream. Because I definitely had an ice cream shake with dinner. (#3)

Sunday we woke up and made our way to Noe Valley for some pastries, excellent coffee and window shopping. And by excellent coffee, I do mean amazing. Amazing enough to warrant another trip Monday morning before breakfast!

Cold drip, single brew coffee. Talk about artisan and delicious.

 After perusing the cute shops, we headed to breakfast before it was time to head back to the apartment and prepare for the football game. We called up a car and got a nice ride down to the stadium. We spent a little time before the game walking around the park and captured a few shots. Thankfully, none showed the plethora of random people peeing in the barely overgrown underbrush. And not just dudes.

French toast #2. Told you it was unhealthy.

I became slightly obsessed with the panoramic capabilities of Tbot's camera.

We wore red! Discreet Texans fans unlike the guy in the crown. Really, he's in a local commercial. He has a pope sized Texans crown AND a royal cape.

Though we lost, it was still a fun experience! But not one I'm intent on repeating soon. I like being the home team.

This was our ride to the game. A nice Benz. Tanner wants to own one now. I'm okay with this plan.

After chatting and watching TV for awhile, Tanner and I packed up our suitcases for the next day. It was already time to go home!

Monday morning, we snuck out for coffee early before gathering the troops for another nice drive through some parks and off to a delicious diner. You'll be surprised to know that I did not order french toast.

I just can't catch a break in this family.

 We said our goodbye's at noon and were left at the airport with the anticipation of a 3PM flight. Too bad it all got delayed and we didn't get home until late. Sorry, Tbot, it won't happen again, promise!

A fancy plane sorta made up for the lateness.

Individual TV's! Fancypants, right there.

In all, we had a great time visiting two of my favorite people in one of my favorite cities and I am already looking forward to the next one. This time though, we go north, young soldier's, and partake of the valley of wine!