Hello, San Francisco!

Jess

This blog is rather overdue, sorry - it's been a busy (for me) and internet-less (for Chris) time for us! My bestie Rita got married in the weekend, so I was fortunately able to fly back to NZ for the wedding. It was such a great day, and well worth the effort to get back there! The major downside was the weather -- after all our time spent luxuriating in the American sun, my system got a serious punch in the face when I arrived into the dark howling of an icy winter. (Sorry, I've been reading Game of Thrones and am constantly tempted to be overly dramatic as a result.) I essentially shivered for 5 days, apart from the moments when I was in my parents spa or in the shower with the heat cranked up. The worst part, though, was knowing that Chris was by himself while I was having fun in NZ, off hiking by himself in bear country. I wouldn't have said he had a death wish but we've only been married for 2 years; I'm sure there's more to learn about him! I was pretty stoked to arrive back in San Francisco and see that he had all his limbs and his face hadn't been eaten off. He has a great face, long may it stay attached! Speaking of Chris' face, here's the man himself...

Chris

While Jess was dressing up and looking beautiful for Rita's wedding I was on a polar opposite both geographically and figuratively - 6 days in a shower-less camping ground! The majority of this time was spent at Yosemite National Park, arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the country. And yes, I'm the one to argue that.

Every National Park here gives you a map when you arrive, along with a description of various hikes within the park. Some of these appeal to the male psyche more than others. The use of the particular phrase "This is an incredible hike, but only if you are extremely fit" sounded like a direct challenge to me - there was no way my testosterone was going to let me ignore that. It was to be 21km in all, with an elevation change of 3000ft.

I decided the best thing to do would be to start early, so I started walking at 6am. Off I went, almost immediately regretting the lunch I had brought when I read the bear warning signs. I had berries, tuna and chocolate in my bag. If that, mixed with New Zealand flesh, isn't the ideal meal for a bear then I don't know what is! The first hour was eerily and awesomely quiet; no other people, and (thankfully) no bears. Eventually, I bumped into a pair of German hikers. Well, I assume they were German as they spoke funny and were talking about sausages and beer at 7.30 in the morning. Not to mention the lederhosen they were wearing... but I was rather relieved to hear they were doing the same hike as I was - at least I wasn't the only adventurous fool! 

The next eight hours were filled with a remarkable array of scenery. Three waterfalls, river crossings and countless panoramas. I had read up on the trail beforehand, and someone had recommended an unmarked view point that required me to count 800 steps from the end of a bridge before darting through some bushes! Well worth the effort! I think the photos actually tell the best story of the hike, so check out some of those!

Since reuniting at the airport a few days ago we have had a great time in San Francisco. So great, in fact, that we watched the Full House theme song on Youtube just so we could say "been there". (Interjection from Jess: Actually, we watched the Full House theme song on Youtube because Chris kept insisting that the chorus started with the words "step by step". I eventually convinced him that he was actually thinking about the tv show 'Step by Step'. Yus.) 

We did all the tourist stuff - walked the Golden Gate bridge, visited the sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf, and experienced the delights of both Chinatown and Japantown. Jess' highlight was drinking a sweet potato latte in Japantown. (Note from Jess: Next holiday to plan? Japan. I flippin love those guys!) In a curious mix, we've noticed that San Francisco has more runners, hills, homeless people and independently owned coffee retailers than any other city we have travelled to so far.

The bridge deserves its reputation as an icon - it's really impressive!

THE sweet potato latte

Creepiest face ever, on a mural in SF

To top it off, we were able to go and watch some July 4 fireworks last night. Unfortunately, living in Sydney has kind of ruined us for all other fireworks displays. It's like seeing a lion in a zoo after you have seen one in the wild. Sydney fireworks are incredible, you see... and after you've seen fireworks choreographed to music following a police helicopter chase, it takes more than half-hearted fireworks - which included a suspicious amount of red and green fireworks (someone bought too many at Christmas methinks) - to knock your socks off. But in saying that, it was still fun to go along with the thousands of other people and be part of the holiday celebrations!

Watching the people watching the fireworks in San Fran

Now we are driving our way north from San Francisco, stopping in Redding and Portland on our way to Seattle. We are so excited for this next stage of our journey, as we get to stay with various friends and see some more amazing countryside. On Saturday we are visiting the Redwood forest for a bit of tallest-trees-in-the-world action. Boom!