It’s cooler than October is supposed to be here and also windy. Jackets are the fashion of the day; each of us is sporting a new one. Although we've each been here before and some of these are repeat stops, these are still some of our favorites.

Scoma’s Restaurant – always the on-the-water favorite. Great food, great service.

Muir Woods – one of the few remaining groves of virgin Coastal Redwoods, among the oldest and tallest trees in existence. Always enjoy the peaceful quietness of this place, broken this trip only by a loud squealing 3 yr old belonging to French parents who indulged her squealing and yelling throughout the visit – all did our best to stay far away. Took good shots of the burls with new growth.

Sausalito – in Marin County, one of the richest counties in the United States. Quaint shops, art galleries, cafés with a houseboat community that provides an almost Mediterranean ambiance. Love that new Starbucks.

Chinatown – a city within a city where the Chinese way of life is authentically flourishing. Lunch at Empress of China; not only is the food delicious but the view from the 6th floor wall of windows is worth the visit. Passed one Chinese grocery to see the clerk putting a live chicken in a brown paper bag, stapling it shut and handing it over to an enthusiastic shopper with dinner plans.

Grace Cathedral – third largest Episcopal church in the U.S. Sitting on Nob Hill, across from our hotel, it is a neo-Gothic structure built on rubble after the 1906 earthquake and fire. Lots of exquisite stained glass windows in vibrant colors. Frescoes depicting the history of San Francisco and scenes from the life of San Francisco's patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi. The gilded bas-reliefs that adorn the doors of the main entrance are cast from Ghiberti's original molds for the Gates of Paradise that adorn the Baptistry in Florence. This facility also boasts an indoor (wool fabric) and an outdoor labyrinth.

Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, the Victorians, cliff-hanging houses, and trolley cars.
No words needed.

Napa Valley / Sonoma Valley – all that the Northern California wine country has to offer. Two vans took us to Patrice’s and John’s hilltop vacation home just outside of Napa. Gorgeous scenery, famous wineries flying past van windows, as we drove through the “premium wine-grape growing provinces of North America.” Their home is fabulous with breathtaking views from every side and surreal gardens of flowers and rosemary. Four hours of wine-tasting, cheese, freshly picked figs, apples and rosemary from the garden, made this a very special part of our trip.

Westfield Centre – impressive new gold and marble shopping area to suit any capitalist shopper’s taste…..rescued our fashion selves with new boots/shoes from here. Police guarded this mall during the Iraq war protests.

Off to dinner and readying for morning flight home.