Shedding Weight In San Fransisco
Where do I start... I have sat looking at this blank screen for quite some time trying to figure out how to start this blog. I have decided I will start with telling the tale of San Fransisco as we pulled in over the Bay Bridge on Friday, November 18. It all started with a grand entrance to the city atop the roof. Ben and I rode on the deck as we crossed the bridge and saw the city lights for the first time. We stayed in the North part of the city and picked up our good friend CJ who I had grown up with since elementary school. He just moved to the city a month ago and we were going to do a little tour quick before heading back to his place. Eventually we ended up going over the Golden Gate and looking at the city from across the bay. Before getting back into the bus, we found our trailer had failed and the frame cracked. The break was so severe, the trailer ended up having to stay at the parking lot and we would deal with it the following day.
Saturday we woke up bright and early and went to get the trailer. We brought it to the Marina parking lot and started thinking about our life with or without the trailer. Throughout the weekend we worked on the future of the trailer and its items that once belonged. The outcome was getting rid of the trailer along with a lot of stuff we could do without. By thanksgiving we had all of the trailer stuff put away neatly in the bus and re-evaluated our possessions. Going into this journey we all got rid of a lot of things. I thought I went down to my bare minimum of what I needed. That bottom line changed and I was able to get rid of items I no longer needed. We came up with a clever way of mounting the bikes off the back of the bus. Everything in its right place.
Thanksgiving was a special event where CJ's family came out to visit and see his new place in the big city. It was great seeing the whole family again and they were so hospitable to invite us into their time spent here in San Fransisco. We picked them up from the airport in the bus so they got to experience a little of life on the bus. Speaking of life, it has been good since the trailer issue has been handled. At first it seemed like life was going to get more difficult but it has proven the opposite. With out the trailer we are a trimmed down lighter vehicle that is more maneuverable. Getting around the city with the bus would be a lot different if the trailer was still on.
What can I say about San Fransisco. The city is great. Today I went for a run along the bay to the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and it was one of my all time favorite runs. San Fransisco has a great feel and look; there is always an amazing view of the bay or city and the people have been wonderful. I have been here for over a week now and I could see myself coming back to stay for a while. We got the kayaks out in the bay the other day and explored the city from a new angle. Paddling under the piers and right next to the sea lions was an adventure that only enhanced the experience of San Fran.
In speaking of experiences, another highlight was the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium is in essence an interactive museum and learning center for both kids and adults. They have hundreds of exhibits and stations that people explore and get involved with. We went in to get the full experience and spent a couple hours learning and being surprised. We talked with the volunteer coordinator Deirdre and got set up with helping this place inspire others. This week we will be working with them in a variety of ways. Today we already did some craft projects and made some examples for a school visit. The rest of the week will hold a variety of things for us to do and prove to be a learning experience. It is hard walking through any part of the facility without getting involved with all the tools, projects, and exhibits. Should be an exciting and rewarding work week!