Seattle

Visiting Seattle this weekend. Insanely hot.

San Francisco

Arrived in San Francisco last Thursday morning. Drove over to the waterfront and ate an early lunch at Red’s Java House. Took in the sea lions at Pier 39 and ignored its sugary-sweet tourist bull. Rode across the water to Alcatraz and did the tour. Finished up the day with sushi with our friend Laura.

Friday was a walk at Baker Beach. Saw great views of Golden Gate Bridge and awful views of middle-aged nudists. Then it was off to Outside Lands Festival where we saw Silversun Pickups, Incubus and two hours of Pearl Jam.

Saturday we walked around Golden Gate Park to the other side of the Festival. We enjoyed great weather and heard Mastodon, Portugal the Man, Street Sweeper Social Club, some of The Mars Volta and ended with Dave Matthews.

Sunday was a lot colder and smaller crowds. Started the day with Cage the Elephant then it was Robert Randolph & The Family Band. Followed by Modest Mouse, M.I.A. and ended with some Tenancious D. Would have been better to end with the original Sunday headliner, Beastie Boys, but not too bad without them.

Finally today drove up to San Anselmo to meet our friends. Went to two wineries, Saintsbury in Carneros District then Robert Sinskey in Stag’s Leap District. Had a great time.

Family

Now that it’s just down to us three (sister, dad and myself) we’re probably closer than we’ve been in quite some time. This, I believe, is a natural consequence of losing someone so dear to us (mom) recently. Dad’s leaving tomorrow out of Whittier on a cruise ship through the Inside Passage while sister just arrived this afternoon for a week’s (well-needed) vacation. We’re back to Ninilchik with friends for halibut fishing tomorrow for the weekend and then we’re playing it by ear for the rest of the sister’s trip. Should be fun.

Seattle

We arrived in Seattle last night. We are staying in Alki at our friends’ house. Plan on meeting my old Swedish host parents from my high school year abroad on Monday. They’ll be in Seattle for Monday and Tuesday. I’ve not seen them in 11 years. Should be a great time.

Skiing

Not only did Mt Redoubt erupt 7 times today but we are on day two of our Alyeska ski trip. Lots of powder yesterday and great sun and groomed trails today.

Way better than working.

Leaving Maui

Just finished up a great week in Maui. Things we did:

1. Hiked Haleakala.
2. Drove the road to Hana.
3. Hiked the lava fields.
4. Met Chris Berman while visiting the Maui Winery.
5. Saw many amazing sunsets.
6. Drank at the Maui Brewing Company on three separate occasions.
7. Had our ziplining tour cancelled due to 55 mph winds.