Ugh.
We started by trying, once again, to have breakfast at Dottie's True Blue Diner. We walked the two long blocks down there only to discover that they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Whoops. Back to Show Dog we went.
We were a little unsure because it was one of those places that boasted organic foods. To me, that means, "not simple." We were pleasantly surprised. The food was really good. KJ had pancakes with a chai syrup. We didn't tell him until after he pronounced it "delicious" what he was actually eating. JJ had a hot dog breakfast concoction.
After that, we hopped a bus to Golden Gate Park. In my head, Golden Gate Park was going to be like Millennium Park. In reality, it is massively humongous. It is three miles long. And we got off the bus at the east end and intended to walk to the west end and hit the beach. And we did that, but it took much longer than anticipated. Note to self: do a little more research next time, especially when sidewalks are, um, narrow.
The kids were awesome. There was no whining or complaining. We took a side trip and rode a paddle boat around Stow Lake. We made friends with squirrels. We walked and walked and walked and walked. And then we walked some some more.
We got to the ocean and it was cold and windy and beautiful.
We explored some freak alien-looking kelp and some jellyfish that had washed up on the beach.
We stuck out feet in the cold water. After I saw those jellyfish, I wasn't letting anyone go in very deep.
We watched a fisherman fish and feed the ones that were too small to keep to the gulls. It was like Wild Kingdom the way those gulls fought over the fish.
Once we finished there, we walked and walked looking for the next bus stop. It wasn't where we thought it was, so we walked some more. We did find the Tsunami Evacuation Route. That's not something we've ever seen in Illinois.
We took the bus up to Land's End. When we realized that we were going to have to hike down and then back up another huge hill, we gave up that dream and walked back to the bus stop to head to Pier 39.
Are you catching the theme for the day?
It's walking.
We visited The Aquarium of the Bay out on Pier 39. That was the kids' choice. They love fish. :) The aquarium is small, but cool. (I am spoiled by Shedd.) The best part was the two tunnel aquariums that you get to walk through. Yes, walk.
Finished up with a final dinner at Sam's Diner. Now we are packed and ready to head home with very mixed feelings.
And tired feet.
But at least no one reeks of garlic tonight.
