San Francisco and Big Sur

In late July, Mark and I returned to San Francisco and Big Sur for our summer getaway. The last time around, Big Sur was closed to hikers due to flooding. This time, a few of the good hikes were closed due to fires. The Bay area suffers from those frequent natural disasters, but what beauty it boasts despite of it all. Mark and I spent the first four nights in San Francisco at a great location on Nob Hill, first taking in Sausalito across the Golden Gate Bridge, then Golden Gate Park, then hiking around the Presidio and exploring the neighborhoods on foot. Mark enjoyed our day driving through Sonoma to wineries more than he anticipated because it was so relaxing and the weather was so perfect. Jean and Jack met up with us at the Tonga Room of the Fairmont and then spent a night near us in Pacific Grove during our two nights in Carmel. Photos of our drives and hikes on the Pacific Coast Highway say it all. And the end of our trip at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose reminded us of how superficial differences can so dangerously divide us.