Bienvenidos Estados Unites

Had a nice break! Back to the grind!

Until next time!

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Sunrise over the bay

Pulling into Galveston Bay this morning. Home sweet home!

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Ice carving

In 10 minutes, this guy took a knife and carved this Indian head from a block of ice. Pretty talented!

Cozumel Diving

Went scuba diving all day while the ship was docked. Clear blue waters. Saw sea turtles, eels, shark, lobster and mini rays. Nice dive. Stopped by 3 amigos restaurant afterwards for mexican food and a Rita. Boarding and about to sail away!

Sunset over the Gulf

Sitting on our balcony enjoying the sunset. Nothing but sea everywhere. Ahhhhh...

Landing in Cozumel this morning as I type this to scuba dive the reef.

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Sailing Away!

Mark and I on the top deck as the shore gets further away. Here we come Cozumel!

Bon Voyage!!!

Mark and I are taking a 5 day cruise to Cozumel where we will have a full scuba day and return. Updates along the way! Skip

Bye Bye San Fran!

Got to airport. Flight delayed from LA. We took backup plan flight on Jet Blue. Changed terminals. Sitting for a goodbye toast right before boarding. Awesome trip. Joycer left her heart in San Francisco! I left my wallet! Was nice....

Hope you enjoyed the trip too! :)

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Candlestick Park

On way to airport, drove past Candlestick Park. Being tore down. Moving 49's football to a new stadium 25 miles South. Tick Tock. Here comes the boom!

Giants Baseball Stadium

To blow some time before heading to airport, we drove across Oakland Bridge, to UC Berkley, back over bridge. Snapped this of Giants stadium. Sits right on the wharf area. Though new, built with old style stadium theme. Next time a game!

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Mel's Diner

Last day. Had some time this morning before our flight. Found Mel's Diner. Great breakfast, 50's themed.

Day at the Wharf

Sun, fresh crab, street band and Corona. Great spring day!! Uniquely San Francisco!!

Crab time!!!

Went back down the the piers. Walked tourist shops, and then to eat live crab cooked right in front of you! Fresh from the boats. With a corona, best meal of the trip!!

Palace of Fine Arts

Took a detour and went to the Palace of Fine Arts. Truly an architectural wonder. Like being in Rome. Greek columns, domes, statues, pond w/ ducks. Sat for a while and admired the view.

Coit Tower

We started the day touring Coit Tower, which was built as a gift to the city in 1923 by a wealthy socialite. At the top, incredible 360 views of the city and bay.

Chinese Vendor

Ran into this Chinese street vendor. She was so friendly. Wouldn't stop talking to us!

Chinatown

Saturday nite we went to famous Empire of China in Chinatown. Best hot and sour soup! Shared chicken and fried rice. 6th floor views of the city.

Joycer working the fields

Mom wanted the full experience. Worked the vines like a migrant worker. Busted by border security without papers. Shipped her back over the border afterwards. Tough break, but hey, more Chinese food for me tonight in Chinatown!

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TV Ronald McDonald

Found this off the square wine tasting room. Owner Squire gave us samples of his brews. Signed autographs for us. Really funny and positive guy.

Sonoma picnic

Walked courthouse square. Bought some cheese and crackers. Relaxed on park bench and enjoyed the sunshine.

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Napa and Sonoma Wine country

Took the car out and drove to Sonoma. Stopped at a few wineries. More sightseeing than wine sampling. Met original tv Ronald McDonald, who has his own winery. Funny. Bought one of his wines. Pretty views today.

Dinner & Drinks

Friday night we took they trolley car to dinner. Had some yummy clam chowder. Afterwards, we went in a pub or two! Was fun.

There's a Smile!

Mom really liked the Golden Gate Bridge part. Lifetime dream for her to see it.

What's up w the hair Forest?

Pic from Top

End of the day. Back to hotel. Trying to figure out dinner options. Chinatown or diner. To be continued....

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View of Golden Gate

Drive back up the park road to get awesome view of Golden Gate and San Francisco.

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What to do next?

Enjoying rhe sun and a burger and tea in Stinsen beach. Hmmmm, what to do next?

Muir beach coastline

Took a curvy road to Stinsen Beach for a burger. Felt like speed racer. Mom nauseous a bit. Cliffs everywhere.

Muir Woods

Drove up the coast and Hwy 1 to the National redwood forest. Some big 'ol trees. Had a pebbled creek in the middle.

Picture w Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

Took the car out today over the bridge and along the coast. Got out and walked to the middle of the bridge.

Released her back!

Well, that plan didn't work. They rejected her application. Didn't have the staff capable of attempting such reform. We now back on boat to mainland. Will see what other "options" exist driving over Golden Gate bridge tomorrow.

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Last picture with Mom

This was the last picture I took with Mom before they checked her in. They let her keep her hat so she could have "Janis Joplin" nite!

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Hang On!!!

Since I left mom at Alcatraz, i rode cable cars back from the piers.

Left her there

Felt it was best to just leave her there. They can try to reform her!

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Alcatraz Cell Block

Alcatraz

Weather this morning was foggy and cold. Cleared up by the time we got to Alcatraz.

Welcome to San Francisco!

Joycer and I landed in the City by the Bay yesterday! Checked into historic hotel off Market street. Lite dinner and early bed. Today we doing cable cars, pier 39 wharfs and boat ride out to Alcatraz! More later....

Skip and Joycer

SA Rodeo 2012

Ride 'em Cowboy!