Valentining with Muir

Tis the day when the roses find premium pricing - these days a dozen of the finest fetch a cool $40...only to wilt in a day.

But the family felt like being outdoor - it was 75 Degrees Fahrenheit at the beach - literally a heat wave in the middle of a California winter. Thusly we decided to commune with John Muir - a 19th century naturalist and lover of wilderness as well a legacy in the Northern California region. A national park is named after him called Muir Woods - up along the coast where the redwoods stand tall - few miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge.

While the park itself proved to be a challenge what with many like minded citizens finding the soothing shade of the giant redwoods inviting, and parking situation to rival a Maroon 5 concert we drove a few more miles to hit the beach and the surf. Along the Pacific coast we found another spot honoring John Muir - this one a rehabilitated stretch of sand called Muir Beach.

Waves crashing yet with a low tide taking over a lot of real estate lay exposed and ready for wandering. A hill that drops down to the coast also provided a much needed respite in the form of a long hike. Views were spectacular from the south where vestiges of the City of San Francisco and its high rises loomed to the north with the town of Muir beach and cute bungalows hanging on cliffs for dear life.

Looking south from the hill along Muir Beach - Sutro Tower faintly in the distance

Muir Beach looking north from the hill

Mouth watering Huarache

Crossing from San Rafael in Marin County to Richmond CA

On the way home east over the Richmond - San Rafael bridge (which turns 60 next year and pictured above), we dined on some amazing Mexican food in Larkspur, CA - a hip neighborhood oddly few miles from the famous San Quentin prison, California's oldest that houses death row inmates.

More appetizing part of the narrative was the fresh corn bread in the shape of a sandal or Huarache (its Spanish name), topped with Queso Fresco (fresh cheese) and salsa (cilantro/onions and tomatoes) washed down with a Modelo Especial - a fine lager from down under (Mexico City).

It was a good start to the 3 day weekend - what with Monday honoring some eminent personalities that shaped this nation - Georgie boy Washington and Abe Lincoln - President's day.

Of chocolates

I like chocolates. Godiva Dark with Almonds - not sure of the naked woman on the horse to be the icon of some choice cocoa based products but tastes good. Started in Belgium but now owned by some Turks. Cadburys - Fruit and Nut Milk Bars - awesome combination of dried fruit pieces along with a medley of nuts makes your toungue dance - started by a Brit now owen by Kraft USA. Lindt Hazelnut spheres - made by a Swiss confectioner are divine balls that melt in your mouth with a lingering nutty taste Ghirardelli Milk Crisp Squares - crunchy and light these milk squares are easy on the palate but pack some serious calories - all good I say! Originally founded by an Italian who moved around till he landed in SF Bay today also owned by the Swiss Lindt empire.

Columbia SC

The Palmetto state. One of the confederate kinds. History dating couple centuries back. We visited the capital yet again this time to take in the SC State Museum. Occupying the former digs (literally remodeled) of an erstwhile cotton mill this structure is an amazing piece of reimagination. Four floors of excitement for kids and young at heart alike. Located on the shores of the Congaree River formed when the Broad meets up with the Saluda River, this edifice is approx. 60 years old. The front of the building has a more modern planetarium that was added about a decade ago. The museum itself has different areas of interest segregated on each of its four floors. The first floor has gift shop and a diorama of some of the local geography including the swamps and the state beaches with audio guides to help understand what fauna thrives locally. The second floor is all about natural history and showcases animal kingdom that may have survived on this latitud...

Gab about Gaps

There are a number of news stories these days where conversation inevitably turns to discussing some sort of GAP - Gap between rich and poor is growing Gap is losing market share to other clothiers The Dow is Gapping Down (so is the NASDAQ) and the dollar is Gapping Up The guy who advised British public over the PA on dangers of tube travel with the phrase 'MIND THE GAP' has died There is a frightening Gap between our Debts and Savings Gap between Executive pay and Average worker salary is at an all time high All I am doing is listening to all this unfold with my mouth aGAPe. What me worry?

Brown Motion

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