I Run Like A Girl

Hello, hello! I’m coming out of a long weekend with a lot to share. I got an extra day off work for Juneteenth, and Joe and I decided to stay in the Bay. After all the RV travel earlier this year, I’m perfectly happy being a home-body for a while!

Our weekend was filled with a lot of outdoors time as we took two-day trips out of the city in search of nature and good weather. Our outdoor adventures and exploring new parts of the Bay made this weekend feel like a mini-vacation. 🙂

Friday: comedy date night

After work on Friday, Joe and I had a date night right in our neighborhood at Milk Bar. Milk Bar puts on comedy shows every week – the show had 6 amateur comedians in a small venue space for ~30 people. I loved the intimate setting as the whole show had a very local vibe. The comedians were super funny and I found myself laughing very hard at some jokes. Of course, there were some awkward moments too as these smaller venues are typically a chance for comedians to try new material. Overall, the entire night was a blast, and Joe and I agreed we should definitely do it again especially since it was so close to our apartment.

Saturday: Little Yosemite hike

The next morning, I woke up to fog as far as I could see…”June Glooms” are real in San Francisco as the summer is one of the most depressing times of year here! After a whole week of gloom, Joe and I decided to take a day trip as we saw on the forecast there was sun in East Bay.

First, some Habit Burger for lunch. I think Habit Burger is an underrated fast food joint, and whenever we leave the city, you bet we will try to find one. 😉

We drove 1.5 hours to the outskirts of East Bay, where I discovered a hike called Little Yosemite. From reading reviews, people said it was an oasis in East Bay and felt like a mini version of Yosemite. I was intrigued, and we decided to try this new hike. Most of the hike was exposed and surrounded by dry, flammable grass – typical California. 🙂

There were some portions along the creek that were shaded and wooded, which was a nice refresher.

After 1.5 miles, we made it to Little Yosemite Point. It was very beautiful as the small rock formations and trees did resemble parts of Yosemite, but overall, the area was very small and I thought calling it mini-Yosemite was a stretch. 😛

The best part – there was a swimming hole where many fellow hikers took a dip. We didn’t bring our bathing suits so we just rested by the side. I thought this was very unique as I don’t know of any other swimming hole so close to San Francisco. A perfect break before venturing back in the heat.

After the hike, we drove back into the city with gray skies. The day trip to East Bay was just what we needed – it’s amazing how time in nature can do so much for your mood.

In the evening, Joe went to a bachelor party in the city, and so I had a solo movie night. I watched Tár and really enjoyed it! It reminded me of Black Swan as it uncovered the dark side of the musical arts.

Sunday: Batteries to Bluff trail + outdoor adventure in San Francisco

The next morning, Joe was tired from his night out, so I went off for my own adventure in San Francisco. I wanted to see the coast ever since moving back two months ago, so when I saw the sunny skies, I knew I had to take advantage of it. First, I headed into the Presidio to do my #1 favorite hike in the city: Batteries to Bluff trail. Flashback to when I lived in the Marina for 3 years and I ran on this trail all the time. 🙂

The hike goes down a massive mountain-side cliff with expansive coastal views the entire way – a real wow factor. I hadn’t done this hike in a long time, and it took my breath away all over again. I’m so grateful we have these natural gems right here in the city.

The bottom of the trail was Marshall Beach, a small beach with views of Golden Gate Bridge. It was rugged, windy, and oh-so-refreshing.

After the hike, I headed out of the Presidio and landed in the Richmond neighborhood. It was time for lunch, and I ate at a ramen spot. Short tangent – last year when I was solo traveling in Asia, I ate at restaurants alone countless times – I didn’t mind it and actually enjoyed it. But whenever I’m home, I dislike eating at restaurants alone as I feel awkward and self-conscious. I don’t know why it feels so different…can anyone else relate?

After lunch, I picked up a latte and I went to a popular Chinese bakery in the Richmond. I feel like a little kid at the candy store whenever I’m in a Chinese bakery as I want to eat everything.

After my solo adventure, Joe called me and was feeling better, so we met up in Golden Gate Park for the afternoon. First, we went to a succulents and cactus show by the Botanical Garden. There were large displays of beautifully grown cactus as part of a contest. There was also a large plant sale with many succulent and cactus vendors.

Then, we headed to the Botanical Garden and set out a picnic blanket. We relaxed in the sun and ate the pastries I picked up earlier from the bakery. I could eat these egg tarts all day.

In the evening, we relaxed over Stardew Valley. Earlier this year while we were living in Texas, I spent so many hours on my virtual farm as it was a peaceful escape while job searching. Joe found a way to play a co-op version where we played side-by-side on the same farm. We started a new game and it’s been a lot of fun to play together.

Monday: Briones Point Hike

On Monday, we got a day off from work, so we took another day trip outside the city. We drove to East Bay again to hike Briones Point. This was a new hike for us, and we chose it because we wanted sun, open fields, and wildlife – check, check, and check. 🙂

The hike was 4 miles roundtrip with 600 feet of elevation gain. It was the perfect difficulty to get our hearts pumping but also relax and appreciate the wildlife around us. Joe is the master of finding creatures and he pointed out lizards, newts, and birds. I tend to be in my own head when I walk and would never notice these things without Joe.

It was rewarding to make it to the top of the hike. I loved the views of the expansive hills, but the landscape was a liiittle too dry for me.

Afterward, we ate lunch in the closest town, Lafayette. We ate at Proposition Chicken – one of our favorite chains in the Bay. A hearty sandwich was the perfect treat after a solid hike.

That’s all from my long weekend, and I’m very much looking forward to a short work week. I hope you have a great day!! 🙂