San Francisco has a marked 49 mile scenic drive, that takes you around its various neighborhoods. Since we still had the car, we decided to give it a try.
Our apartment was only a couple of blocks away from part of the loop, so that is where we started. It took us through some of the streets of our neighborhood, then crossed Castro street. I am a bit surprised that Castro Street was not part of the drive, as it is a very impressive and colorful street.
It then took a long loop into the southwest corner of town before it headed for the water front. Making mistakes is often fortuitous. At times we lost our path, and as we searched for the route, we came across unexpected views.
We drove in front of the Ferry Building, then made our way onto Market Street. The route went North, and then into Japan Town. A section we had not really visited.
Hera remembered that Gail had suggested a restaurant here. I parked and checked my cellphone. I had placed Gail's restaurant suggestions on my cell phone's google maps, and a few were nearby.
We parked the car, and walked a bit in Japan Town. It was really the first time we felt mildly warm to walk outside with a jacket. We found Mifune Restaurant at 1737 Post Street.. Hera ordered a bowl of Japanese vegetable soup with udon noodles and the Unagi. I ordered the bowl of seaweed with udon noodles and also went for the Unagi.
When we left, we could feel some of the cool wind once again. Not too cold, but no longer really warm.
We continued our drive as the route took us back into the financial district, then up into Chinatown. Walking and driving are two very different experiences, and we were happy that we did both.
Soon we were at Coit Tower, and we drove up and parked the car. The views of the city are spectacular. We could even see the crookedest street from here.
The drive then took us across the Fisherman's Wharf area, across the Marina to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. It had been on my agenda to walk here on one of our earlier walks, but the cold wind had deterred us that day.
The scenic drive then continued to Land's End and the Cliff House, two places that Gail had driven us to earlier. It then followed the beach for quite a distance south, then looped around Lake Merced, as we toured a very different neighborhood in the southwest section of the city.
The route continued north and entered Golden Gate Park. Once again, driving through a park and walking are two very different enjoyable experiences.
Once out of the park, the scenic drive continued to another place Gail had brought us to, Twin Peaks. The wind blew hard and cold high on the hill, but again, the views were worth it.
The scenic drive ended next to home.
But with the sun getting low, we decided to head back to a couple of places to catch a different light, and watch the sun set.
As we drove back, we had intended to try another of Gail's suggestions, but when we saw Mel's Diner, we got side tracked and stopped in there for supper.
Well fed, a full day, and tired, we drove back home.
Cheers,
Hera & Anthony
