When we originally planned our trip out west (a year ago) our initial itinerary had us taking the train out to CA - via the Grand Canyon - and then flying back home. But the more we explored options, the more we thought it would be fun/adventurous (and cost effective) to make a big loop and do the whole trip by rail. In order to connect with a different train route for the east-bound leg (I've always wanted to take the train through the Rocky Mointains) we needed to travel north from Los Angeles to Emeryville ... just outside of San Francisco.
Tonight we have our extended family - Geoff and Lynette - to thank for inviting us to stay in their absolutely beautiful home, thus enabling us to spend a couple of days in this great city with Miles and Emery. The last time we were here was for Addison and Amy's wedding, and with Miles just two, and Emery just a few months old, every sight is new to them again!
So, sightseeing we did today, utilizing the Tiburon/SF Ferry system.
The bulk of our afternoon was spent visiting Alcatraz. And while Kristen and I had both done the tour previously, we enjoyed it again ... especially watching the kids enjoy it. I'm glad we watched the film "Escape From Alcatraz" as a family before we left on the trip. Miles and Emery seemed to be fascinated seeing the actual cells where that infamous escape originated.
This evening we had the great pleasure of reconnecting with a former student and great friend Brian Johnson ('97), his lovely wife Jen, and their six-month old son Wesley. The Johnson's were so kind to drive to us in Tiburon, and we enjoyed a wonderful meal together at Guaymas.
