Old Faithful Geyser is All I Thought I'd See . . .

Fissures, fumerals, steam vents and mud pots
Tectonic plates moving over hot spots
Ryolite volcanism in the caldera
Yellowstone began in our cenozoic era
--Old Faithful from Goin' Wild by Banana Slug String Band

http://bananaslugs.bandcamp.com/track/old-faithful

We've had this CD since Amanda was small. It helps with long rides through the Park. Jeremy certainly let us know that this was his favorite song -- by putting up a fuss each time it ended!

Artists' Point

Thanks for a great time Doug & Lisa!

S'mores

J can roast his own! He insists the best way to cook these gigantic marshmallows (discovered by Grandma Miess) is to "get fire on them".

Boiling River

We found a new swimming hole -- Boiling River!

http://family.go.com/travel/things-to-do/wyoming/yellowstone--park/poi-282411-boiling-river/

LiLi and Christopher make us smile! We're so glad you came!

Stunning Wildlife

There's just something spectacularly stunning about seeing wildlife in Yellowstone!

A Short Hike to Upper Falls

Firehole River

A swimmer's hot spot in Firehole River.

A Peaceful Ending

Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible. - Walter Cronkite

A peaceful ending to a bustling urban vacation. A paddleboat view around Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park. Jeremy would have loved the quack-quacks (and I miss my boys).

Japanese Tea Garden

Pictures hardly do justice! Last time Bill and I were here, we sat next to Nicholas Cage in the Tea Room. Amanda rolled her eyes as I told the story again . . . but I heard her hopeful gasp upon seeing the limo outside the gates!

More San Francisco

Pretty, big city.

Still dreaming about the fresh clam chowder in a Boudin Sourdough bread bowl -- handcrafted earlier that morning using a portion of the wild yeast (mother-dough) started over 150 years ago (and miraculously preserved in a bucket during the 1906 Great Earthquake and Fire)!

Enjoying the Bay.

What a strangely fascinating, beautiful sight -- all our cheap stuff from China!

Don't Feed the Moose!

DOs and DON'Ts for hiking Brighton's Silver Lake:

DON'T feed the moose!

DON'T run on the trail.

DON'T forget your fishing pole. DO watch the fish swimming in the clear water.

DO climb big rocks near the pathway.

DO take a sister to show you the beaver ponds.

DO take a stroller just in case.

DO wipe the icecream treat from your face.

Blowing Bubbles

Jeremy doesn't quite get it.

Pro Public Transit

Became quite proficient at using the public transit system. Loved the diversity of city folk! Witnessed one motorcycle toppling, two narrowly avoided collisions with pedestrians, and three serious arguments with the vehicle operators. Check out streetcar.org for a great history on the restoration and preservation of the streetcar fleet.

photo from www.railwayshop.com

A View From the Top

Attempted to sneak beyond our 8th floor to enjoy the view at the top. After several unsuccessful attempts at pushing the 46th Floor elevator button, the doors opened lobby level to reveal a very large uniformed security guard asking Are you trying to get somewhere?
Being honest paid-off. He led us to the secure elevator for a private tour. A complete 360 view of the beautiful city!

My Lovely Mother

I thoroughly enjoyed vacation with my mom. Oops, we walked her socks off too soon after foot surgery.

NOT the Liquor and Cigars

No, she's not excited for the liquor and cigars!

Happy Anniversay Sea Lions

My favorite attraction at the pier! The sea lions showed up on Pier 39 just after the '89 Earthquake. I was disappointed last winter upon hearing all had disappeared, baffling scientists. It was a nice surprise to learn they trickled in over the past few months -- just in time for their 20th anniversary!

Angel

Loved seeing WICKED with my ANGEL girl in San Francisco. More to come . . .