bakjones

[bakjones]

San Francisco (Day 5 & 6)

Day 5 - Wonderful start, a neighbor stopped by and we had a homemade tarte with berries from her parents farm an vanilla cream from Trader Joes.

Heading off to meet my friend at the Park to people watch, play Bananagrams and have a little wine.

Oh, these SF micro-climates, it’s warm, it’s cold, it’s rainy, it’s all in 2 hour.

Just like 4:00pm at TVS, wine, gummies banagrams and spirit animals

Someone is celebrating their 21st birthday, Happy Birthday y’all….

I pulled the Fox and the Dragonfly both contrary, figures.  They both fit me, so weird, or I am just drunk at this point.

Now off to dinner with Kevin’s friend Harold, his wife Laurenteen and their daughter Harper.  Cheesecake Factory here I come.

Day 6 - Leaving today, so it will be an easy day but not easy to leave.

The morning was spent hanging with Jenny, Donutz and Dot, still won’t let me take their pictures.  The afternoon and mid-day was spent driving to a beautiful vineyard for a Champagne brunch.  Champagne and Pinot Nior Flight, caviar and cheese board.  Absolutely wonderful!  I had so much fun talking and eating, I didn’t take any pictures (means I need to come back) but I went home with a bottle of Champagne and Pinot, how much happier could I be.  A stop off for coffee and then back to the house to pack and head out to Portland...

Waiting on my bus to take me to Emeryville and the Coast Starlight to Portland...

Good night All...

[bakjones]

San Francisco (Day 4)

The Backyard I wake up to everyday while here.  It is amazing.

Donutz keeps hiding and Dot doesn’t like me taking his pictures but I can’t help it.

The Marine Mammal Center (Rescue and Release) art piece showing the circle of life, it is really cool.

This lab looks like something I would do at work...

They are in the slow season, only 28 patients, we could see about 5 out in the exercise pools.  They have housed up 300 in the busy season.

Fog rolling in...

Jenny and Elmo, he is 3 times here length and many times her weight.  He is 15 feet and 4500 lbs.

Jenny drove me around and it was amazing...

Donutz and Dot don’t know they are getting their pictures taken.

Sea life

Angry Sea

What a difference a few miles make...

It is like OZ in the clouds..

Heading home to dinner, the Comedy Show and then to sleep.

[bakjones]

San Francisco (Day 3)

Heading out for another fun day, the sun is shining and it is warmer today.

I love the foliage and plantings here, so interesting.

A little lost looking for the Bakery but I don’t mind so much.....

 Found it!  Neighborhood Bakery is amazing, Kimchi toast and an Americano, I am in heaven.

Heading to the Muni with my Clipper Card in hand, going downtown...

Interesting foliage again...

I love street art

Which came first the Aqua or this?

I need to work here...

Made it to the pier, so let’s see what it’s all about...

Wow, it’s a floating city...

He claims he is the greatest one man band.  I have to disagree, I need to move on

I believe this is Alcatraz

WWII Maritime Museum with a submarine and a carrier

She has no top, a dad is trying to explain this to his daughters who are about 8-12ish.  Yeah good luck with that

So, I may be crazy but I booked an hour tour on this thing..

Hopefully, I won’t regret paying $15.00 for this instead of $45.00 for the other one.

Alcatraz

I think that’s the $45.00 cruise

So much to see...

He is crazy....

Time to leave and walk around some more, I have 3 hours to kill before dinner..

This place has the coolest Vans and Converse but I am too afraid to go in, just window shopping today.

This isn’t the Sts. Peter and Paul that I went too....

Coit Tower, this is my goal

I just walked this and now I need to keep going up... No really  I do...

So, they think putting steps in the steep slopes will help.  OK, it does but it really, why am I doing this...

Almost there

Nice view....

Apparently this is one of the statues that had paint thrown on it..

Tower complete, I am going to sit for a while before I have to head back down.

True on both counts.....

Waiting on my dinner date.....

Had a great Ramen dinner at Marufuku.

Walked Charles to his almost bus stop, it was up a hill, I gave up.  The hills kicked my ass, no more left in me.  Went back for a Matcha tea and then an UBER home.

Waiting on my UBER, and a good night’s sleep ahead....

[bakjones]

San Francisco (Day 2)

Heading out for Day 2 and it is surprisingly cold, it is not supposed to be like this

Of course, I am faced with an uphill climb, my legs will get a work-out

As my friend told me, "this is why everyone in SF have nice asses."

Here we go, I have my CLIPPER Card and I am heading to Golden Gate Park.

Please warm up!

 Nope on the warm-up, guess no on the Tea Garden but off to the Academy of Science.

Which way did he go-Which way did he go?

Stage Right perhaps?

Lots of birds to see, some stuffed, some live, let's have a look,,,

They are loud and proud....

So colorful and pretty -- did I mention loud

Of course I have to make a stop at my spirit animal.

Very small exhibit but still adorable as always.

Of course I have to make a stop at my spirit animal.

Very small exhibit but still adorable as always.

Time for a little lunch, it is a little warmer so I can have a seat outside.

A little sushi, a little wine and watching the kids have fun....

It was nice until the loud lady and her kids showed up, apparently it is one of the kid's birthday and we all get to celebrate.

It is quite amusing seeing the other people who sat outside in the quiet, getting annoyed.

I am among my people and it nice to not be the only crabby one.

Time to clean the tanks.

The urchins are so colorful!

Heading into the Rainforest, I guess I am safe as I haven’t touched any live poultry lately.

I will have a quick sit down, as my feet are starting to hurt and then I will head into the Art Museum.

Look it’s a turtle...

Interesting textures on the exterior panels

Man my feet really hurt, need to have a seat.

Lots of interesting art pieces, it is specifically North America and a huge African Exhibit.  I really wish my feet didn’t hurt so much.

Wow, this reminds me of someone I know.  Did I write that?  It’s OK, she doesn’t talk to me anymore.....

[bakjones]

San Francisco (Day 1)

Morning has come and it is my first day in San Francisco.

My Airbnb -- so cute!

Smoked Trout Salad at Tato and off to downtown.

BITCOIN, I wish I actually understood what this is all about....

Shall I take a spin on the Carousel, lets not and say we did...

I miss my portrait setting on my phone, I liked being able to fuzzy out the background.  Need to read my phone manual, bet you can do it!  Yeah, right, who am I kidding....

Yerba Buena Art Center, will check this out later, going to SC MOMA first.

MLK Memorial

SF MOMA

This is a shout out to someone, you know who you are....

View at the end of the stairs

Wow, an actual vertical green wall, never saw one in person.  It’s like a Unicorn, except it does exist.

Dinner, Thanks to Tim White

Heading Home now...

[bakjones]

San Francisco or Bust...

Off of the bus, time to grab an UBER San Francisco or Bust....

Waiting on the train form LA to Emeryville and then the bus to San Francisco.

I hope in a few years, I will be able to so bold as to travel with Pink Hair.  I love it.

View out the window, forever changing but no fall colors.... 

Quick Lunch, half way there!

Off of the bus, time to grab an UBER

UBER to my Airbnb.  Look at me so 21st Century! 

[bakjones]

Road Trip 2 - Sedona - Breathe (Part 2)

 Last dinner before I head to the train. Last dinner before I head to the train.Pictures not great but you cannot take pictures once you are inside.

I am not going to lie, there is something that grabs you and shakes you here.

It was quite and overwhelming experience.\

I am so grateful to Sabrina and Kitty for allowing to be a part of this.

There are so many outlooks, we are heading out to see them,,,

This area is supposed to be a healing vortex, I hope we get some good vibes

Wonderfule lunch at Indian Gardens

A walk along the river before we head back

Chicago's elevation is +/-579', according to this plaque we are at 6472'

Are Humans meant to be this high?

Northern Arizona University (NAU) Louie the Lumberjack..

 Last dinner before I head to the train.

A quick drink at McMillians with Kitty before I board the train and head to San Francisco

On the train and time to sleep the night away and wake up in LA! Not quite but close enough.

[bakjones]

Road Trip 2 - Sedona - Breathe (Part 1)

So after a dinner of homemade soup and grilled chicken and veggies, I found myself fast asleep.

I can't tell you how much you appreciate a real bed after being on a train and sleeping in the reclining chairs.  More so, appreciating a blanket/comforter. man that train is cold.

Today we head out on another road trip, SEDONA  OR BUST!

So, this is word that I have been told by many of late to remember to do.

I am taking it on the road with me today.

Heading out, leavin Flagstaff going to Sedona...

Bears Oh My!

I think we found the painted desert...

We decided to go to the Chapel

[bakjones]

Road Trip (Part Two)

More beautiful pics from the road...

Quick bathroom stop at an Historical Landmark, part of the Fred Harvey/Santa Fe Railway Hotels.

Beautiful interior, so wonderfully preserved.  Must have been an amazing oasis in the desert when it was still functioning.

On the road to the next stop......

We decide to stop for a drink at another Fred Harvey Landmark and it does not disappoint.

One more stop and then we head back for homemade soup and a hot shower, not at the same time.

And with this, I leave you to keep a song in your heart and a smile on your face.  So were all these song references, just a lead up to this?  I will let you decide.

[bakjones]

Road Trip!  (Part one)

So, I arrived in Flagstaff at 8:30 pm, so I had a nice hot shower and good sleep, in a bed and today Kitty, Sabrina and I are off on a road trip to the Petrified Forest.  

First we need to stop for supplies and to use the restroom.

We did not buy anything from this rack, it was just fun to look at...Whiskey and Vodka in Bowling Ball shaped bottles and Pocket Shots.  We opted for water and I of course needed a Diet Coke.Since we were on Route 66 we did see a lot of fun things.  Like the Wigwam Hotel, where the rooms were actually Wigwams and each had a classic car parked in front of it. If I get copies of Kitty's pictures, I will eventually share them.  

Instead, here are some dinosaurs for your viewing pleasure.

Not all of the items in the picture below are dinosaurs, incase you are wondering.

OK, these aren't dinosaurs but they are quite cute...

We are on the look out for a good piece of Petrified wood but nothing too big or expensive.  Let's see if we complete or task.

A little more sightseeing and then a rest stop...

[bakjones]

On the road again (sorry about the song stuff)

Arizona here I come....

I absolutely understand why horror movies and murders take place in the these parts, the desolation is apparent.  I was creeped out and I was on the train!

Hope I don’t have to transfer here....

Hmmm... starting to worry me...

OK, seriously, is there anything alive around here?

The Americana Experience sort of worries me...

Look the leaves are turning

This was posted to FB already, I won’t repeat the joke.

This is what happens after 21 hours straight on a train

And with that it is time to go pack up because I am almost at my stop.  FLAGSTAFF!!

[bakjones]

These boots were made for walking... (Part Deux)

Below is a place for sports to take place and I think some type of museum of those said sports.

 I will have you know that i waited for two rounds of marquee things to go by just so I could get the Terror Tuesday, with no people blocking my view.

Hey there architects!  Having fun yet.

So, I walked around in a big circle, unintentionally, in hopes of finding this 24 hour psychic reading place.  I found it but decided, I will forgo it.  It was in an interesting part of town, I am not sure what it was called.  It was sort of off the beaten path from Crossroads Art district but not part of Power and Light, there was a brewery and a few cannabis shops, can't be all bad.  I did pass the Green Lady and the Blue Dolphin, they are right next to each other.  The Green Lady was open for drinks but the music didn't start for another 2 hours.

I decided the sky looked angry and I needed some sustenance.

So, I walked back and here I sit at the bar of Afterwards....

It is a book store, bar and restaurant, I like this place.

I felt a little stupid when I asked, "what is the difference between your Charcuterie Board and your short Meat and Cheese board?"  She answered, the Meat & Cheese has Cheese, the Charcuterie has meat.  I guess I should have known that?  Oh well, went with the Short Meat and Cheese and a house red.  

I have to say, I was happy....

Waited out the rain storm and walked back to the train station, got my bags out of storage and sat and watched ID channel on my phone until it was time to go.

Talked to really nice older lady (yes, she was older than me) while standing in line.

Then some random guy from Albuquerque, who lives in a tiny house off grid, I don't think he gets out much....

On train and time to sleep.... 

Never made it to the Green Lady or the Blue Dolphin...

I learned something about my self.  I am more than willing to go to dinner by myself.  I am more than willing to sit at a bar by myself, next to a bunch of Randoms.  But I don't have the Moxy to go to a live music venue by myself yet.  Gotta have Goals.....

[bakjones]

These boots were made for walking...

KC thought it won with a KO but I refuse and am at least going to win one round by a draw, I refuse to UBER anywhere today.  This is supposed to be a walkable (plus transit) City and I will walk it today..

Damn Boots with flames and a Lululemon bag, what a pairing especially for a guy, I am just saying, no judgements.  

Brigitte and LaTisha, this ones for you!  If you can't read the sign, it's the Bar Association.

I got off to a late start and wasn't able to get breakfast at the Town Topic, so I settled for coffee at PT Coffee and a late lunch, a little BBQ at Harveys.  It was good but I need to come back again for a real BBQ experience.  

I decided to go see the Genghis Khan exhibit as it looks pretty cool. Hmm...either bad graphics or I can't read, but it starts Oct.24th, I'm going with bad graphics.

Let's go to the Science Center and learn some science stuff!

OOPS, not so fast, opened the door, smelled chlorine and saw kids, kids, many kids.

Lets try something else, a quick run thru the model train exhibits and then lets see what we can see. 

I got a fine little map from the man at the info stand, he's the one who told me the Khan exhibit doesn't start until the 24th.  I stand by my bad graphics comment, as I met a fellow tourist from somewhere in the Illinois way (bad memory) at the WWI Museum who was heading over the Khan exhibit to get out of the rain... Bet he felt stupid huh!

I followed the map (remember directionally challenged here) and got lost, I was looking for the Crown Center Shopping district and landed up somewhere by my Airbnb.  Eventually got back to the Train Station, realized how close the WWI Museum was when it isn't raining.  WOW, this City is walkable.

I decided to cheat and take the Light Rail to City Market, as Mr. No Khan exhibit (I'm not bitter) told me to go the Steamboat Museum, it will be fun he said.  Famous last words, I don't think he liked me.  

Needless to say, if I was hungry or looking for tchotchkes and some big ones too.

Mike and Elyse you almost had one of these for your garden, but since it was actually bigger than my own head and too heavy to carry on the train, you don't.  But I can tell you where to get one.  

No I didn't go to the Steamboat Museum, as it appears to be a must see place for travelers when it is raining.  3 tour buses pulled up, complete with the stereo-typical Asian with cameras, disaffected youths and old people.

I did a lap around the barns, looked at the restaurants, if I was hungry, it would have worked and off to the next stop.  

So here I get caught in a little lie, I took an UBER because it was a 30 minute walk and I wanted to be there in 10.  I went to the American Jazz Museum.  It was really good, I liked the exhibits, a lot had interactive buttons that you could hear the musicians.  There was one exhibit that I know Kevin would have stayed at but my attention span is limited.  

You were able to hear the different types of Jazz based on one song and different instrument types, etc.  You were supposed to listen and determine the differences, like experiment to bee-bop to standard.  It required listening too hard, I gave up.

I had wanted to go to the Kansas City Workhouse Castle, it was original designed as a city jail for petty offenders and debtors.   I had asked 2 prior UBER drivers about it, they had no clue what I spoke off.  The one driving me to the Jazz Museum, told me it was not open, as it was being repaired or something.  I feel like no one wanted to drive me there.  Next time Kansas City, I will find the Castle, visit the Castle, take pictures and you will not stop me.

This time, back to City Market. 

I took the Light Rail thing and did the circuit to see what I could see.  I got off at the Power and Light District, I am glad I did it during the day, as I think I would be overwhelmed by locals and tourists, alike, at night.  This way, I could take in the essences without the chaos.

Posted these pics on FB and Insta (aren't I hip with the Lingo) already but added a few more.

Hotel Karaoke Lounge Singers Wanted?!  Is there where the Bill Murray honed his SNL character?  I am intrigued but it opens at 7 and I will not be here that late.  I could but I won't.

[bakjones]

Rainy Days and Mondays (finish)

UBER finally makes it, I am drenched because the over hang at the café is minimal and the driver didn't understand the directions to pick me up in front of the Quay café, designated for Ride Share and taxis.  He sat at the front and when I called him, he was confused, so I had to run to meet him.  I am soaked, time for some good eating and drink or two.

Peanuts came highly recommended by Terri Johnson and Tim White, I respect both opinions, so I am here now.  The wings were also recommended, so wings it is....

Apparently the guy next to me is a White Sox fan and his buddies are giving him shit right now.  I don't think I will admit to anything, I will just shut up and eat.   Too late the bartender engages in conversation, I admit to my South side routes but tell them my niece and nephew (in law) are Cards fans.  He grew up in southern Illinois, it's a thing....

Go CARDS!

The wings are humongous, so I go with the order of three (3) and fries, two ciders and I am ready to home.  I planned to take a nap and head out to the Green Lady or the Blue Dolphin to listen to some Jazz...  

(since I am writing this after the fact, truth be told, I was cold and wet, went home and binged watched Season 4 and 5 of Schitt$ Creek, then fell asleep)

[bakjones]

Rainy Days and Mondays always get me down....

UBER finally makes it, I am drenched because the over hang at the café is minimal and the driver didn't understand the directions to pick me up in front of the Quay café, designated for Ride Share and taxis.  He sat at the front and when I called him, he was confused, so I had to run to meet him.  I am soaked, time for some good eating and drink or two.  Peanuts came highly recommended by Terri Johnson and Tim White, I respect both opinions, so I am here now.  The wings were also recommended, so wings it is....So a quick UBER ride in the rain and I arrive at my next destination.  

I have to say, the original building I find quite impressive but the expansion I do not understand.

To me it looks like a metal shed stuck on the back of a house, the interior may be stunning but the exterior leaves me scratching my head.  I understand trying to mesh two types and the Military History Museum in Dresden did it successfully, this not so much in my opinion.

The exhibits were great and enjoyed my time inside but it looks like the weather is breaking.

I think I'll go for a walk outside now

The summer suns callin' my name

(I hear ya now)

I just can't stay inside all day

I gotta get out get me some of those rays

OK, may not rays but I do need to go outside and check out the gardens.....

I'm thinking I know this sculpture

I read the explanation as to why these were made but I still don't get it...

I just am not a fan of contemporary sculpture.  If it takes a 5 page explanation to tell me the importance of the sculpture but I can't remember it, then it isn't doing its job.  

I feel like it has something to do with the rich and colonization and bandmittion being an elitist game.  I will remain scratching my head.... 

Alright miniature golf, more my speed.

There are a few people playing the course but 

Here comes the rain again

Falling on my head like a memory

Falling on my head like a new emotion

Today's theme song lyrics.....

As I was making my way to the UBER pick up, I saw a group of people walking toward me and I thought poor things. They are all huddled together

Ugh, it's a sculpture called Rush Hour...

[bakjones]

Rain, Rain Go Away....

My first full day in KC, it is sweat shirt weather and you need a hat or an umbrella.  I walk to Town Topic for breakfast, a small diner with about 12 seats at the main counter and 4 along the window. Didn't have time to research the bus system so I am relying on UBER and my feet, due to the rain, it is more UBER. Not happy because I haven't had a chance to understand the city itself.

I sat down ordered coffee and panic set in because it looked like a cash only place.  It was busy, so it was hard to get the cashier/waitresses attention.  Once I did, she confirmed the now take credit cards -- 1 for Bonnie

Just a fun mural on the Mexican Restaurant for your viewing pleasure.... So, living in Chicago, visiting Atlanta, St. Louis and now Kansas City, I have realized that Street Art is a thing....

From here I decided to go to the World War I War Memorial and Museum.  My thought being that I would walk the monument before the storm hits and then spend and hour our so in the Museum portion before heading over to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum.  I have to say this was a surprise for me, I do like Military Museums and history but I was blown away.  It is not a huge Museum but it packs a wallop for it's size.  It covered so much and so well, it made you really think about the "History repeats itself" mantra.  The topic of how technology and communications allowed countries and subsequent cultures see how the rest of the world lived. People from other countries began to compare their lives to others, also allowing for class systems to become more prominent.  The technology also allowed for industrialization and that created the working classes and more significant oppression.  Socialism, Communism, Nationalism and Capitalism all begin to brew in a large pot that steamed and started to boil over.  It really was uncomfortable in its relationship to current affairs. 

Walking the grounds in the rain made for a very solemn experience and I am glad I did it during the rain.  It was a very poignant moment.

Time to head over to the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum, supposed to have an internationally renowned exhibit of Chinese Art, it sounds great.  Rain let up a bit, heading out, wish me luck that I don't get drenched while waiting for an UBER

[bakjones]

Kansas City a formidable foe

\My apologizes for being behind but I am having issues with wifi on the train and my google accounts are not syncing btwn my phone and computer.  I have to perform some real gymnastics to get stuff to work.

So last I left you, I was just about to take a nap and then head out for the night on the town.

The nap didn't happen and I was hungry, so I landed up at the Boulevard Tavern for a late lunch, a good glass of wine and a poke bowl.

Landed up walking around a bit and heading back home as it started to rain.  The weather had decided that it would make my life difficult.  It was cold and rained for all 2 -1/2 days, making it a formidable foe, as every time I thought I out-smarted the rain, it came back with a vengeance, but I refused to be taken down.

When the rain slowed, I decided to go to dinner.  Terri Johnson suggested that I go to the Savoy for dinner.  I am so glad I did, great meal, wine venue and wait staff.  I would recommend it to anyone.

The weather won round one, and I gave up on walking to the Green Lady or the Blue Dolphin to listen to some Jazz but I will be here for another 2 days.  Stay tuned....