Another Arctic Man under our belts. Too short though- we all agreed that next year we go back to our usual schedule of Wednesday and Thursday arrival.

Later we cameback to head over to the snow cross track to watch our lone racing representative, Dawson, show his stuff in the 120 class snow cross. He did great for his second year out! The weather turned breezy and chilly so we headed back to the motorhome.

We had a late but great steak dinner before heading down to the beer tent to see some live music- a North Pole rock band called Diabla Bone. We all agreed they were worth the hike over- good rock!

It was overcast and visibility was flat when we arrived, but no sooner did we park then we got busy unloading machines and getting ready to ride. We raced up to the finish line for the Arctic Man event just in time to catch the last couple of snowboarders come in then waited patiently for the hill cross event to begin. We waited and waited until finally the word came up the hill that the event was postponed until Saturday. We guessed that it was probably because of the flat light conditions.

Since it was our first ride we decided to head up toward the Tit to get a little fun in. We had fun but because of the light the views were not quite as spectacular as usual. LeAnn had a little scare as her and Dawson (5 yrs) headed up a steep hill and Dawson accidentally hit the kill switch! She had a heroic moment as they were sliding backwards down the mountain- she threw Dawson off, and as she was still going backwards pull started her machine! A very Indiana Jones moment! However she promptly hit the throttle and augered in- but at least she stopped! Then had to get herself unstuck which her back is paying the price for now.

Then we went out for some good music and dancing. The agreement is that I will not show my video and Teresa will not show some photos.

We stopped in a shop downtown and stocked up on some champagne and cheese, bread, and assorted sweets and caught the bus over to Golden Gate Park. We found a nice spot near the Rose Garden and the Japanese tea Garden and had a great picnic.

After that we had to make a trip through “The Haight” because why not – we were too close not to. We checked out the sights – each shop has the obligatory spray paint graffiti and plenty of Bob Marley murals just so you don’t forget how funky it is. We stopped off for a little sangria then headed back to the bus. It was cute and all but come on! The girls got mad at me for calling it hippy Disneyland. They think I am not getting to the spirit of things. I will admit I was being a little bit of an old person about the whole Haight/Ashbury thing.

Back into the city after a crazy bus ride full of real authentic crazy people and the girls were ready to pound the pavement for some more power shopping again. I know when I’ve had it and I didn’t have the energy to face another session. So I went back to the room and have just woken up from a nice nap! I’ll have a little wine and I expect they will be back bearing great shopping bags pretty quick!

We caught the bus to Fisherman’s Wharf to rent our bikes from Blazing Saddles. Armed with our maps we started our scenic route along the waterfront. After a leisurely ride we finally got to the bridge. Things got a little crazy – lots of bikes and pedestrians but spectacular views!

Once on the other side we were treated to a well deserved downhill coast into Sausalito. We spent our first hour there sitting next to the water and drinking some beers and soaking up the sun!

We finally roused ourselves for a little shopping, wine tasting and lunch. By about 4:30pm we grabbed our bikes and hopped the ferry back across the bay. After another 2 or 3 mile ride we arrived back at the bike rental shop. On the bus ride back to the hotel I think it started to hit us how tired we were.

We dragged ourselves into the showers with plans to do something big for the evening, but only made it as far as a Chinatown restaurant to stuff ourselves yet again (obligatory) and stagger back to the hotel.

I will freely admit that I am officially sore! I only expect it to feel worse tomorrow!

After that we spent a productive hour or two at H&M. Better prices than Old Navy and we know no one in Tok will have the same stuff!

We moved on to Market Street to take the trolley car to Fisherman’s Wharf. The Wharf was fun but I had a blister from my dress shoes from last night so I had to make everyone go into a seafood restaurant to get a beer and some fresh oysters while I put a band aid on my poor toe.

We scoped out bike rentals for Sausalito tomorrow and Alcatraz tours for Friday.

Wrapped up with a little shopping in Ghirardelli Square then trolley back to Bush Street (now known here as “Obama Street”). Marna picked a great restaurant for dinner -Tadich- great seafood and nice service!

Finally back to the hotel for our own nightcap (we have a good bar here in our room)!