Urban Hike - Coit Tower (lots of photos)

So a few weeks back, I went on an urban hike with my new friend. He had never been to Coit Tower and I have the feeling he hadn't really been to North Beach. When people haven't been to North Beach, Coit Tower or the Filbert Steps, something kind of clicks and I end up being a tour guide. "What? You haven't been? Ok, we have to go!" So we did. Mind you, my new friend likes to moutain bike for 25+ miles at a time and hike 15 miles. I was going to be the out of shape one here. We met at Caffe Roma since I wasn't going to be able to get up that hill without caffeine. After adequate nourishment and a potty break, we started up. There were some photo op along the way.

St. Peter and Paul Church

Coit Tower (where we were going)

A peek of the Transamerica through the trees.

Since he hadn't been, he wanted to go up in the tower. I thought I had done the tower in grammar school but once I was up there, it didn't really look all that familiar so I think it was a first for me too! The view from the tower was amazing! So glad we did that.

Downtown Skyline with partial Bay Bridge
Cruise Ship at Pier 27

I was a little bummed because I noticed that the landscaping hasn't really been kept up with at the parking lot level of the tower. The trees and bushes have grown so tall that they obstruct the view except for one good spot. Perhaps Parks and Rec has been impacted with the budget that they've neglected the trimming? Or maybe it's a way to get people to pay for entry up the tower so they get a nice view.

Golden Gate Bridge with a hazy whitewash

After that, we went down the Filbert Steps (because going up might give me a stroke) to check out little cottages and gardens tucked up in the stairway. I love it here! I always imagine what it would be like to live in one of these little cottages and be hidden away from the hustle and bustle. I don't think I would like figuring out how to get my groceries home or move in/out though. What a pain!

Fountain at Levi Plaza

After the final descent of the last little bit of the Filbert steps which give me a case of vertigo, we walked along the Embarcadero to Pier 23 where we gazed upon the water while drinking Blue Moon and having a nice well deserved lunch. We waved at the people at the cruise ship docked next door and looked at the tugs, cargos and sail boats glide by.It was a fantastic day.

I headed home where I immediately fell into a coma from all the walking, sun, beer and food. Excellent day!

The following week, I did it all over again with Natasha. That day was aboout 20 degrees warmer and I was a sweaty mess but that's ok. We had fun!

More Coit Tower
Artsy shot of the Transamerica between buildings

I hope you enjoyed the photos. I am working on a stitchy post as I've got a finish, a start and fun mail to share. I think that might be a post for tomorrow though. I spent hours shopping today and I am daydreaming about a dress I saw at Anthropologie. Love the dress...hate the price. I know they are sold out of the dress in my size online but they have it at a local shop. What would you all do?! Ugh...I think I will mull it over while stitching to my Sunday night shows.

Until next time...