Located in Torrey, Utah this cute little flute shop is in the middle of nowhere. Custom made American Indian-style flutes made by the owner line a full wall inside the shop. The owner who is friendly and helpful played a beautiful song for us. The shop is also full of a variety of other keepsakes. To learn more about the flute shop and the hotel next door check out the Flute Shop Motel Website.
Called the loneliest Highway in the U.S Highway 50 crosses the upper portion of the states. This is the Nevada section which offered up some obscure and surreal scenery and some great stops that includes a dune rising from the barren desert, relaxing spencer hot springs, caves that can only be accessed through a tiny door, a shoe tree, run down casinos and free camping.
When asked what we should see Capitol Reef National Park and the women at the Anazazi State Park suggested stopping at the Gifford Homestead. Offering an assortment of pies we went for the mixed berry pie as well as some ice cream. Have to say the pie was delicious and hit the spot, its was a great place to cool off as we sat in the shade under an awning. Before leaving be sure to fill up your water bottles outside the homestead with some filtered water as it gets hot here in the summer. The homestead has an interesting history and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Beloved Cafe located on 24th Street one block west of the Bart station offers a unique calming and grounding experience while amid the hustle and bustle of the Mission. The cafe offers teas, tonics, juices, hot drinks, herbal lattes, and nourishing bowls both savory and sweet. The decor is earthy and woody; lots of plants and custom woodwork making for an intimate setting. I got the Puer Tea and A Super Food Smoothie Bowl; Mango and Avocado. You can check out the menu on the Beloved Website.
Marker Fair Bay Area was held at the San Mateo Event Center on May19th- May 21st. The event featured vendors and activities that revolved around hands on and unique educational experiences. The highlights for me were the Bay Area R2D2 builders club, Peter Hudzon's Zeotrope, Space Garden, Tape City, Mega Bot, Making Sauerkraut, sampling Cacao at a vendors stand, Drone Races and gaint Tesla Coils.
The highest natural point in San Francisco Mt Davidson offers picturesque view of the city. Hike to the Mt. Davidson cross, a 130 ft. tall concrete cross. The cross has a rich history from the 3 original crosses constructed of wood ( two of which burned down), purchase of the current cross from the Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California who installed a bronze plaque at the base memorializing the victims of the Armenian genocide, to the gathering of 75,000 people for Easter service in 1941 as well as the filming of a scene from the movie Dirty Hairy.
The exhibit "Summer of Love" is at the deYoung from April 8th - August 20th. Covering San Francisco's counter culture the exhibits includes rock posters, photography, fashion and light shows from the summer of 1967. Some of my favorite highlights included Jerry Garcia's "Captain Trips" hat, Stanley Mouse and Kelly Alton poster art as well as artist Victor Moscoso posters that change perspective with flashing lights. You might want to purchase the headphones; you'll get more context for the exhibit. Learn about the invention of bell bottoms and how the police dealt with the youth.
Bay Bridge bike trail takes you from Oakland to Treasure Island. Stay on the lookout for the Bay Bridge troll tucked into the recesses of the bridge, the remains of the old bridge and the Coast Guard station on Treasure Island. The ride is about 30 minutes to Treasure Island and 20 minutes back.
Alamere falls is a 8.6 mile out-and-back hike that brings you to a cascading 30ft waterfall that drops into the ocean. The hike starts at Palomarin Trailhead and takes you to Wildcat Beach. Note: The falls are best to see after winter and spring rains.
