My life lately is full of to do lists, important phone calls, cleaning supplies, packing tape, dusty boxes, and oh so much more. We are turning in the keys and heading east in ONE WEEK. Yikes.
Life lately is solo parenting, homeschooling, fitting in social play dates (to say goodbye), fitting in fitness and running, all while trying to stop to enjoy each moment.
In the midst of packing multiple boxes, cleaning items I haven’t touched (or seen) since moving to Sacramento, and getting overwhelmed with my list… I realized I needed to get away to explore.
Mama needed fresh air, mountains and the ocean breeze.
I decided to be the ultimate procrastinator by loading up the boys for some road schooling and head to the Bay Area for a few hours of exploring, hiking, and memory making.
I didn’t have a plan in place. In fact, I decided the night before at 10:30 to possibly make the drive to San Francisco… our only goal was to hike, explore and walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Like most of my trips to the Bay Area… my dear phone got me lost. We found ourselves seriously detoured from our original destination. Deciding to make lemonade out of lemons. We decided to hike around the Marin Headlands to Rodeo Beach.
We were unprepared. I did not pack snacks, our hydration packs or proper hiking shoes, but we still had fun. We enjoyed smelling the different smells and the ocean breeze. We even found some cool stairs to run up and down… while counting (37).
Like most of our hikes… all of my good plans and goals of showing them an amazing site are squashed by climbing trees. Now, I must admit this was a pretty amazing looking tree. It was HUGE! Plus the boys thought they were riding a pony and could have spent the entire day bouncing and climbing on that tree on the trail.
After the hike and briefly checking out Rodeo Beach, we headed back to the van to check out the scenic vistas overlooking the city and the Golden Gate bridge.
The weather in San Francisco was amazing. The sun was shining (super bright), blue skies, and temperatures were in the mid 60s. It was gorgeous. It was a perfect day for outdoor exploring and play. We were thankful.
The boys were typical and acted like, Okay mom we saw the bridge. Awesome. Are we done yet? Haha! Somehow they found it so much more interesting to count the barges and ferry boats on the bay. Hey, whatever keeps them interested and happy, right?
When we had enough of the hills and scenic views of the city, we headed down to check out the bridge and hike around the Presidio.
I have been blessed with my running experiences living in California the past few years. I have run in San Francisco multiple times: Bay to Breakers, Nike Women’s Half Marathon, Ragnar Napa Valley and Rock N Roll San Francisco.
The boys have seen the bridge… but they have never walked across or on the bridge. I wanted them to remember how big the bridge is. How noisy it is when you walk across it. How high above the water it is… and how LONG it is (almost a mile!).
Did I mention earlier how sunny it was? Yes. Perhaps trying to take memorable photos mid day wasn’t the best idea. But… we were there!
It is my hope and prayer that my California born boys will always remember and have fond memories of California. Our many hiking and camping adventures… and so many amazing friendships.
Our trip started with full intention to distract ourselves from the boxes, packing and cleaning. I wanted to make sure the boys had a good time and remembered certain parts of where we lived. In the end, I realized that I needed this day trip… more than my boys.
I needed to regroup, refocus, recharge. I needed to remember one last time the amazing area and trails.
My life is in boxes and is full of chaos. Full of chaos! I have so many balls in the air, I am not sure which ball will drop first … and when one does I hope that it isn’t an important one.
Our day trip to San Francisco was my ultimate procrastination. Now it is time to get back to business… the moving business.
Yvonne says
So glad you went and got away from the boxes. They’ll be there tomorrow and make it all the way to your new home. Sad to think you’ll be so far away. Time to plan a destination race
Rachel says
Thank you. And… YES!!! I need to check the calendar and dates… but were you and CD thinking about Chicago for RNR?
Maureen says
I can always tell when life is getting too crazy – I look at my husband and say “we need a beach day.” It’s my place to escape and reboot!
Your boys will definitely remember this awesome day!
Rachel says
Thank you. Yes… something about the beach brings calm, right?
And yes… I do hope so (that was my intent). 🙂
RFC says
BEAUTIFUL pictures! I’ve always wanted to visit San Francisco. It’s on my to-do list for sure. Though I’m not much of a triathlete, the “escape form Alcatraz” race has always intrigued me!
Rachel says
Yes. I am NOT a triathlete either… and that race facinates me. Cold water. Choppy water. Eerie history of Alcatraz. 😉
Yes. SF is beautiful. I think it is one of the (many) favorite CA coastal spots I have enjoyed.
Sandra Laflamme says
Your road schooling adventure was the perfect distraction and what a cool experience for your boys before you leave San Francisco. Your unplanned hike looked perfect for three boys I mean could that climbing tree have been any cooler! Good luck with all of your packing and the move!
Rachel says
Thank you. Yes. We did have a good time. 🙂
Janice - Fitness Cheerleader says
I absolutely love this!! What a great way to recharge the packing batteries and to enjoy a wonderful day spending time with your sons. Someone wise once said that kids spell love T.I.M.E. Good luck with your move!
Rachel says
Yes. LOVE it. I do hope that they do remember the TIME I have spent with them (because lately I have been doing so much NOT spending time with them in preparation for the move). #mommyguilt 😉
Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club says
When things get hectic I like to spend time with family and do family things and have fun. I can’t take too much chaos because then I spin out of control and as a Type A I don’t always have to be in control but it needs to be logical. Have a happy and safe move.
Rachel says
Thank you. Yes. I am Type A also… and thrive on structure and routine. I like structured chaos 😉
Nicole says
Wow…that title just hit home hard. You are so right!
Lynda@fitnessmomwinecountry says
Oh good, you did finally walk the Golden Gate…I love doing that. Happy and safe travels to you and family 🙂
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
California is one of my favorite places to visit, but I’m sad to say I haven’t made it to SF yet! Must get there someday. It looks so lovely!
Diana says
Moving is not easy, but hey, you’ve found the perfect way to fight the stress, to refresh your mind and recharge your batteries! And what nice pictures of you and the boys. Sometimes, the unpredicted journeys are the best one! Greetings!