Travels With Sage and Annie

Of course we have to reference John Steinbeck since we were in California!  There is nothing better and more revealing about places in America than when you travel with your dog(s).  You learn a lot about people, place, how we see ourselves, and also about the relationships we have with our natural world.

We had a few moments on this trip to play tourist: visiting the fabulous new de Young museum in Golden Gate Park (across from the new California Academy of Sciences building which I will get to...), going to the Golden Gate National Parks (the Crissy Field), and on the way home, driving through Napa Valley.

The de Young is amazing.  If you haven't seen it, see it.  I am not a huge fan of modern architecture, but this building is a dazzling display of material, light, and framing the art and the view.  The new California Academy of Science building, across the "mall" from the de Young, is also amazing, but expensive to get into and, frankly, I am curious why a museum located in one of the most ecologically fascinating areas of the world, decides to exhibit about South American rainforests and penguins.  Why not educate everyone about California?  Much less, it costs $25 to get in!  Can you imagine if you have two kids?

But the highlight was watching Annie and Sage at Crissy Field.  Probably the only National Park that actually allows dogs, period.  Much less to romp off leash.  Everyone seemed happy.  I could go on and on about why visitors are not going to National Park (can we say: too many rules?), but this one at least is on top of my list!

It's nice to be home, although daunting...I keep waiting for my Mom to call.  The healing of the heart work begins.  But, I have some tourist memories, which is a good thing!

Murphy's Day