SF | Lena boards first

Oct 23 2015

Lands End

If you’re like me and you heard the words “Lands End”, you’d think “fancy clothes that I never buy”. But did you know that “Lands End” is actually a place to hike in SF? Well i didn’t until i stumbled upon it after a bridal shower for a friend that we had in Golden Gate Park. In between adventures of opening presents and adventures in the rush ticket line for Phantom of the Opera, me and some roommates decided to adventure to Lands End (not the clothing store).

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Turns out, it’s a great hike for wheelies and friends alike and sports some great views of the Ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. The paved wheelchair accessible trail only goes a quarter of the total trail, so if you want to go further, bring a sherpa. 2015-08-22 13.39.52

I see you blue “Accessible Trail” (and the fuzzy reflection of my iPhone)

This hike is easy. A typical grade is 4% and the worst it ever gets is 60%!!! (I wish I could capitalize numbers)

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Look! A trail!

FREEDOM!

Near the beginning of the hike you can take an alternate route down the cliffside where you end up at Sutro Baths which was built in 1894. They are interesting to explore if you are into historical Grecian aquatic hygiene or just want to romp around in water. I ended up staying at the top of the cliff to enjoy the sunset while the roommates romped.

People bathed down there

If you’re interested in finding more information/history of this place, check out this link:
http://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/landsend.htm

All in all, Lands End is a great place to go to spend an hour along the coast.

Beware of curly hair + wind

Discussing the Political Commentary of the graffiti to my left

Bi-annual meeting of the glasses club #landsend2015

Tagged california, friends, SF

Oct 09 2015

To every season…

* queues High School Musical song

This week marks the end of the regular season for baseball and the beginning of postseason.

Last year the SF Giants were barely squeezing through into the post season as the National League Wild Card…and eventually won the World Series! Since I live in the Bay Area, I of course wanted to go to a game but was unable to win the lottery for post season tickets. But! I did find out about this great alternative if you are ever in SF and want to go to a Giants game for FREE.

The secret is called “the knothole”.
http://sf.funcheap.com/sf-giants-opening-day-watch-free-knothole-att-park/

There is a secret “hole” in one of the walls of the stadium that is open to the outside world, where you can watch a game for at least 3 innings (more if the crowds are few) through a chain-linked fence that looks on to right field.

If i squint hard enough, i can see Buster Posey!

Freeloaders

That, my friends, is how i was able to see Game 3 of the 2014 World Series at AT&T Park. The Giants lost, but it was still an awesome experience. My friend Becca had to wait in line starting around 4pm for a 7pm game….which got us in to the last 3 innings, so if you want to see a World Series game, line up sooner. But most other games you can arrive at any point to see some live MLB action. By far, this is one of the coolest things I’ve experienced at a Major League Stadium.

Even if you do have to wait in line for awhile, there are always things happening along the bay to entertain you (just bring lots of snacks or else you lose your place in line). Two kayakers named Dave & Steve (my previous wheelchair was named after him) are usually out on the water trying to catch home run balls. Or street artists who will spray paint “SF Giants” on your t-shirt which will double as a temporary tattoo for the next week or so.

oh Dave

I’m World Serius

For my wheelie friends: everything is accessible to all types of wheelchairs and levels of disability. There is a metal bar close to eye-level if you are in a wheelchair, but it’s pretty easy to see the game above or below it. The stadium staff will also move people out of the way so you don’t have to fight the crowds by yourself.

Being small does have its advantages

Open the gates and seize the day!

Tagged baseball, california, SF

Sep 10 2015

1 Comment

cheap entertainment

Phantom of the Opera — Rush Tickets

Best way to see an off-broadway play for cheap in SF? Rush tickets. 2015-08-22 18.05.16

Pros:

almost 50% cheaper than buying at regular price ($40 vs. $120)
decent seating choice (on the ground floor)

Cons:

No guarantee of a seat; First come, first serve
Seating is usually on the side of the theater, so you can’t always see everything
You have to pay in cash
Not all shows offer rush tickets

my new friends!

man in orange jacket keeping the rowdy play go-ers “in line”

If you don’t have lots of time to wait around in line to guarantee you get a ticket, then this is a poor option. But! Each person can buy up to 2 tickets, so if YOU don’t have lots of time, maybe a leisurely friend does and can wait in line for the both of you. Plus they can make friends with the local homeless people while waiting.

2015-08-22 17.04.14 HDR

So far I’ve seen 2 plays via the Rush Ticket method: Newsies and Phantom of the Opera.

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I’ve also seen other plays in the more conventional way via buying tickets online. Both are great option.

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For my wheelie friends: they almost always have wheelchair seating available for rush tickets or seats at the end of rows that you can transfer too. If you buy an accessible ticket the non-rush way, prices range from $40-$60, so rush tickets aren’t always worth the hassle. It’s up to you.

As far as theater accessibility is concerned, it’s great! Good view from the wheelchair spaces on the bottom floor. And a handicapped bathroom close to the seating. Parking is rough, just because you are downtown, but you can park anywhere on the street for free with your handicapped placard if you can find something.

Tagged california, friends, SF, theatre

May 08 2014

Late Night Snacks

One of my favorite places eat after gallivanting around San Francisco is Bob’s Donut & Pastry shop. It is open 24 hours. For good reason. There is ALWAYS a line no matter what time of night I show up. But don’t be deterred by the line. It goes quickly. It also allows you time to stare at the freshly baked(?)/fried(?) donuts and pick what you want to stuff in your face.

Don’t worry. They also sell milk.

Bob’s is also famous for their giant donuts that are the size of your head! I have yet to eat one or order one myself. But I have seen others order them in a drunken frenzy. They are the size of cakes. Hmmmm….my birthday is coming up. Perhaps I should indulge myself.

For my wheelie friends…access to the tables inside are a bit narrow (for anyone). But access to the ordering counter is very doable. I would suggest taking your goods to eat outside at the nearby bus stop….or just down the block.

Tagged california, food, SF

Lena boards first

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Tag Archives: SF

Lands End

To every season…

Phantom of the Opera — Rush Tickets

Late Night Snacks