This is going to be a somewhat different travel story. We’ve all had trips where, if we had actually established a plan, things didn’t go as we expected or wanted. This is kind of like that but with teens in tow.
Our daughter took her two boys to San Francisco. Their spring trip had been canceled by Covid so now (July 4 weekend) seemed a good time to travel. Little did she know that many of the past restrictions, due to Covid, were still in place and counter to any differing news reports. They flew to SF and stayed the first two nights downtown. Yes, we all know a lot of SF is crazy but she wanted them to see the ‘real’ SF.
The oldest son is 17, his younger brother is almost 16. Their likes and dislikes were a dichotomy in action. One wanted food, Mexican, California Style, became a favorite. His brother wanted more sights. They had initially planned on using the cable cars as their main transportation – WRONG. Shut down due to Covid – you never knew who might be jumping on and standing next to you! Regardless of masks or no masks, the city decided to close one of its most favorite and iconic trademarks. Fortunately, UBER was ever-present. So, if you plan on going, get the app on your smartphone, learn the nuances of requesting a ride, and how to make sure it’s safe.
The first day involved a lot of walking as they traversed the ups and downs of SF’s hills. By the end of the day, all three’s legs were aching! They did visit Lombard Street and its crookedness. Then Alcatraz. They were very excited, though she thought it was also very spooky. The oldest boy loved being in the city and wanted to stay longer but their schedule was always staring him in the face.
The next day, rent a car and drive to Muir Woods. Who wouldn’t be impressed, right? Actually, the boys stated they had seen trees before and weren’t that impressed. Eileen and I had visited several years ago, milliseconds in a Redwood trees’ life, and were impressed. Most of the area was closed and the only parking lot was full when they got there. They had to park outside the regular park area and take a shuttle into the preserve. People that could or wanted to travel, did, and with the restrictions, a number of regular stops were closed so a lot of sights were overcrowded.
Waving goodbye to the redwoods, they hustled back to SF to see the 4th fireworks that evening and were met with both a cold front and fog. The display was faint through the clouds and they all shivered in the cold. Only days before, the area was in a major heatwave. So, if you’re keeping score, it’s 50-50 for likes and dislikes. The next day was to be a guaranteed winner – Monterey and Big Sur.
The town of Monterey itself was, unfortunately, a letdown. Not as artsy as expected, nor crafty, just there, but they did state the aquarium was wonderful. A big win for the day. The pier had some activities but didn’t appeal to any of the three except for the food. #1 son wanted to eat at almost every place.
Big Sur was the best part for all three. Beautiful views, crashing waves, rocky coastline. It turned out to be the best overall part of the trip, something they all enjoyed. Great to have a trip end on a high note.
So, if you’re looking to travel, be aware of the ever-changing landscape of Covid. A neighbor is heading to New England for sightseeing with a side trip to Canada. The last part is a definite maybe since Covid is rearing its head again. The border was going to open for entry into Canada, but he was told he might not get back into the US, even if vaccinated, without a 3-day quarantine. It’s a quagmire of restrictions, mask or no-mask, quarantine or not, and seems to be changing constantly. So, plan ahead, be flexible and travel if you can.
