Mike goes surfing

In my continued attempt to californianate myself, I took a surfing lesson this past weekend. I've always wanted to learn how to surf, but just have never had the opportunity. So last Saturday I went up to Bolinas, which is north of San Francisco, up the coast on the Point Reyes National Seashore. I booked my lesson and rented my wetsuit and board from 2 Mile Surf Shop and I was on my way.
The lesson was 1.5 hrs and then we were free to stay out as long as we wanted - which for me was about another 45 min before my arms felt like they were going to fall off.
All in all it was a cool experience. I was better than I thought I'd be, but far from being what you would call a surfer. Believe me when I say it is harder than it looks.
Here are some pics of Bolinas. I would've gotten one of me up on a board, but I couldn't find a place to put the camera in the wet suit...




walkway down to the beach








apparently I am welcome here








confusing sign in the water


I would soon join them...


wetsuits are tight, literally


HWY 1 - outside of Stinson Beach


HWY 1 - outside of Stinson Beach

Bay to Breakers 2008

This past Sunday we went to the annual Bay to Breakers event here in SF. It is a 12k through the city that It is held every third Sunday in May. And no, we didn't run it. What happens is after the race participants clear through the course, thousands of people dressed in all sorts of costumes walk the course with floats and props and everything. It was a wild scene - very San Francisco. Here are some pics of it all.


Here we are - dressed as San Francisco tourists


Street breakdancing




Our friends Heather and Jen


The Love Boat


Ace Ventura - from the mental institute scene


A Double Dare team


A keg stand at a gas station


A Garbage Pail Kids float


Kate as a Garbage Pail Kid




The Russians were there


So were Da' Bears


Crayons like to party




So do Nascar pit crews


Free hugs


Free buns


By the time we made it to Golden Gate Park, people were in the trees


Blair, Heather and Jen refueling


Our group


Me and Chewy


Free petroleum jelly at the Red Cross table - not sure why you would need this, but I'm sure somebody did


The people dressed as keg cups didn't make it


Blair and I jumped in and played the guys with the mobile b-ball court


We won


Some guy handed me his parrot


Plenty of love to go around in this city


It was quite a day

A's Game

Kate and I went over to Oakland last Saturday to watch the A's play the Texas Rangers.





I like ballpark nachos...


The A's wore 1968 throwback uniforms


The Big Hurt


The Rangers wore 1968 Washington Senators uniforms




Their version of Ronnie Woo Woo