People Paddle 2007

First, a big Thank You for all your support to make my paddling at this year's People Paddle event possible. I have raised a total of $270 for Project Open Hand.

This morning, I got to SF at 8:15am. I was forced to drive as both Bart and Caltrain do not have service that can get me to Pier 40 at 8am. Found a free parking spot across from Delancey Street restaurant, so the day is off to a great start!

I signed in, grab a little breakfast, got my PFD (personal floatation device, not PDF:), listen to last minute paddle and safety instructions and was in the water at about 9:30am.

I had asked for a sit on top kayak, but regret a little this morning. Having taken a self rescue class, I am fully qualified to use a sit inside kayak, which is faster and more manuervable.

We were in formed of a course change due to weather and instead of going from Pier 40 to the Bow and Arrow, we went south toward China Basin (that's where Barry Bonds hits those home run:) and went up the mission creek.

Before the kayak race officially started, we were blessed by the "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence". The sisters are 5 drag queens, which definitely gave the whole event a San Francisco feel:)

A funny thing happened on my kayak back from China Basin to Pier 40. A couple in 2 person kayak ran into my kayak twice. The husband, paddling in the front apologise profusedly, saying "We're sorry, but I am not the one steering". That statement did not sit very well with his wife, paddling in the back.

During our trainig, the instructor had specifically told couples in double kayaks to take it easy, saying double kayaks are nicknamed "Divorce boats" for a reason. I hope those 2 make it:)

The entire trip took 2 hours, but with the relatively calm bay water, gorgeous weather, sun shine and cool breeze, it went by very quickly.

I docked at about 12:20pm, had a quick snack, then sat and enjoyed free music outside Java House. There was an award ceremony to honor the person who raise the most funds and the fastest kayaker, presented by the above mentioned "Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence".

The entire event ended at about 1pm. Definitely a pleasant way to spend a beautiful spring Sunday morning.

For people whose interest in kayaking are piqued by my description, City Kayak offers this same kayaking trip, plus Bow and Arrow for ~$70.

Here is the SF Sentinel blog posting on the event. I am in the last picture, wearing a blue baseball cap.

Kayak Self Rescue Clinic & Visitors From San Diego!

In preparation for People Paddle 2007, City Kayak offered a self rescue clinic at a discount to people paddle participants. I decided to take advantage of this offer, since I enjoy kayaking, and the lessons will make me more comfortable in renting a sit inside kayak for future trips.

Ted from City Kayak led the lessons. The first part was a demostration and practice on land. For self rescue, we learn paddle float rescue, which can be used in any conditions. Then there is T-rescue, where by another kayak would assist a cap sized kayak. Finally, the sloppy rescue, to be used in calm weather conditions.


In this picture, Ted have me simulate wave on the paddle float to get us a feel of where our center of gravity should be, in order to have the maximum leverage against the wave.

After land practice, we have a hands on session. We were all given wet suit, and then cap sized our kayak on purpose. Getting wet in SF during early April is not a good idea, even with wet suit:(

I was able to do the paddle float rescue and with the help of Brenda did T-rescue. However, I think I have an extremely unstable kayak and was never able to do the sloppy rescue. Hopefully, this will not come back to haunt me during People Paddle:)

More pictures of the clinic at posted by Dean.

After the clinic, I met up with my landlord's family from San Diego. I first met the family while working as an intern in San Diego almost 10 years ago.

We have remain friends after I moved out. We last saw each other in 2003, and then sort of lose touch. When I sent out email asking for donation for People Paddle, they suddenly realized I am in the Bay Area and they were out here visiting.

We had dinner together in at R&G Lounge in Chinatown. After dinner, I drove them around town for some of my favorite SF sights.

I am really happy to get back in touch.

Friend from Chicago

S call out of the blue and mentioned she is in town! She is literally one of the first person I met when I came to this country almost 15 years ago. She was like a big sister to me, sending me cookie while I was in college and welcoming my visit during Thanksgiving.

We had not seen each other after I left Midwest and came here to work.

We met up at B44 for dinner with her friends, then stop by Jade bar for after dinner drinks. It was really cool catching up with her.

Ski

Went for ski movie night at Sports Basement in Sunnyvale. Won free ski lift ticket to Bear Valley. Then found out Mel Cotton's offers bus ride to Bear Valley. It all worked!

Woke up at 5am after chatting with A till 3am:( Slept most of the way to the resort.

I had rented skis and boots from elsewhere, and was able to get on the ski lift immediately. After not skiing for the last 2 season, I was eager to get on the snow. I went up a ski lift and from the top notice there was no green path down hill. Puzzled, I checked with a ski guide.

"Ahh...common mistake, there is no green downhill. Just take any of the blue and ski slowly", was the answer. No really the answer I was looking, but what could I do? I ski slowly, falling on purpose several times to stop myself and finally made it to the bottom.

I did a few more green run and got my parallel ski technique somewhat down. I still need to make big turns, but felt more confident in my runs. My friend T was patient enough to ski with me on several runs and really helped with my technique. I went up the blue run again and was able to come down, falling only once or twice.

The snow was a little packed and in the afternoon started melting a little. Then at about 3-4pm, it froze up and the snow felt icy. I decided to call it a day and not risk injury.

I was happy to get back into some snow sports after the 2 year hiatus.

Chinese New Year

I got to celebrate Chinese New Year with my Mom this year!

In the past, she always made it a point to return home for Chinese New Year to host her annual party. This year, she decided to spend it with us.

Celebrating Chinese New Year here is definitely different from back home. Some of food we normally prepare/buy are not available here. We tried to prepare the usual Chinese New Year like oyster with vegetables, whole steam fish, roast pork and other delicacies. My mom also gave red packets to the unmarried child and grandchildren as per tradition.

We had a good dinner, and like the family reunion feeling for Chinese New Year.

2 Days in San Francisco - Day 2

Drive to Union Square. Park under Union Square.

Window shop around the Square.
Turn Madien Lane to see Xanadu Gallery
Describe this is a Frank Loyld Wright design gallery

From Xanadu Gallery, walk to the West Field San Francisco Center.
Describe this is a new shopping center in the city.
Take pictures of dome, window shop, enjoy cream puff from Beard Papa

Walk back to Union Square, pointing out Apple store.
From Union Square, drive along Geary west
Turn right on Van Ness, turn left on Lombard

Turn right onto Steiner. Find parking in neighborhood
Have lunch at Lettus or Asqew Grill

Go back on Lombard, go west
Turn right on Richardson and visit Palace of Fine Arts

From Palace of Fine Arts, drive along Richardson to reach Golden Gate Bridge
Stop at Golden Gate Bridge for pictures

Take Lincoln Blvd and go west
Continue of El Camino Del Mar
Hit Land's End/Legion of Honor
Take pictures of Golden Gate Bridge, museum ground
Point to beach at Land's end and tell story of unsuccessful attempt of escapee from Alcatraz

From Legion of Honor, go south on 34th Ave
Turn right on Geary
Go to the ocean, take pictures at Cliff House

From Cliff House, continue onto Great Highway
Turn left on Fulton
Go until 10 Ave and turn into De Young Museum parking lot
Walk around museum ground
Describe the museum has copper skin, which will turn completely green in a few years to match the surroundings

Continue east on Fulton
Park near Alamo Square
Take pictures of Painted Ladies

From Fulton, continue east until Franklin, make left
From Franklin, turn right onto McAllister
Park under Civic Center Plaza

Walk around city hall, Herbst Theater, War Memorial Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, Asian Art Museum, library

Simple dinner at Crepe House

Then drive onto Van Ness going south
Turn right on Market
Hit CAV for nightcap

I took my parents on the above 2 day trip in San Francisco. They are not first time visitors, but their last visit was in the 70's. This is a reasonably compact schedule, but not too hurried. They had a great time.

2 Days in San Francisco - Day 1

I created the following itinerary for first time visitor to San Francisco, complete with parking tips, restaurant recommendations etc.

Drive into city on 280, exit 4th and King.
Drive along King onto Embarcadero.

Turn right on 3rd street, then left on China Basin St.
Park on street, take pictures of AT&T park
Describe McCovey Cove is where Barry Bonds hits all those home run and how kayakers would rush to pick up the balls.

Go back onto King, continue onto Embarcadero.
Park on street, take pictures of Bow and Arrow

Continue on Embarcadero until pier 39
Park in lot. Walk around Fisherman's Wharf.
Lunch at Crab Station

From pier 39, go onto Beach St to Ghirardelli Square
Park on street. Walk around Ghirardelli Square.
Also take pictures with cable car.
Dessert at Ghirardeli Square.

From Ghirardeli Square, go south on Polk and turn right on Lombard
Drive through crookedest street.
Park at bottom of street to take pictures

Continue on Lombard St to top of Telegraph Hill Road
Park on top. Enjoy city view.
Visit Coit tower's murals, but don't go up!

Come back down Lombard and turn left onto Columbus
Drive through North Beach area
Describe to visitors how North Beach is the Italian neighborhood.

Turn right onto Stockton
Drive through Chinatown

Park at Stockton and Sutter
Walk to Belden Place for dinner at B44

As a nightcap, drive from Stockton and Sutter along Sutter
Turn left on Jones, then left on Taylor and left into Cosmo Place
Wine tasting at Hidden Vine