Since we left we flew in to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago and stayed at Tobys Uncle Jims condo in the city centre, which was an amazing place to stay, especially as we only had limited time to explore San Fran.
We were spoiled straight away with the food, as Justin and Kate took us to the Blue Jay Cafe for proper homestyle grub, and we stuffed ourselves with Ribs and cornbread before our jetlag caught us up!
Early next morning, we made our way up to Tahoe - it was a 4 hour drive - but was extended by many stops, our first one being in Richmond for breakfast (highest murder rate in the USA-all Justin's idea....)
As the drive went on and we climbed higher up the mountains the scenery was stunning, helped by clear blue skies and sunshine all the way. We eventually hit the snow line (a bit higher this year...) and made our way to the beautiful ski chalet, complete with sauna and balcony...
We hit the night skiing at Boreal resort - we were extremely rusty at first but after a few runs we managed to gain control over our skis / snowboard. It was great fun trying to tackle the steep icy runs in the dark, but being thrown in at the deep end blew away the cobwebs so we were ready for the next day... but not before a sauna.... and a few beers in Trucky where Cameron and Randy (toby's cousins) were waiting drinks in hand...
The next day, we went to Squaw resort, where the girls skiied away on the blue runs (and the accidental black diamond runs) and the boys hit the backside of the mountains where all the steepest runs were - so that Toby could face plant without the girls seeing it...
We all gathered at the base for a big greasy lunch of chilli cheese fries and beers, and the went down really well! Loaded up on calories and dutch courage we all hit the front side of the mountain together for the rest of the day... After a long day in the sun we went back to the chalet to compare 'goggle tans' and relax our muscles (and bruises) in the sauna. The evening was rounded off by a scrumptious thai meal in Trucky before hitting our beds...
Sunday 18th was a day to remember, as it was our first encounter of 'smokeys kitchen'. Cameron, Randy and Kate all had to head back to the city today, so we had decided to have a slap up brunch together before they headed off, and Toby, Ann and Justin hit the slopes. 'Smokeys' is homecooked mountain food at its best - and we gorged on Huevos Rancheros and breakfast Burritos, pancakes and all.... we were definately going to return....
So after full bellies, we hit the backside slopes at SugarBowl all afternoon. The views were absolutely stunning when we reached the top to hit the backside runs... (as you can see by some photos we took)... and we kept going until our legs gave way and until we burned off our smokeys breakfast, which took some doing.... But not to fear, we had spied the ribs at smokeys earlier in the day, and they had our name written all over them for a BBQ feast for dinner.
Monday 19th - we had an early start at Northstar - one of the largest resorts in the area. After taking the gondola and two long chair lifts, we managed to reach the peak and were welcome with another stunning view. We hit black diamond runs all day today, Ann was improving run by run, however, toby had battered his body into submission by the end.... To round off the day, we stopped for a few drinks at the base of the mountain, sitting outside by the fires, drinking hot chocolate - mandarin vodka - cocktails. Toby's bruises were healed when the barmaid gave him free shots to perk up his spirits..... It was our last day of skiing but a great end to a brilliant tahoe trip.
Tuesday we were to leave Tahoe and head back to San Francisco, but not until we said a final farewell to Smokeys and another breakfast to be proud of (or guilty of, as we had no snow time to burn it off this time).
After a smooth trip back to the city Justin took us on a long walk through the pan handle and golden gate park all the way to Ocean Beach. A stop off in the de Young observation tower gave us a great view of the city.
We hit 'Pacific Catch' for a late sushi lunch and headed up to see Antun, Paula and baby Atticus for pancakes (being shrove tuesday and all...).
Wednesday we had the day to explore, so we started in style by having a swim and soaking in the hottub, at the condo, before breakfast. We walked all over today, and explored Union Sq and ended the day by having a bit of a get together with Tobys family in California for dinner.
The next day we had our walking shoes on again, and explored chinatown, little italy, fishermans wharf and the waterfront, where we could take in the great views of Alcatraz, and the golden gate bridge... and an unusual amount of wild sea lions, lazing in the harbour. As it was our last day, and Justin and Kate had had some good news in there house hunt we decided to go out for a celebration meal at 'Blowfish' a great sushi restaurant that we washed down with exotic cocktails and lots of hot sake!
No comments:
Post a Comment