The Coldest Winter I Ever Spent Was a Summer in San Francisco

That quote is attributed to Mark Twain, but I've also read somewhere that he never actually said it.

Well, he should have.

The redwoods in Northern California are as imposing and impressive as I'd imagined.

Our drive to Sonoma county is uneventful, and we use our instincts and a few helpful locals to wind up at a delicious Mexican restaurant in Santa Rosa along the way.

Around dinner time we hear from Christina's girl she knows in Sonoma, Kristen, and she's excited to have us for the night. We're excited to not be scrounging for a Motel 6.

We arrive at her home in Sebastopol, after a brief stop for some delicious icecream in town. It's one of the most peaceful and serene homes I've been in. She offers me a sip of her tea and then reads us our horoscopes.

There is a bedtime music mix already prepared and playing on the laptop and despite Mark's snoring I have probably the most restful night's sleep so far this trip.

The next day it's off to Jack London's former home, some wine tasting (I talk Argentine wine with the sommelier) and then a delicious meal at the restaurant where Kristen is a waitress when she's not teaching pre-school. It's all locally raised or caught food, and the fish is incredible. I try oysters and decide they do taste good, but not for me.

We head to Vacaville that night to stay with our friend Chris, with whom Mark and I used to swim when we were kids.

She is in the Air Force and living in a suburban-ish town by the air base.

It's nice to have a big apartment to stay in with a good friend, and not have to scrounge for parking. There is also laundry and wireless.

That weekend it's San Fran.

The weather is nice Saturday, and we walk all over North Beach, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghiradeli Square. Our night on the town that evening ends with some delicious food from a South American restaurant that's open late. It's called "La Parilla Grill." Or, "The Grill Grill."

Sunday the weather turns colder and I'm reminded why the last time I was in San Fran I had to stop in a Gap to buy a long sleeve shirt while walking around. Mark and I are in the Mission District and raid the local Goodwill. I get a Banana Republic sweater, a t-shirt, and a light jacket for a total of $8.

Monday it's on the 1 and down to LA.