Allison Walks SF

1.8 miles in Bernal Heights

2012-01-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

This walk through Bernal Heights was quite possibly
one of my favorite all year.

Here's why:

I walked with my best pals, Sam and Heather.

They're fun.

We spent most of the walk perusing stores along Cortland Ave.

I bought some nifty spoons for Dumplin' Bean at Heartfelt.

Sam and Heather helped me spot random whimsy in the neighborhood like these gnomes...

...and this poetry.

And of course my favorite part of any walk - the meal. We chowed down on Cambodian food at Angkor Borei on Mission Street. Cambodian flavors sit snugly between Vietnamese and Thai. So SO tasty. And the service was fantastic. This restaurant is staying on the top of my favorites list.

2.2 miles in the Inner Richmond

2011-12-19T19:16:00.000-08:00

I'm baaaAAAaaack! I never left the city, I just had to take some time off of walking while I figured out how to balance my work and family life now that we have Dumplin Bean in the mix. Part of the solution was transitioning to a part-time work schedule which opens up a few afternoons a week. Like today!

The bean and I headed to the Inner Richmond on the hunt for Grade-A Christmas decorations.

Sadly, this neighborhood did not deliver.

I think it says something about holiday spirit when the most decorated place in a six-block radius is The Heath.

We didn't let the lack of cheer get us down, though.

We found plenty of interesting things to look at.

Especially at this house. I always marvel at homes that put random crap on display in the front window. Who are they intended for?
Me, I assume.

Merry Christmas to you if I don't get another walk in this week!

4.2 miles in the Sunset

2011-11-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

The weather was gorgeous today so I headed out with Dumplin' Bean for a leisurely walk in the Sunset.

It started out as a rather mundane walk in the city's most notoriously boring neighborhood, when I noticed some suspicious clues that indicated maybe, just maybe, there was some form of extraterrestrial life lurking nearby.

Have you seen the movie, Super 8 yet?
If not, you need to for two reasons:

1. My husband worked on it; and

2. It will make what I'm about to say make more sense.

Okay, clues that the neighborhood is inhabited by an ET:

1. Missing dogs.

Well, A missing dog.

2. An inappropriate number of metal items stuck to this house.

3. The presence of what I assume to be high-level government officials sent on a black ops mission they can't discuss with us lowly civilians.

4. And totally unamused babies.

Wait. That last one wasn't in the movie...hmmm. Okay, so maybe there are no UFOs or ETs in the Sunset today, but it livened my walk pretending there might be.

OCTOBER STATS: 12 miles

2011-11-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

OCTOBER 2011: 12 miles

SINCE I STARTED: 574.5 miles

Ooh! If I can knock out 13 miles a month in both November and December, I'll have 600 miles in the bag. Fresh!

2.6 miles in West Portal

2011-10-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, hello again, West Portal. You know how I love you so.

I have tried several of the restaurants along West Portal Ave. and have yet to be disappointed.

This neighborhood has something for everyone.

Including some unique Halloween decorations,

bizarre little trucks,

and an adequate dose of irony.

1.4 miles in Hayes Valley

2011-10-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Oh, man! I get a C- for posting promptly.
Sorry, I took this walk back on Columbus Day.

Or Canadian Thanksgiving, whichever you prefer.

Despite the rain, I got some decent shots of the neighborhood.

The houses are very 'San Franciscan.'

And Hayes Street is lined with some of the hippest little shops and restaurants. I stopped in Fiddlesticks to buy a bunch of baby clothes for my Dumplin' Bean. Extremely cute stuff in there!

I'm almost done walking Hayes Valley, but I do look forward to heading back there on a dry day to finish hitting every street of this neighborhood!

2.5 miles in Fort Funston

2011-10-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Oopsie doopsie... I took this walk back in July for the Ocean Beach Bulletin and forgot to post it on my own blog. Go check out all my nifty hang glider photos over in my OBB column. After you read this blog post, of course.

For this post, I'll just focus on the dogs of Fort Funston. Despite it being a rather dangerous place for pooches, tons of people bring their dogs to run around this park.

There are little dogs...

There are big dogs...

And there are curious dogs. As well as curious brothers. (My brother, Kelly, wanted to know what was inside the bunker. He found a way in through the back - camera right - and reported that the bunker has been the home to many a vagabond and teen drinking party. In other words, it's grody in there).

5.5 miles - Glide Bridge to Bridge

2011-10-04T17:22:00.000-07:00

It's the first week in October, so you know what that means?

It's Glide Bridge to Bridge 7k/12k time again!

This is my third Bridge to Bridge.

I walked the 12k in 2009 and tried to run the 12k in 2010 .

This year, I decided to take it easy by only walking the 7k with friends.

We took it reeealy easy by stopping mid-race for lattes.

We were so slow, we ended up behind the sweeper trucks. :/

Oh, well. We couldn't resist stopping to take in the views.

I knew the Exploratorium was moving from the Palace of Fine Arts, I just didn't know where. This location is going to be great!

We ended the 7k walk with a time of 1:38. Yeah, that's right: 24 minute miles. Ha! Who cares, it was fun and for a good cause: the Special Olympics.

After the walk, we tooled around the finish line expo to pick up free samples, including chocolate milk. I don't know about it's refueling value, but it is a tasty treat.

SEPTEMBER STATS: 10.4 miles

2011-10-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

SEPTEMBER 2011: 10.4 miles

SINCE I STARTED: 562.5 miles

Annika and I walked over 10 miles this month which wasn't too darn bad considering it was HOT! September did not disappoint in the totally disgusting humidity department. Hopefully October will be cooler so we can get out more often.

3.8 miles in Mt. Davidson Manor

2011-09-30T23:43:00.000-07:00

Sha-zam! This month flew by. I took this walk last weekend but had no time to post until now. If I hurry, it will post in September.
MUST TYPE FASTER!

Last Sunday was pretty foggy so I decided to walk in a neighborhood with a little color.

Mt. Davidson Manor is just south of St. Francis Wood and is full of very colorful landscaping.

It also has a bunch of peculiar lawn ornamentation.

Out on Ocean Avenue, there are various restaurants and stores.

Mt. Davidson Manor has clothing sales...

and garage sales...

and even this art sale.

I'm done typing and it's still September. Phew!

2 miles in the Presidio

2011-09-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

San Francisco has approximately six days a year with a temperature above 80 degrees. Today was one of those days. Since we don't have air conditioning in our house, I decided to take the baby to what I thought would be a cool neighborhood for a walk. I decided the Presidio would have plenty of shade under the big trees.

In the shade, it was fairly comfortable...

The problem was that there was very little shade on the course I took. We tooled around residential neighborhoods south of the Lucas Film complex which were lovely but brutally hot.

There are a surprising number of young families living in the Presidio. How neat would that be to grow up in one of these houses?

Above the rooftops, there are some surprisingly killer views.

I just wish I could have stopped to appreciate the views more, but I don't know if I've mentioned this - I was HOT!

Fortunately, our walk ended at Starbucks where I could enjoy a coconut creme frap. Here's a picture of Annika and I melting in front of the Yoda fountain in the Lucas Film complex at the end of our walk.

Tomorrow's heat-beating walk: inside an air conditioned mall.

1.8 miles in Forest Knolls

2011-09-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

Since my husband was home to watch the baby this morning,
I decided to take advantage and hike up Mt. Sutro.

Forest Knolls is the neighborhood at the top of the hill.

Aside from this lonesome television, the roads are fairly quiet and devoid of points of interest.

I hate when this happens.

Unlike other hilltops in the city that are reserved for scenic overlooks, the top of Mt. Sutro is actually covered by UCSF buildings and parking lots. There is a wooded open space in the middle but it is lined with insanely tall trees to eliminate any possible views of the city. Ergo, my photos are what you call: BORING. Sorry.

This sign should be bright red with flashing lights because about eighteen inches beyond that little rope barrier is an EXTREMELY steep plummet-to-your-instant-death-probably-to-not-be-found-again shoulder in the middle of the open space. Definitely not a kid-friendly walk.

2.8 miles in South Park

2011-09-06T19:12:00.000-07:00

This is it: the maiden voyage with Annika in the stroller.

She's still just a little 5lb squirt so to avoid crowds on Labor Day, we headed for the South Park neighborhood which was spooky quiet.

I always enjoy walking through this neighborhood. It's a nonthreatening mix of grungy urban...

...with techy urban.

Besides being super close to the Embarcadero and AT&T Park, South Park has super cute housing and cool murals.

Oh, and South Park is home to some great food and drink. I was looking forward to eating at The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen (they have gluten free bread!) but it was CLOSED.

As was the Townsend Restaurant. [Insert frowny face here.]

But no worries, Tres Agaves was open and I got my favorite bowl of soup. So good!

While I inhaled the chips and guac, Annika enjoyed her leche.

We both agree this was a successful walk and are looking forward to the next one!

AUGUST STATS: 4.3 miles

2011-09-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

AUGUST 2011: 4.3 miles

SINCE I STARTED: 552.1 miles

I honestly didn't expect to walk at all in August since I had my baby on the 7th, but I was able to sneak out for two walks at the end of the month. Since I'll now be walking with a stroller, I'm going to stick to the flatter parts of town until Annika's neck is stronger and can handle rolling through rougher terrain. This means I'll focus on Mission Bay, the Sunset District and Golden Gate Park in September and October. Off we go!

2.8 miles in Excelsior

2011-08-31T22:44:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to figure out how to describe the Excelsior neighborhood.

It's similar to the Mission, but mellower.

Like the Mission, Excelsior has ample murals and neighborhood pride.

It also has several schools, including the City Arts & Technology School.

Naples Street. Oops.

There's low, and then there's LOW.

Judging by the amazing animals peeking out from the curtains of this mysterious establishment, I am indeed sorry that they are closed. Does anyone know what this place is on Paris and Brazil Streets?

1.5 miles in Bernal Heights

2011-08-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

This was, admittedly, a rather short hiatus. I just couldn't help myself - the weather was too nice this weekend to stay indoors.

I decided to hit the south side of Bernal Heights hill. It's funky.

I'm not as afraid of Paulina as I am of that little doll.

But if you want REALLY creepy dolls, you need to head on down to the Alemany Flea Market, quite possibly the greatest flea market in the world.

This flea market is huge and loaded with all sorts of treasures.

If you're looking for a sparkly green wig head, this flea market has one.

Same goes for an alligator head...

...and a gnarly violin.

My brother approves of the plethora of musical instruments at the flea market. We'll definitely be back.

Taking a Hiatus...

2011-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Surprise! I had a baby last week. Yeah, I know...It came as a surprise to me as well in that she was seven weeks early and is having to spend some time in the hospital to bulk up. Her name is Annika and she's doing fantastically well, though, so should be heading home soon. I'm happy to report that she has strong legs so will make an excellent walking buddy in a few years.

Until then, I have a Bumbleride Indie to keep us moving. It will be a few weeks before we can hit the streets, but when we do I will be sure to report here on our maiden voyage.

JULY STATS: 15.3 miles

2011-08-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

JULY 2011: 15.3 miles

SINCE I STARTED: 547.8 miles

Yay me! I'm improving my mileage after my slump earlier this year. AND I explored some new neighborhoods this month like Mission Bay and Dogpatch. July = fun walking!

3.1 miles in Inner Sunset

2011-07-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

From Washidry to Park Chow, the Inner Sunset has it all.

And I mean ALL. This is what I call "one stop shopping."

This sign makes me smile.

Yarn looks like lots of fun. Did I tell you that I tried knitting last year? I love the idea of it, but I just don't have the patience. Now if I could walk and knit at the same time...

This neighborhood has some really cozy streets. With its walk-ups and tree-lined sidewalks, 15th Avenue is the winner.

You can't miss this one.

Approach the door quickly or the vines may grab you.

I don't understand yards like this one, but I enjoy looking at them anyway.

Nothing ends a walk better than a great meal at Park Chow. I was delighted to see the gluten free corn pasta on the menu. Yum!

2.7 miles in Dogpatch

2011-07-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

I have heard people rave about how cool the Dogpatch neighborhood is, but I was still surprised when I got here.

I read online that Dogpatch is home to some of the oldest buildings in San Francisco because it fared so well in the 1906 earthquake and it saw no new development for most of the 20th century.

I expected to see a bunch of abandoned old buildings. Not surprisingly, Dogpatch delivered.

What was surprising, however? This.

Yes, that's an eggplant.

Also surprising was how delicious the ice cream is at Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous.

No, these aren't all mine. I'm only admitting to eating the middle one. I sampled the others and have determined that my favorite flavors are the praline and horchata. YUM!

As you know I'm celiac, so finding anything gluten free gets me jazzed. I just about had a heart attack when we happened upon this entirely gluten free store.

Christopher, the owner is super helpful and the selection is great for the prices. Take that Whole Foods. I think I just found my new #1.

My non-celiac friends waiting for me to shop found the action across the street at The Ramp to be quite entertaining. Apparently, a dude took a girl to The Ramp for some drinks only to accidently bump into his current GIRLFREIND. Yikes. A brawl consequently ensued which required police intervention. There was hair-pulling and name-calling galore.

Other points of interest included this really fun garage door mural,

what I think is a painting of Willie Mays,

and this mysterious hanging tube.

2.5 miles in the Haight

2011-07-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

If you want to feel like you are REALLY in San Francisco, take this walk.

The Haight gives you a well-rounded urban San Francisco experience.

It's got plenty of personality,

plenty of murals,

a funky old movie house,

and restaurants that look completely unimposing on the outside...

...that have cheap, bangin' food on the inside.

It's true.

2.6 miles in Mission Bay

2011-07-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

The weather was just too fantastic today to pass up a walk. So I snuck out this afternoon and did a loop around Mission Bay.

UCSF's brand spankin' new campus takes up the majority of this triangular space.

It's nice. Besides the fancy buildings, there are...

student amenities...

a bunch of smart people doing smart stuff...

and a Starbucks.

As you head north along 3rd Street toward the AT&T Stadium...

...you enter Mission Creek Park. It's really a nice, quiet spot in the middle of a bunch of construction sites and parking lots. I tested out one of the park benches by sitting and eating a snack. AND, I was pleasantly surprised by the very clean bathrooms in the park's pavillion. WIN!

I've always seen these houseboats below the 280 on my commute to work. It's fun to see them at sea level. The cow is perfect.

Here's where the walk got a little funky. If you decide to walk around this neighborhood, I STRONGLY suggest you stop when you get to the houseboats and then turn around, exiting the way you came, and NOT do what I did by walking this entire pedestrian maze over to 7th Street under the 280. Do NOT.

I'm telling you: it's not good.

Fortunately, no ill-will came to me on my trek under the 280, and by the time I crossed over the Caltrain rails, I was back to civilization and within eye-sight of my car.

2.3 miles in Van Ness (Japantown)

2011-07-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know what neighborhood this is. I'm calling it Van Ness, but it's really ambiguous territory wedged between...

...the Van Ness neighborhood to the east,

Cathedral Hill to the south,

and Japantown to the west.

Despite its lack of a solid name, the neighborhood is really well situated - within walking distance of public transit, good restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

And it's pretty.

You know how I feel about Whole Foods Market.
I would kill to live within walking distance of one.

Plus this neighborhood has a sense of humor. Obviously.

I believe!

2.1 miles in The Mission

2011-07-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

Don't ask if I'm getting close to being done with walking the Mission...because I'm not. It's a huge neighborhood and I've got so many more miles to trek in it. :/ I'm cool with it because the streets are relatively flat, there's plenty to see and eat, and the sketch level is manageable.

The Halberstadt Fencers' Club is a unique point of interest in this neighborhood.

As is the Albers sign on the Victoria Theatre. I did a quick search for Albers flapjack flour and learned it was made by the Albers brothers of Portland, OR at the turn of the 20th century, but I can't tell when it stopped being made. Maybe it still is?

This section of the Mission is peppered with a variety of restaurants. I like Irma's sign because it says, "Filipino BBQ in Town." Three bucks says it used be, "Best BBQ in Town" and they somehow lost the "title." There's a story there...

And then there's the graffiti. This doorway is boss.

I love owls.

How does this happen?

Okay!

If you need some inspiration to be happy, study the awesomeness of this van.

JUNE STATS: 12.1 miles

2011-07-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

JUNE 2011: 12.1

SINCE I STARTED: 532.5

Well, I doubled my distance this month from last, which isn't too bad considering I was out of town for ten days of this month. I covered some new ground on the southern half of town and hope to keep chipping away at it over the summer...I'm going to give the well-tread northern half of the city a break for awhile.

Have a fantastic Independence Day weekend!