Exploring Fort Point; Presidio District

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Facing the wind //  Photo By: Ciurdars

Fort Point is the perfect place in San Francisco to get an up close and personal view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Deemed a National Historic Site in 1970 by President Nixon, this FREE attraction boasts a lot more than just stunning views, but a storied past to boot!

The strong brick structure (then adobe) was erected in 1794 by Spanish Military forces thwarting off any opposition seeking claim on Bay territory. In 1821, Mexico won independence from Spain, but did not maintain the fort on the coast as they moved inland toward Sonoma. The US occupied the fort after their victory in the Mexican-American War.

This site has seen the US through early victories, Civil War, and World Wars. It is a BEAUTIFUL structure architecturally. Its strong exterior leads into a many tiered maze above. Walking through the corners of the fort, you feel as if you are in Medieval times. The open-air stair cases, spiral you from floor to floor. The roof being the least appealing of them all requires you to look up, only into the face of one of the worlds most iconic giants.

Parking is easy and with many other SF attractions near by like, Crissy Fields and the Walt Disney Family museum, this is a perfect place to spot off for the best shots. 

Preserve Your Penny:

1. Don't buy a thing and head to this super picturesque monument for $Free.99

Photos Above By: Ciurdars

If you head to Fort Point after the famous SF fog has rolled in, be ready for a freeze. The wind is incredible and the chill unreal. I felt pretty comfortable in layers underneath this amazing H&M thrift store coat and my Hunter Rain Boots. With my "Stunner" camera strap around my neck from Dark Water Classic, my Fuji is always close.

xx

Sara De.

How Sunrise is Done, Birthday Edition! ; Slacker Hill

We are strolling down memory lane with this post and reliving a moment from Fall 2014:

It was the wee hours of the morning of my 25th birthday. I had mentioned to a few friends (many of which are photographers) that I was hoping to catch the morning sunrise over the bay at "Slacker Hill," immediately beyond the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands. I had only every seen photographs of the nearby landscape and figured it the perfect place to hover above the city, and ring in my new year. They lovingly agreed despite the early alarm!

It was just after 6 AM. I was rushing to get dressed, grab a few dozen doughnuts, and make my way across the Golden Gate to make sure I caught a 6:44am sunrise. It was a particularly fogging morning. I couldn't see street lights or stop signs until I almost passed them. Carefully, and with hope still, I head for Slacker Hill. Approaching the bridge, I was haunted. Deep, dense fog was glowing an amber hue from the lights adorning the icon. Fog horns sounding as Cargo Ships slid unnoticed under its mass. Were we completely fogged in? It seemed hopeless from the middle of the suspended giant, but I had to be sure. Just passed the threshold, we turned off onto the first exit and head UP. 

We were ascending into the headlands, past Battery Spencer and just before Hawk Hill we parked  near a round-about. Free and Clear. The higher we climbed, the more the fog settled. Now that the fog was no longer a concern, I had to remember the clock. Myself and 20 others friends made our way from the parking lot up the 1.1 mile trail to the top. Now, it was no (birthday) cake walk. It felt like a total chore at the time, but BOY, was I gifted with the best possible outcome at the top......

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Me, above the clouds on my 25th birthday // Slacker Hill; Sausalito, CA - Photo by: Sam hylton

We made it within minutes. As the first sliver of copper shown over the horizon we were in awe. With many hugs, the unfolding of blankets, clicks of the shutter and hands reaching for doughnuts, it was the official start of what was one of the best years of my life. I like to think that morning; the warmth, the freshness, the effort, the accomplishment, the joy trickled its love throughout the remainder of the year. 

I haven't ever seen another sunrise like this. I truly believe it was such a special morning. If you would like to achieve some of the same views and moments, here is......

HOW TO:

 

From the City

1. Head North on US 101 over the Gold Gate Bridge.
2. Take Exit 442, Alexander Ave.
3. Stay left towards Conzelman Rd.
4. Take Conzelman Rd. left thru the tunnel & bearing right up into the headlands. (Otherwise you are headed back Southbound onto the bridge!)
5. Park at the Slacker Hill trail and Enjoy!  

Portraits of Sara // Photos by: Emma Fineman

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Kate and sara // Photo by: John thatcher

xx

Sara De.

Spring Training For Two; Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale Arizona is a special place; particularly in the Spring. Baseball fans flock from all over the country to get a taste of the upcoming season during Spring Training. Phoenix suburbs are riddled with thirsty tourists and travelers from February to April looking for stadium sun, snacks and cold ones! 

Whilst sitting on our rooftop late last year, discussing how to celebrate our 5 year anniversary, Shawn and I decided that their was no better way to pay homage to our love than with a little roadtrip fun, desert sun, and America’s Pastime.

We are huge proponents of Airbnb. It is such a special public service that I value so much as a traveler -  Because our schedule was so unsure at first we booked an Airbnb condo in Downtown Scottsdale for 4day/3nights walking distance from N. Scottsdale Rd. and it’s famous drag. It was the perfect slice of modern heaven in this desert oasis. In circling back to our calendars, we realized that we could take on an extra day at the very beginning of our trip, so I made a one night reservation the very swank, Scottsdale at McCormick Ranch. It was a sprawling and sparkling hotel. The hotel bar, BarSix40, and restaurant, Kitchen West, were hip and perfect for the relaxation we needed after a long 7 hour drive from Southern California. A golden cocktail hour on the patio felt like paradise.

Shawn in our Scottsdale Condo // March, 2016

With a day game against the Diamondbacks to start off, and a night game against the A’s later in our stay, we had some activities to patch together and time explore the Phoenix area. With that in mind, I gifted Shawn a pair of tickets to the McDowell Mountain Music Festival; Downton Phoenix’s non-profit Concert with a few choice musicians on the bill. This year, the acts included, Beck, Animal Collective, Bloc Party, St. Lucia, The Avett Brothers, Ms.Mr. and Gary Clark Jr. (Who was our main reason to attend.) Adding “Attend a Music Festival” to our special anniversary trip made a ton of sense for us.

When it comes to trying something new, I am your gal. Typically, I don't shy away from new adventures and experiences!  When Shawn asked me if I was interested in checking out a place called "Top Golf," I was a bit weary. I had never swung a golf club before - but as it goes, party on! Now, imagine a driving range; Marry it with ski-ball, add 3 stories of hitters, a full sports bar and restaurant seating at your range ..... this place was massive and massively awesome. We had the most fun afternoon hitting balls trying to beat one another driving scores. It comes HIGHLY recommended.

The Where To's:

Where To Have Breakfast: The Daily Dose on N. Scottsdale road. Dolled up diner food to nurse any hangover.

Where To Have Lunch: Pick any cantina patio in the sun and enjoy!

Where to Have Dinner: The Mission in downtown Scottsdale. Prepare for a wait! Or hop on the highway to Windsor in Phoenix. The indoor/outdoor ambiance can't be beat; and night can their fondue!

Where to Have a Fancy Date Night: Cafe Monarch 

Stop and Shop: Fashion By Robert Black

xx

Sara De

A SoCal Day, In NorCal ; Ocean Beach

In San Francisco, the weather is always moderate. The spring means a comfortable daily temperature that requires a "lite jacket" after sunset. So when the sun glows heavy, the locals head outside - practically to the coast. Shawn and I packed up our blanket, a few snack and beers and made our way to Ocean Beach; Adjacent to Golden Gate Park, just south of The Cliff House and Sutro Baths.

We met a couple of Shawn's school pals to toss the football around and soak up this seemingly SoCal day, in NorCal. The water was its usual frigid cold but the warmth came from the sun-kissed smiles that pepper the shoreline.

We ended our afternoon enjoying a beer with a view at the Cliff House over looking the Sutro Baths; A popular tourist and photography location. The expansive salt-water pools, whom now sit in ruins, serve as an epic backdrop for any hike, beach walk, or portrait session.

The final stretch of the evening was spent winding our way down Highway 1 to grab a casual burger and rootbeer. In N Out burger: the ultimate California Classic to cap the ultimate SoCal style day. 

xx

Sara De

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What Travel Means to Me?

My entire life, I have felt an itch that I could never scratch.

Feeling like a well rounded individual, this annoying, tiresome and confusing emptiness subtly haunted me. I’d think to myself; “You’re conventionally “happy”, you are loved, you are provided for. Get over yourself, nutty!”  Yet, the red-raw irritant led on.

All of these things on the surface were the absolute truth. Everything was perfectly normal. But I am just not cut out for “normal.” It wasnt until my early 20’s that I realized there was a cure to this yearn. Up until that point, all I knew of “travel” was a congested mini-van, hours on end in close proxy to my immediate family, N*Sync’s self-titled cassette tape on repeat, and the loop of Southern California's surrounding regions. It was difficult to get a family of 5 packed into the car, let alone up at 36,000 ft. I had been on just 2 flights in my life before the age of 22. One to the midwest and one to my future/current home of San Francisco. The city that changed it all for me.

In my 22nd year, I moved to the Bay and was fortunate enough to accept a position that not only gave me some extra change in my pocket but also offered me the opportunity to do a bit of traveling here and there. It was a new phase in life and I was so excited to see where it would take me. Little did I know that this was the answer to my itch. Through my small adventures in the city, as well as within my position, more and more I felt that itch and emptiness dissipate. I was learning more about myself, conquering everyday moments in the city, and pushing my wit and body when it came to being a lite mover and shaker. I was totally enthralled with the day to day - almost a little too much. There was a new pestering itch, but one that I loved and wanted to cater to; this was a whole new bite and it was by the Travel Bug.

My mind most days is in the clouds. Dreaming up scenes and scenarios, playing out moments and milestones before they even manifest. Living in San Francisco these past 4 years has been the greatest leap of faith and greatest pay off. Through hard work, smart choices, ambition, thirst and my easy spirit, I have found a way to satisfy a life long itch, and even embrace this new restlessness. This account will pay homage to that process and the places that helped me learn to love my life, thus far. There is so much more to experience. So many more daydreams to turn reality! Glad we get to do it together!

What does travel mean to me?

It means scratching an itch. It means fulfilling your purpose. It means making an impact. It means humbling yourself to the people that came before you. It means being a puzzle piece in the exciting future ahead.  It means exponential learning and growth. It means understanding your affect on this planet. It means being self-reliant. It means making your own assumptions of the world and its vast cultures first hand. It means looking to yourself to be your own best resource, ally, teacher, friend. It means cementing your memories. It means freedom to take your life by the balls and call the shots for nothing but betterment. 

Like I mentioned, taking a leap of faith, despite all my calculations, led me to what I believe was the missing link of my life. I can only hope the stories and messages you see here can encourage you to take your “norm” and shove it. It's not easy for 20-somethings to feel like they can "have it all" but with wit, some planning, embracing your everyday - you can have exactly what you need.

xx

Sara De