Death Valley

Death Valley is famously crazy-hot. But people are even crazier. There is an ultra-marathon race called the Badwater ultra-marathon, that starts in, you guessed it, Badwater which is in death valley. The course is 135 miles and ends at Mt. Whitney. Typically, the race takes about 24 hours to complete and it's important to make good time in the beginning, before the rubber melts off of your shoes.

I count myself amongst the nutters, because even though I physically could not do this, I think it's a great idea. If I didn't know that walking a half marathon on a flat surface in perfect weather nearly kills me, I'd be first to sign up.

San Francisco Dungeon

I went back to the virtual Fisherman's Wharf despite the fact that I'm still grieving about the Giradelli chocolate factory, and despite the fact that I don't really like fish. I DO like shell fish and clam chowder so I don't think I'll starve. It sounds like a wonderfully fun, touristy kind of place. You can explore historic ships, see sea lions, go to the aquarium, Madame Tussauds and Ripley's museum. Also a must do is to see Alcatraz. I loved the movie, "Escape from Alcatraz" and I also have a book called Over the Edge about a guy who does all kinds of crazy things among them the Alcatraz triathalon. You have to swim from Alcatraz to the shore before you either die of hypothermia or get eaten by sharks. Since sharks pick off straglers, it's best not to fall behind. 

However, the most fun sounding thing yet is the San Francisco Dungeon. This makes me want to take the first flight out!

THE DUNGEON

The San Francisco Dungeon brings to life the authentic tales of the Bay Area’s dark history, through theatrical actors, special effects, gripping storytelling and 360º sets. The hysterically horrible engaging stories will take you through 9 live actor-led shows as you experience reenacted scenes from the colorful Gold Rush era to authentic tales about the Barbary Coast criminal gangs, Alcatraz, the Shanghai Kelly boat ride, and more. It's the ultimate live action expedition! See, hear, touch, smell and feel the experience of early San Francisco as you move from show to show, guided by our professional actors. It’s hilarious fun – and sometimes a little scary! 

Street Corn

One of Catherine's favorite discoveries on her mission was Mexican Street Corn. I guess you slather corn with mayo--which sounds awful to me, and a few other things and grill it. I admit this picture looks pretty good.