Sunrise over the East Bay after the Easter Morning Ride. This Bay Area tradition was started back in the ‘70s by Mean Marshall. A spirited ride up to the peak of Mt. Tam to watch the sunrise on Easter Morning, purportedly started as a harebrained idea after a long night of partying. While originally a Brit bike gathering, all marques are now welcome; and quite the diversity of exotic bikes are in attendance.
Easter Morning Ride This Bay Area tradition was started back in the ‘70s by Mean Marshall. A spirited ride up to the peak of Mt. Tam to watch the sunrise on Easter Morning, purportedly started as a harebrained idea after a long night of partying. While originally a Brit bike gathering, all marques are now welcome; and quite the diversity of exotic bikes are in attendance.
Driving the rocket truck around the country. The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The Doggy Diner float at the Ferry Building. The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
Disapproving observers, unaware of their company. The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The Doggy Diner heads in all their glory. The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
Ira and Laura at the Sock Exchange. The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
This Renaissance Fair Sucks! The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
Peter Saves! The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
And you thought we didn't need a Space Force! The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
The Red Hand tells us to go. The 41st annual St. Stupid's Day Parade, April 1, 2019. The First Church of the Last Laugh (FCCL) has only one High Holy Day, and THIS IS IT! Come join the festivities of the Pretty True One and Only Church as we observe the Stations of Stupid: Bless the Fed with your losing lottery tickets; Knock at the door of the Tomb O’Stupid; Take the Leap of Faith at the Statue of the Bare Butt Mechanics; parade rest at the Sunken Plaza of Slack; join in the Sock Exchange (at the old Pacific Stock Exchange); and toss your last pennies at the Banker’s Black Heart in front of the Triple Five (formerly the Bank of America building).
Every spring, the San Francisco Botanical Garden has the Magnificent Magnolias event. The gardens have over 100 Magnolias which all bloom once a year. In 2014, the blooms came very early due to unusually warm weather. Pretty much the middle of winter: January and February. The SF Botanical Garden is 55 acres of calm in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It has over 8,000 species of plants and is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. It is definitely worth a tour as a visitor, or especially as a city resident (entry is free for residents). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org Comments and critiques are welcome. Contact biker1337@yahoo.com to use this image.
Every spring, the San Francisco Botanical Garden has the Magnificent Magnolias event. The gardens have over 100 Magnolias which all bloom once a year. In 2014, the blooms came very early due to unusually warm weather. Pretty much the middle of winter: January and February. The SF Botanical Garden is 55 acres of calm in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It has over 8,000 species of plants and is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. It is definitely worth a tour as a visitor, or especially as a city resident (entry is free for residents). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org Comments and critiques are welcome. Contact biker1337@yahoo.com to use this image.
Every spring, the San Francisco Botanical Garden has the Magnificent Magnolias event. The gardens have over 100 Magnolias which all bloom once a year. In 2014, the blooms came very early due to unusually warm weather. Pretty much the middle of winter: January and February. The SF Botanical Garden is 55 acres of calm in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It has over 8,000 species of plants and is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. It is definitely worth a tour as a visitor, or especially as a city resident (entry is free for residents). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org Comments and critiques are welcome. Contact biker1337@yahoo.com to use this image.
Every spring, the San Francisco Botanical Garden has the Magnificent Magnolias event. The gardens have over 100 Magnolias which all bloom once a year. In 2014, the blooms came very early due to unusually warm weather. Pretty much the middle of winter: January and February. The SF Botanical Garden is 55 acres of calm in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It has over 8,000 species of plants and is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. It is definitely worth a tour as a visitor, or especially as a city resident (entry is free for residents). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org Comments and critiques are welcome. Contact biker1337@yahoo.com to use this image.
Every spring, the San Francisco Botanical Garden has the Magnificent Magnolias event. The gardens have over 100 Magnolias which all bloom once a year. In 2014, the blooms came very early due to unusually warm weather. Pretty much the middle of winter: January and February. The SF Botanical Garden is 55 acres of calm in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It has over 8,000 species of plants and is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. It is definitely worth a tour as a visitor, or especially as a city resident (entry is free for residents). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org Comments and critiques are welcome. Contact biker1337@yahoo.com to use this image.
Every spring, the San Francisco Botanical Garden has the Magnificent Magnolias event. The gardens have over 100 Magnolias which all bloom once a year. In 2014, the blooms came very early due to unusually warm weather. Pretty much the middle of winter: January and February. The SF Botanical Garden is 55 acres of calm in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It has over 8,000 species of plants and is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. It is definitely worth a tour as a visitor, or especially as a city resident (entry is free for residents). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org Comments and critiques are welcome. Contact biker1337@yahoo.com to use this image.
Every spring, the San Francisco Botanical Garden has the Magnificent Magnolias event. The gardens have over 100 Magnolias which all bloom once a year. In 2014, the blooms came very early due to unusually warm weather. Pretty much the middle of winter: January and February. The SF Botanical Garden is 55 acres of calm in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It has over 8,000 species of plants and is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. It is definitely worth a tour as a visitor, or especially as a city resident (entry is free for residents). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org Comments and critiques are welcome. Contact biker1337@yahoo.com to use this image.
Every spring, the San Francisco Botanical Garden has the Magnificent Magnolias event. The gardens have over 100 Magnolias which all bloom once a year. In 2014, the blooms came very early due to unusually warm weather. Pretty much the middle of winter: January and February. The SF Botanical Garden is 55 acres of calm in the heart of Golden Gate Park. It has over 8,000 species of plants and is one of the most diverse gardens in the world. It is definitely worth a tour as a visitor, or especially as a city resident (entry is free for residents). www.sfbotanicalgarden.org Comments and critiques are welcome. Contact biker1337@yahoo.com to use this image.
Brákarey Island is located in Borgarnes, about an hour’s drive north of Reykjavík. This old harbor town is full of Icelandic Saga history, and the Settlement Center is well worth a visit. It illustrates some of the sagas, including the story about Þorgerður Brák – slave to Skalla-Grímur and nanny to his son Egill. Brák stopped Skalla from killing his own son. He was still so enraged that he chased her down and killed her. Many markers are placed throughout the town marking events from the sagas.
A puffin seemingly posing for me on the small island Hafnarhólmi (actually, not an island anymore – a causeway was constructed to create a harbor). So many birds here, they should call it Puffin Island. This small island near Bakkagerði is a must stop if you’re a bird watcher. It has several stairways for easy access and several hides. Be aware that the island is closed to visitors in May for the nesting season.
One of the falls a short walking distance from Seljalandsfoss. This waterfall just seems to disappear – it appears to land behind a small rise, but no water flows away from the area. Very mysterious.
Seljalandsfoss is yet another awesome waterfall in a beautiful country full of them. It has a 60m drop into a fairly placid pool, with a sedately flowing stream flowing away. One of the great features of this popular waterfall is that you can walk behind it. A well worn trail takes you completely around the falls, through the hollow in the cliff face created by erosion from the rushing water. And another waterfall is just a short walk away – with yet another one about a km down the road.
The waterfalls at Þingvellir are truly spectacular. Not in terms of pure power, or the height from which it falls, but because of the geology of the region. A long plain ends abruptly here, where the falls empty into a narrow crack in the earth. The river meanders a short distance north before making a u turn and falling through the other wall of the crack to make its way down to Þingvallavatn – the largest lake in Iceland. Iceland created the parliamentary style of government here in 930 AD. It was called the Alþingi. Icelanders had all left countries ruled by kings, and they wanted no part of that. Þingvellir was chosen as the spot where the people would meet annually to create laws and settle differences. It was a perfect spot – located centrally on the main travel paths through the country, it had ample fresh water and wood for the gatherings, and the steep canyon wall made an excellent spot to address large crowds.
Sólfar will have to sail far this evening to find the sun, with the storm moving in. Simply incredible that at 10:30 in the evening, the sun has still not set. The Sólfar (Sun Voyager) is a sculpture by Jón Gunnar Árnason located on the Reykjavik shoreline. It calls to mind an old Viking ship preparing to depart on a journey of exploration and discovery.
Relaxing seaside at the Vidanta resort.
The dancers on Puerto Vallarta's El Malecon Boardwalk.
Sunset over one of the many pools at the Vidanta Resort in Nuevo Vallarta.
The bridge above Cascade Falls in Mill Valley.
The rolling hills of California with the Pacific Ocean in the background. Mt Tam from the Ridgeview Road.
Stinson Beach in the late afternoon as seen from the Ridgeview Road on Mt Tam. Spring.
San Francisco skyline at dusk, shortly after the winter solstice. As seen from the Albany Bulb.
Sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge just after the winter solstice, as seen from the Albany Bulb.
Ferraris at St Peters and Paul
A plethora of Ferraris traditionally cover Washington Square Park during the paraded. The Italian Heritage Parade celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Originally called the Columbus Day Parade, the name was changed in 1994 to celebrate accomplishments by all Italians. It is one of the oldest celebrations and originations dedicated to Italian-Americans in the United States. It has also expanded to include floats and demonstrations of the nearby neighborhoods, bringing the whole area together. The parade ends after passing by the reviewing stand in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church on Washington Square. Food and drink are readily available at this free event, and a large display of Ferrari's await you in the Square.
The Italian Heritage Parade celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Originally called the Columbus Day Parade, the name was changed in 1994 to celebrate accomplishments by all Italians. It is one of the oldest celebrations and originations dedicated to Italian-Americans in the United States. It has also expanded to include floats and demonstrations of the nearby neighborhoods, bringing the whole area together. The parade ends after passing by the reviewing stand in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church on Washington Square. Food and drink are readily available at this free event, and a large display of Ferrari's await you in the Square.
The Italian Heritage Parade celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Originally called the Columbus Day Parade, the name was changed in 1994 to celebrate accomplishments by all Italians. It is one of the oldest celebrations and originations dedicated to Italian-Americans in the United States. It has also expanded to include floats and demonstrations of the nearby neighborhoods, bringing the whole area together. The parade ends after passing by the reviewing stand in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church on Washington Square. Food and drink are readily available at this free event, and a large display of Ferrari's await you in the Square.
The Italian Heritage Parade celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Originally called the Columbus Day Parade, the name was changed in 1994 to celebrate accomplishments by all Italians. It is one of the oldest celebrations and originations dedicated to Italian-Americans in the United States. It has also expanded to include floats and demonstrations of the nearby neighborhoods, bringing the whole area together. The parade ends after passing by the reviewing stand in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church on Washington Square. Food and drink are readily available at this free event, and a large display of Ferrari's await you in the Square.
Niner Flydawg Von Raesfeld leading the parade in a Ural sidecar - part of the NorCal Patriot Guard Riders. The Italian Heritage Parade celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Originally called the Columbus Day Parade, the name was changed in 1994 to celebrate accomplishments by all Italians. It is one of the oldest celebrations and originations dedicated to Italian-Americans in the United States. It has also expanded to include floats and demonstrations of the nearby neighborhoods, bringing the whole area together. The parade ends after passing by the reviewing stand in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church on Washington Square. Food and drink are readily available at this free event, and a large display of Ferrari's await you in the Square.
It's not really a parade unless the Shriners break out the mini-cars. Zoom Zoom! The Italian Heritage Parade celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Originally called the Columbus Day Parade, the name was changed in 1994 to celebrate accomplishments by all Italians. It is one of the oldest celebrations and originations dedicated to Italian-Americans in the United States. It has also expanded to include floats and demonstrations of the nearby neighborhoods, bringing the whole area together. The parade ends after passing by the reviewing stand in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church on Washington Square. Food and drink are readily available at this free event, and a large display of Ferrari's await you in the Square.
Winners from the Miss Asian Community contest showing off their tiaras. The Italian Heritage Parade celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018. Originally called the Columbus Day Parade, the name was changed in 1994 to celebrate accomplishments by all Italians. It is one of the oldest celebrations and originations dedicated to Italian-Americans in the United States. It has also expanded to include floats and demonstrations of the nearby neighborhoods, bringing the whole area together. The parade ends after passing by the reviewing stand in front of Saints Peter and Paul Church on Washington Square. Food and drink are readily available at this free event, and a large display of Ferrari's await you in the Square.