Biking Over the Bridge

My good friend Joe Harrison is the Teachers Quorum Adviser in his ward. All four of his YM are former students of mine. Whenever he has cool activities planned (he does this with the specific goal of getting one of the YM more actively involved) he invites me along. I like it not only for the activities, but because I get to be with some of my favorite students again.

The activity this time was riding bikes from the north foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, over the bridge and then along the sea past the Presidio, Crissy Field, the Marina, and on to the Wharf. 

The boys, Joe Harrison, and his sweet wife who went along to keep us out of trouble.

On the way in we unexpectedly had to take a detour through town,

past a few recognizable San Francisco icons - like the Palace of the Fine Arts.

We also cycled past the Hyde Street Pier (familiar to all who come to visit us from out of town,

because we always subject them to our favorite places to visit - and eat), and Ghirardelli Square.

This is where we stopped to buy clam chowder bowls and relax. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! On the way in I wore a light, long sleeved, high neck pull-over. After sitting in the sun for a hour or so, I rode back in just a t-shirt (well, and pants). But I really could have worn my bike shorts and been comfortable.

We stopped here for a brief breather after the long climb up from sea level on the way back. Actually, I've taken a lot of pictures from this point in the last few years. You can see how beautiful it was outside today

. 

Even though I was leading the way at this point, I had to stop and snap

this photo as we headed north back to the cars. Very cool.

As much as I loved the whole day - the weather, the ride, the food, the good company, being with kids I like - maybe the best part was the Instagram message sent out by one of those kids as soon as he got home:

"Took a trip to San Francisco with my quorum today. So grateful for those guys!"

This is why we work so hard with YM. When they start to see their fellows like this, as a quorum, it's a good thing.