Achieving My Dreams, One Line at a Time

Aaaaand, we're back!

2010-05-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

So, I would have written a new post a lot sooner but the bus never came (bah-dum-bah!)

No, but seriously, personal time lapse aside, how much Muni ridiculousness has occurred in the past year?

For starters, passes have gone up from $45 to $55 and up again to $60 for regular Muni service and $70 if you're ballin' and want in-city BART access. If you're paying out of pocket per ride, the price has gone from $1.50 to $2.00.

Maybe I'm glorifying the past, but I'm pretty sure when I first moved here, almost eight years ago, it cost $1.25 to board and when I first started working downtown, almost four years ago, monthly passes were $35. I also seem to recall more frequent service.

Actually, that part is definitely true. In the last few months, at least nine lines have been cut completely, tons of stops have been pulled off the lines and by the way, less buses now run less frequently. I don't think they've added any extra cabs to assist with this, but what do I know? I live in the Richmond and cabs don't come out this far anyway.

At least one thing hasn't changed though: the Muni characters. I'm not sure if it's the economic climate or more people just aren't taking their meds, but there has been some heavy tension floating in the foggy air of San Francisco. This of course translates into some memorable rides when you're stuck on a slow moving bus with 60 other, possibly unstable, people. There were a couple really special personalities on board this past year, notably the Muni Humper, the Muni Stabber and the horrific/hilarious lesson in race relations.

Sometimes, the Muni drivers themselves are characters. Back in January, the Transit Workers Union left letters on bus seats defending their bonuses, overtime pay, the union, etc. If you recall, Muni drivers make an enviable salary. Currently, there are big discussions happening regarding reformatting and auditing the budget, while trying to cut costs. On one hand, it's Headache City, on the other, it should certainly cause us riders to think critically about what we're actually paying for.

But it's not only what's on the bus we need to concern ourselves with, since more buses seem to be having more oopsies, whoopsies, eeeks and ughs on the street. (And then there was this poor guy.) I'm not sure if I'm suffering from some variant of mean world syndrome or media over-concentration of Muni accidents, but seriously, there have been a lot of reported accidents with fatalities this year. Scary!

Are we San Franciscans crazy? We're paying more for less, complete with a side of insanity theater and the risk of death-by-bus. On top of that, the folks that are supposed to be driving us to and from work, make more not showing up than we do for going. Somebody explain that to me.

But, perhaps change is on the horizon. You can let Gav know when you were late to work because the morning bus pulled the old disappearing act. (A slight comfort all the times I've sat seething on my commute.) You can challenge the system. You can put your money/vote where your mouth is. You can join the Transit Riders Union. Or you can find any other number of ways to let the powers-that-be know that this isn't working out for you and you're not take it anymore, because as much as it's a ridiculous pain, Muni is OUR ridiculous pain and it's our job as a comMUNIty to fix it. (Awwwww.)

Anyway, that's what have we missed on No Line Left Behind. Very, very, very, very shortly there will be a thrilling ride on the N-Judah, provided the train stops/doors open/train doesn't break down/no one gets hit, etc.

M - Ocean View

2009-01-29T22:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,
Please forgive the break. A change in life circumstances calls for a change in time management, which I think I almost have a handle on now. The city has only gotten busier and crazier in the past few months, which of course makes for more exciting MUNI adventures. Thanks for reading and check back soon for more!

Line - M Ocean View, Inbound
Date: April 27, 2008
Weather Conditions: Hot & Windy

Time: 1:32 p.m.
First Stop: San Jose Avenue & Geneva Avenue

I mosey out of the BART station. I've gotten cocky about catching the trains down here. Whenever I show up, the train I want appears. Magic.

But, today is a little different. The first M stop isn't in the same area as the K or J. NextMuni says San Jose and Geneva and a sign in the Metro Terminal says the train loads at the safety island on San Jose south of Geneva. Away I go.

Safety Island: A misnomer, don't you think?

I walk out to San Jose and instead of just looking for the platform, I get all tripped up wondering which way is south. Rationality takes over the confusion and I walk over to the bus shelter, which is on the sidewalk. In the middle of the street is a "safety island." It doesn't seem very safe because you have to dart out in the middle of the busy street to get on it. Oh, MUNI.

In any case, I count 24 people between the two areas -- not a good sign. It's really hot and everyone seems kind of annoyed. Hopefully my magic MUNI-On-Demand powers will kick in soon.

An outbound M drops people off in the middle of San Jose. Not at a safety island, not near the sidewalk, but in the middle of the road. People start run-walking everywhere, dodging cars and trying to make it to sidewalk. It's like a game of human Frogger. This is so backwards.

I start getting annoyed about having to wait so I check NextMuni on my phone. It says the first stop is Geneva Terminal. Huh? Also, the train will be here in 10 minutes. Since the goal is to ride from the first to last stop and I have time, I decide to poke around. There's a train graveyard so I walk around looking for this mystery terminal. Nothing.

Just as I walk back, an M pulls up and everyone starts to board. That was more like two minutes, but whatever. I'm pretty annoyed because by the time I get over to the island the train pulls away. It goes about five feet before it comes to a halt.

The magical M, coming out of nowhere.

About 45 seconds later, everyone deboards. What's going on?

Time: 1:46 p.m.

I stand on the safety island next to a mom wearing blue scrubs. Her daughter, who's maybe about eight, gives me a look. I ask, "What's going on?"

Mom-in-scrubs sighs and says, "I don't know, he just let everybody off. It was strange, we were all ready to go."

The driver walks up and down the island, dialing on his cell. Some people are still on the train. Other people get exasperated and start walking. If only they knew.

"I don't understand," says Mom, "we were moving just fine." I shrug unhelpfully, the little girl scowls at me. I scowl back. Beastly child.

The driver comes from around the back, talking on his phone. "It just doesn't work, let me try again." He gets in the train and it makes a gear grinding noise.

Time: 1:53 p.m.

Another driver appears. "What's wrong?" he asks our driver.

"It doesn't work from the inside, man."

The two of them stand around for a minute looking puzzled. Our driver sighs and says, "Ok, everyone get inside."

Our driver shakes his head at the other driver. "I've been doing this for 29 years, I have no idea what's going on." Twenty-nine years? I am shocked that he's been at the same job for so long. Wow.

There's a mad rush as everyone clamors on the train. I get on, someone has taken my usual spot. I'm a little bothered, but whatever, I'm glad to finally just be on the train. I notice a man in a wheelchair who looks incredibly bored. The boredom doesn't much longer though because the driver goes up to the guy and says, "Sorry my friend, I need you to get off."

There is lots of yelling, both from Wheelchair Guy and the other riders. "I've been riding this line forever, and I've never had a problem!" Other people yell at the driver, "Can't you see? He's DISABLED!" This goes on for a few minutes. The driver keeps apologizing. Mom-in-scrubs sighs. A couple of old ladies speaking loudly to themselves comment on how the driver is "absolutely terrible." From the back, some guy yells, "You couldn't have done that earlier?"

Once Wheelchair Guy gets off the train moves without a problem. I have no idea what the train not moving and a wheelchair had to do with each other but I guess, hey, it's MUNI. Things don't need to make sense.

Outfit love!

Everyone settles into their seats but it still feels tense on the train. It probably doesn't help that it's like 85 degrees and there was over a 20 minute wait for the train. A teenager sits across from me smacking her gum. An older woman a few rows back recognizes her. "Hey girl! How you been?"

"Oh, hey! I'm good!"

"Where you headed on such a warm day?"

"Aww, I gotta go to work. I work down at Champs, it's my style, you know?"

"Oh girl, I know. Well good for you!"

Time: 1:55 p.m.
Stop: San Jose Avenue & Lakeview Avenue

Mom-in-Scrubs gets off with her daughter. I'm surprised they waited that long just to go two blocks. I would have been so mad. A woman wearing an orange shirt gets up just before the doors close and says, "Thank you" really loud.

We continue on and look like we're headed to Daly City. We're kind of up high and there's a nice view of a valley of trees

Time: 1:57 p.m.
Stop: Broad Street & Orizaba Avenue

A lot of people get on at this stop. The already warm train gets warmer and smells sweaty. Gross. A couple sits behind me. The man has a thick accent. Based on the conversation they're having I would say they're on a blind date. We pass a house that has RC Cola boxes stacked up. The car lurches. The more I look around the train I realize how scratched up and dirty the windows are. Is carving gibberish into the windows necessary?

Window art, meet street art.

Time: 2:00 p.m.
Stop: Randolph Street & Bright Street

Dismayed by the gross windows, I focus my attention to eavesdropping on the blind date couple.

The woman asks the man, "Do they celebrate Mother's Day in South America? In Venezuela?"

"Umm, yes. Yes, they do."

"When is it?"

"The 15th? I don't know."

Their conversation is pretty standard and boring up until this point so I start losing interest. Then she asks, "Are you going to send a card?"

Instead of answering yes or no, he says, "I love her. I'm very attached to her, but not overprotective." Huh? I am lost in translation. The woman responds, "That's nice."

The neighborhood we ride through is very residential but I am noticing a lot of Christian churches scattered in between the houses.

Time: 2:02 p.m.
Stop: Randolph Street & Arch Street

More people get on. No one moves back so it takes forever to get everyone on board. Behind me I hear an adamant, "I just don't like Florida!"

The blind date couple is still discussing family. The woman asks about the guy's father. "Does he know you're a landlord?"

"Oh. I never met him. He died."

"Oh. Did you go to the funeral?"

"No, because I never knew him."

Fed up, he starts asking her questions. "What about your father?"

"Oh. We've never met."

"Have you wanted to meet?"

"I would have to hunt for him. If we meet, it will be because of my effort."

I am baffled by their inability to coherently or completely answer each other's questions.

We pass a street called Byxbee, which reminds me of Ramona Quimby for some reason. I decide that when I get a dog I will name it Byxbee.

Time: 2:06 p.m.
Stop: 19th Avenue & Holloway Avenue

The train is completely packed by the time we reach SF State, but no matter. Tons of State kids push their way onto the train. I notice a lot them stop to pay. Do they not get school-issued passes? A seat in front of me opens up and two loud blond girls sit down. "I want to sit on your lap!!!"

All I can think is, "Hella State kids."

Inane chatter in front of me continues: "So wait, what are those beans called?"

"Ed-uh-mom-mee."

"I can't say that, it's too hard!"

The topic changes, "Oh my GOD, I wanted to get out of the bar soooo bad!"

We are still stopped waiting for all of the State kids to cram into the train. The blind date couple decides enough is enough and they get off. The woman next to me moves to take their seat and another woman carrying a Neiman Marcus takes her seat immediately. She is incredibly fancy looking with an ornate scarf held in place with a big sparkly brooch. My seat partner sticks out amidst all the jeans and SFSU sweatshirts, but in a good way. It's rare, but it's nice to see some class on MUNI.

The train finally starts to move again. Two young guys wearing designer jeans talk about going to Vegas. I hear a shriek from the blonds in front of me. "I can TOTALLY drink as much as you!"

"Whatever! Last night was awesome. I saw Nick and we did a LOT of stuff." They giggle.

The train starts going through a bushy corridor. I watch as branches pass along the windows. My moment of peace is disrupted by another shriek and more loud commentary. "I feel like when she gets mad her hair gets bigger!" I stare at the identical set of long, blond flat ironed hair in front of me. Straight hair is such a mystery.

The fancy lady next to me tries peering into my notebook.

Time: 2:17 p.m.
Stop: West Portal Avenue & 14th Avenue

The drive makes an announcement "West Portal Station--coming up!" In our part of the train I count eight Blackberries. Ridiculous.

I also saw THE most amazing cane ever.

We sit and wait for awhile. In the meantime, the blondes discuss their man troubles. Blond #1 says, "I don't get it. We hooked up last night AND last weekend. Now he's going to Tahoe this weekend with another girl!" Blonde #2 shakes her head sympathetically. Blonde #1 continues angrily, "Every guy I talk to is a piece of shit or just way too intense!"

Time: 2:25 p.m.

We are still stopped. The blondes are still whining about dudes. The fancy lady is still trying to read my notebook. The train is still hot. Ugh.

The driver's voice comes on again, "Umm, we're going to wait for awhile." Awesome. Some girl in the front asks, "WHAT THE FUCK?"

We finally move into the station when there is another announcement. This one is indecipherable except for, "There is something wrong with the train." The doors open and bodies pour out of the train.

Me, the old people, the State kids and tourists looking confused. We all stand around, bored, annoyed and hot.

Oh Muni, waiting and waiting. Waiting on you.

Time: 2:31 p.m.

Another train pulls up and if we weren't at capacity on the last train, we are now. I don't get a seat and my notes become rather sketchy. Somewhere on the train someone is blasting "Pomp & Circumstance." Really?

Time: 2:37 p.m.
Stop: Church Street Station

Memories of graduation day have passed and now the woman behind me is heaving. I'm really hoping she's not having a heart attack or is about to puke. To the side of me is a girl with a giant case, it sort of looks like it might hold an instrument, but who knows.

Time: 2:39 p.m.
Stop: Van Ness Station

The heaving lady and the giant case girl both get off. The train clears out a little bit, but not enough for anyone to feel like they can breathe yet. I start anticipating my exit. In 10 minutes or so the longest ride ever will be over! YES!

Time: 2:41 p.m.
Stop: Civic Center Station

The train comes to a quick halt and I almost topple over. A homeless guy I see around work gets on the train. He gets a seat.

I also almost toppled because I was obsessed with these tights.

Thank you Jesus, the train empties. It's beyond me why on such a beautiful day anyone would opt to go to the mall but I really can't complain since for the first time in about half an hour I feel like I can breathe. Also I sit down.

Just a on a quick Sunday ride.

Time: 2:43 p.m.
Street: Montgomery Street Station

The homeless guy gets off. We sit in the station for a minute or so. There aren't too many people left on the train. I wonder what they're doing down in the Financial District on a Sunday afternoon.

Time: 2:46
Stop: Embarcadero Station

I'm elated to be off this train. I race out and notice that we're on the Outbound side. I decide to save that mystery for a different day, I need a drink.

Muni + Confusion = Business as usual.

Total Time: 1 hour, 4 minutes (approx.)
Where can you see more? HERE

You guys, we are in the wrong sector...

2008-12-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Via SFist via SFGate:

Nathaniel Ford

-is the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency chief

-has the highest base salary on the city payroll ($315,140!!)

-was set to receive a $13,236 raise and a $26,787 bonus

-but, it looks like the raise/bonus will be deferred.

Photo via the San Francisco Sentenial

P.S. SFMTA faces a budget deficit of about $40 million this year.

Argh mateys, there be pirates roaming these city streets!

2008-10-21T07:20:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite San Francisco characters is a guy I call "The Muni Pirate." He hangs out on Market Street, usually between Powell and Montgomery, hawking transfers. He always wears a headscarf, heavy boots and a gold earring. I'm still trying to figure out if he uses eyeliner or if his eyes are just naturally well-outlined. Sometimes he has a carpetbag.

A few weeks ago, I was on my way home from work when I saw TMP in action! But let's get this straight, the guy is always in action. When he's not running onto buses, throwing pennies in the meter and grabbing a stack of transfers to sell, he's giving potential customers the once-over and siding up to you all shady whispering, "Hey, you need one?" From what I've been quoted, his going price is between 50 cents to a dollar.

I've never bought a transfer from him, but I'm always curious about who does. My curiosity has been sated because I saw not one, but two exchanges take place, on two different days, in two different spots. I was excited about it.

Number one comes from the median across from Abercrombie. I saw him sell this old lady a crumply pass for some change. He gave her a head nod and disappeared. She was unfazed.

Number two took place at Market and Montgomery. He sold the guy in scrubs a pass for a dollar. Scrubs guy kept his earphones in and didn't say anything. He did give the pirate a head nod after the exchange though.

I'm just so curious about this guy. Has he ever been busted? What's his deal? Is this profitable? Maybe one of these days I can line up an interview.

Until then, stay tuned. I promise to be back on track soon. I sort of took a summer hiatus and just never came off of it. It happens.

Muni Take Note!

2008-09-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

Eeeeesh!*

Also, crazy Muni beautification. Personally, I would appreciate functionality, but you know, small steps.

*Thanks Kelly!

Watch where you sit!

2008-08-20T10:36:00.000-07:00

This morning my co-worker and I traded Muni Fail stories: the 38BX never came, causing me to be late, and apparently on her 10 Townsend the driver got up and announced that yesterday two people were stuck by needles left in the seats. He warned everyone to be careful on the afternoon ride. What?!

Which makes me wonder, what's the weirdest/grossest thing you've seen/experienced on Muni seats?

I think mine's probably a puddle of urine on the 5 Fulton. Disgusting.

Watch yourselves fair city dwellers...

2008-07-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

This isn't about Muni, but it is about insanity and since the two are synonymous I thought I'd pass it along.

Could you even imagine?

Straight From the Horse's Mouth

2008-07-15T15:25:00.001-07:00

A few nights ago, in a roundabout way of getting home, I ended up on the 22 and heard an interesting conversation which I thought I would pass on.

Time: 6:47 p.m.
Stop: Church and Duboce

I'm sitting in the back, on the left side of the forward facing quad seats. Across from me is a smirky man wearing a Giants hat, next to him is a bored looking guy with headphones on, next to me is a guy with a hat wearing a huge camouflage jacket and behind all of us is a Muni driver who just got off a shift.

When the Muni driver got on he was really friendly and started talking to everyone. He sort of reminded me of that one kid in high school who knows everybody and is super comfortable being all loud and chatty.

Camouflage guy and the Muni driver start talking. I'm not sure what they started talking about but my ears perked up when I heard Camouflage saying he used to be in the Marines and has since had multiple surgeries on his brain and was left with "almost no real bones in [his] body!" He has to go to Stanford all the time for testing, takes pills at multiple points in the day and keeps a strict diet of fruits and vegetables. Muni driver, also a former Marine, is shocked that Camouflage can't eat meat. "Have you been to Safeway recently? You can get those big Niman Ranch steaks for real cheap!" Camouflage says again that he can't have meat, but if he did he would get it at Foods Co. He shakes his head, "They have much better prices."

As we start going up Fillmore, the conversation turns to driving the bus. Camouflage is impressed by the drivers since it's such a hard job. Muni driver explains how he applies the same principles from the Marines to his job driving. The principles? "Staying physically strong ... and remembering [he's] in a position of service." They talk about finding purpose in the Marines. Then they started talking about drugs. I think I zoned out for 20 seconds or something around that point thus the disconnect in subject matter. (Or is it?)

Muni driver explains that there is a drug policy in place now where if you test dirty you're unable to drive for two years. The two of them agree that it's a good, forgiving policy, especially after Muni driver explains that within his first three years, before the policy was in place, 900 drivers were let go. Nine hundred?!

The driver continues throwing big numbers around saying, "Currently we're 700 drivers short, so we're hiring." Marine guy says he might be interested. Muni driver is thrilled and gives him a bright orange flier. "Yeah, they're interviewing on the 17th, 18th and 21st, just down at 401 Van Ness. Just go right on in on the first level!" Marine guy gets very excited and says he might do it. He hops out at McCallister and Fillmore.

Muni driver stands up as the bus pulls away and fans the rest of the papers at me, the Giants guy and the man with headphones. "Anybody else want to make $27 an hour?"

The Giants hat guy exclaims, "Twenty seven dollars?!"

"Yeah, and $41.41 after eight hours!"

I momentarily contemplate quitting my job.

Giants hat guy and I exchange the same wide-eyed look. He says, "Wow," under his breath.

The driver laughs and walks to the front. Giants hat guy smirks at me. Headphones guy hides behind his sunglasses and remains unfazed. Oh, Muni.

------------------

But seriously, if you're in the market for a new job and you've always dreampt of a career in Muni, now is your time!

In other things, my life is starting to slow down and this NoLineLeftBehind hiatus is almost over. I promise to post more new, exciting explorations very soon. Watch out!

Too Good Not to Share...

2008-06-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

In the vein of Rachel's Fog City Notes, an excerpt of my travels outbound on the 31 Balboa this evening:

Time: 7:55 p.m. (approx.)
Stop: Turk Street & Taylor Street

The bus is pretty full. Most people look like they're headed home from work. We pick up some people and the bus starts to move. Through the music on my iPod, I hear screaming. Is someone stuck in the door?

I pull my pods out. "Let me on! Let me on!" Someone at the front of the bus tells the driver there's a woman in a wheelchair chasing the bus. The bus stops. Doors open.

Thinking the action is over, I put my pods back in. I look out towards Aunt Charlie's. About two minutes go by and this woman is still trying to get on the bus. The people towards the front seem displaced. Some of them move to the back, some of them stand around the front confused. I pull out my pods. Someone yells, "She's too heavy!" I hear the woman screaming but it's garbled. The bus driver is up and trying to help her. She starts saying something about how it's a new chair, she doesn't know how to work it. Suddenly she's on the bus, zipping around the front and bumping into the front seats. An old man stands up on his seat and clutches the top rail. Talk about dexterity, wow. The woman tries to maneuver the wheelchair but she can't. It keeps going out of control. Finally, she gets over to the wheelchair corner. She keeps babbling loudly about the chair being new and not knowing how to work it. It's a pretty nice chair, it looks cushy and padded.

I'm pretty sure she wasn't locked in because she kept scooting the chair around but we started moving again anyway. She continues yelling nonsense. I put my pods back in.

Time: 8:05 p.m. (approx.)
Stop: Eddy Street and Laguna Street

The bus stops and I'm pulled out of my end-of-the-day-lull by more screaming. The bus driver is yelling at the woman. "You pushed the button to get off here! I heard it"

She's indignant. "No, I DIDN'T! This is not where I get off!"

"You pushed the button to get off here, you're getting off!"

I was in the back, so I couldn't see any of this, but if I had to guess I would say she pushed it. She was rolling around a lot so intentional or not, it seems probable that she did signal to get off.

They continue their shouting match until she calls the driver "a punk ass nigga" to which the driver says, "That's it. I'm getting the police!" The back of the bus sighs an audible collective groan. This could be a while.

The bus driver gets off the bus and heads towards the back. I look out the back window and see the driver and a cop car but no cop. Meanwhile, on the bus, the woman has started crying hysterically. "I take this bus all the time, nothing like this has ever happened to me before!" Seriously, if i had a dollar every time I heard that on MUNI, I would be a very rich lady.

The old man who was previously standing on his chair tries to comfort her in a very thick Russian accent. I'm pretty sure I heard her call him a bitch. As in, "Bitch, it's not ok!" She continues her scream-rambling about being mistreated by the driver when all of the sudden she stands up and walks off the bus.

A guy across from me is on his cell phone. He tells the person on the other end, "Yeah, I'm watching a show MUNI." No kidding. I turn around to look at the driver again. He sees the woman walking and his face is the dictionary definition picture of disbelief. He yells, "YOU CAN WALK?!"

Everyone on the bus laughs. The bus driver is not laughing. "Ohhhh, no!" She gets back on the bus. Out of nowhere the cop appears and he's smirking as he walks to the front of the bus. There's more "I'm not going anywhere! You can't make me do anything!" The police officer says, "Come here, I'll help you get off." She doesn't want help, she doesn't want to get off, this isn't her stop. Finally she gets off. The bus driver closes the door quickly, I guess in case she decided to make a mad dash for the door sans wheelchair.

Outside, the cop has a notepad out and then woman has tears streaming down her face. As we pull away, I notice that she is either wearing hot pants or maybe just panties. Either way, there was a lot of old lady thigh happening.

End Scene.

In other MUNI-related things, anyone know what line this driver is on? Not going to lie, I'm kind of excited for it.

Counting on MUNI, mathematically speaking

2008-05-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Lots of exciting stuff is happening in the next few days and it's a three day weekend so MUNI might be slightly ridiculous.

If you're anything like me, you'll wait and wait for a bus, give up in a huff when it doesn't come and start walking. Of course, the bus I was waiting for passes me in between stops and then I look like a madwoman chasing a bus at fullspeed for two blocks.

This article mathematically proves why it's better to just wait. Guess you should pack a crossword puzzle or something.

MUNI gets towed!

2008-05-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

Cell phone cameras do no justice but this is a 49 getting towed at Van Ness, as seen from the 5.

Oh, MUNI...

2008-05-15T23:05:00.000-07:00

Guess what everyone?! I have a not-so-MUNI related (but still exciting) transit story and lots of ridiculousness as experienced on the M-Ocean View. Keep an eye out for those two.

But for now, a story.

A couple weekends ago I was down in the Mission and used my MUNI pass on BART. I usually keep my MUNI pass in a passholder thing, but it's sort of inconvenient on BART so I ended up just putting the pass in my back pocket.

Fast forward to Monday, I go to get on my morning bus and realize, "My pass is gone!" At first I thought I lost it, but then I realized I just forgot to take it out of my jeans pocket. Phew. Luckily Mr. 31BX and I are tight so he let me on, no problem.

On the ride to work, I hatch this terrific plan to photocopy my coworker's May pass and just stick it in my passholder. Of course I forget.

I leave downtown around 7:30 p.m. and decide to just be cool, get on my phone, flash my April pass with my thumb over the "APR" and go to the back of the bus. No problem, tons of people evade MUNI everyday.

Except that I hate lying and stealing, I'm not very good at it and my poker face is suspicious. So of course the bus driver yells at me. "Ma'am! What do you think you're doing?" Blergh.

I look down at my pass and gasp. "Oh no! I am so sorry." Of course my change purse is completely empty except for two one-dollar bills.

I sat down angry. I can't believe I had to pay TWO DOLLARS! I can't believe he wouldn't just let me on! I could have shown him a year's worth of passes!

So basically, I'm 0-2 in MUNI fare evasion. The first time, I was in college and lost my bus pass ID and tried to get on near Balboa Park. The driver yelled at me, made me pay and told me if I ever tried to do it again I would be prosecuted. Thankfully I wasn't.

And yet, people ride for free everyday. Life's mysteries.

L - Taraval

2008-05-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

Line: L - Taraval, Inbound
Date: April 12, 2008
Weather Conditions: Warm & Sunny

Time: 10:53 a.m.

First Stop: Wawona Street & 46th Avenue

Taking a break and gearing up.

Today is a beautiful day but the Outer Sunset is kind of a ghost town. My guesses for everyone's whereabouts are: the Zoo, Ocean Beach or eating brunch. An L is sitting at the stop but the driver won't let anyone on. As a non-regular train rider I'm sort of confused about where passengers are supposed to stand. On the little train island or near the bus shelter? An older man with a yellow shopping bag seems to be thinking the same thing; we both pace in between the two areas in case the train decides to move and we need to make a run for it. (Thinking about it now, I really doubt the old man would have run. I would probably have to be that idiot running to catch MUNI for the both of us.)

Yellow bag man checks out one of many ever present Sarah Marshall ads.

Some other people show up and stand on the train island. Around the stop there are two motels, Roberts Motel and Ocean Park Motel. There is a sign on Roberts Motel, "Sleep By The Sea."

Time: 10:57 a.m.

Yes! Finally the train looks like it's going to start. I head over to the island. Passengers are me, yellow bag man, a guy wearing an AIDS prevention shirt with a zoo visitor sticker , a middle aged runner with a newspaper and an old woman who reminds me of Aunt Edna from National Lampoon's Vacation. We file on the train. The driver does not check passes. Yellow bag man sits down in my normal seat. Oh no he didn't! He must feel my inner territorial rage because he gets up. I sit down. All is well.

We start rolling along. The train is air conditioned which feels great.

Time: 11:01 a.m.
Stop: 46th Avenue & Taraval Street

We come to a stop. On the left there is a burger place called Bashful Bull Too. (Apparently it's not so good.) A group of middle school girls gets on. One is wearing a purple shirt that says, "Make Love, Not War." We make eye contact and she gives me a weird look. I realize that my pen is hanging out of my mouth. The middle schoolers head to the second car.

Time: 11:02 a.m
Stop: 40th Avenue & Taraval Street

The car is very, very quiet. We pass a video store, SeaBee Liquor and a Walgreens. There are a lot of stores with signs in, what I think is, Chinese. There are quite a few older people on the train. I think it's interesting how visible old people are in the city. Or maybe I just notice them so it seems like there are a lot. In any case, it seems like elderly people in San Francisco are pretty mobile and do a lot of things. I'm not sure what they do, but they always seem to be going somewhere.

Time: 11:04 a.m.
Stop: Taraval Street & Sunset Boulevard

The driver comes on the loudspeaker, "It's, uhhh, Sunset Boulevard. The 29 is at Sunset Boulevard." I love the questioning tone in his voice. We cross the intersection and pass a judo institute.

At 35th Avenue we pass a Curves, causing me to wonder where on Earth there isn't a Curves. (I'm also wondering how it's possible to burn 500 calories in half an hour. I welcome any success stories you may have in the comments section.)

No joke, a whole store full. Stock up!

Time: 11:07 a.m.
Stop: Taraval Street & 30th Avenue

The driver speaks again, "It's, uh, 30th Avenue, I think. Yeah, it is." I am loving this driver. Not that this could really happen on the train, but I've always wondered what it would be like to be on a bus where the driver didn't know the route. If I wasn't in a hurry I'd probably be pretty amused.

Pretty lofty statement.

Time: 11:08 a.m.
Stop: Taraval Street & 24th Avenue

At 24th, the driver makes the best announcement, "Next stop is 22nd Avenue. There's a Walgreens." I love it! We pass Sunset Hydroponics; it brings good memories of 11th grade science class and budding lettuce plants.

The train is incredibly quiet. Everyone is sitting very still. Everyone must be sleeping in. There are no cars around us and no people on the sidewalk.

A Walgreens worth mentioning.

Time: 11:11 a.m.
Stop: Taraval Street & 19th Avenue

Someone breaks the dead silence and laughs in the second car.

At the 17th Avenue stop, the man across from me, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, stands up and waves to a woman on the street. She waves back and gets on the train. They move to the back. A middle aged woman sits down next to me very carefully. She crosses her hands in her lap. We pass a Brazilian jujitsu place and make a turn on 15th at Taraval.

Time: 11:15 a.m.
Stop: Ulloa Street & Forest Side Avenue

A man with a leprechaun tattoo on his calf gets out. We pass the house where I had my worst and last babysitting experience ever. Watching two fussy newborn twins, one of whom can't swallow and has to be tipped upside down to drink, is a wholly unpleasant experience. Trust me.

"We're approaching West Portal Station, the stairs are going up," says the driver. I really appreciate his good communication. Half the time I have no idea what the drivers are saying. We ease into the station very slowly.

Time: 11:18 a.m.
Stop: West Portal Station

Three men get on, two are wearing Giants attire. The guy behind me blows his nose. I turn around and see Hawaiian shirt man shaking his finger disapprovingly at the woman he's with.

The driver makes an announcement. "Forest Hill Station is next. I believe you can catch the 52 Excelsior there."

Taking MUNI to the game!

Time: 11:20 a.m.
Stop: Forest Hill Station

The guy across from me is reading the paper. The leprechaun tattoo guy sat in the same spot and was also reading the paper. The train is moving really fast. My seat partner is looking straight ahead, which is how she's been for the entire ride. I am impressed by her discipline. She is probably the best seat partner yet.

Time: 11:24 a.m.
Stop: Castro Station

Two men get on. One is young, one is old, both are wearing straw cowboy-looking hats. They are not together. What a funny coincidence.

Time: 11:25 a.m.
Stop: Church Street Station

One person gets on at Church, no one gets off.

The Giants guys are talking. The train is moving through the tunnel now so it's hard to eavesdrop, but I do hear, "Oh yeah, that's over in the East Bay," and "She slept with him?!"

The train is otherwise quiet. It's actually been a very boring ride, minus the driver. There haven't been too many people on the L today. Maybe people are walking or biking to get here and there because it's so sunny. Maybe they are out of town. Maybe they are hungover and still asleep. Hard to say.

This is the kind of old lady I want to be.

Time: 11:27 p.m.
Stop: Van Ness Station

My seat partner gets off. "Next stop is Civic Center, it's the first BART connection," says the driver. The wheels of the train are screeching.

I imagine she was headed to Dolores Park. Such a good day for frisbee.

Time: 11:29 a.m.
Stop: Civic Center Station

No one gets on and there aren't too many people waiting at the station. A baby in the front of the car makes a soft crying noise, but isn't crying. I look around, the Giants are gone.

Time: 11:30 a.m.
Stop: Powell Station

Most people get off at Powell. Now I know where the elderly like to hang out: The Mall. Blue socks woman sits next to me. I'm excited. There are some brochures in the plastic holders near the door. A girl picks one up and starts looking at it. I'm curious about what it's for.

What does it say?

Time: 11:32 a.m.
Stop: Montgomery Station

Ten people get out. Blue socks moves. I always wonder about this bus phenomenon. Sometimes when most people clear out of the bus, the person who is sitting next to you will get up and move somewhere else. I don't do this, but I always wonder the reasoning. Is it to be polite and give the other person space? Sometimes I think I did something wrong, making the person not want to sit next to me. I feel especially bad when I think we've made good bus seat partners. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like I form unspoken (usually) relationships with seat partners, so I like to think about these things. Maybe people just like to sit alone.

A guy goes and picks up one of the brochures. I am totally curious now.

Time: 11:33 a.m.
Stop: Embarcadero Station

Finally the last stop. I gather up all of my stuff and go to get a brochure. I am the last person aboard. The driver comes on the loudspeaker and says, "Rise and shine, end of the line!" I appreciate the rhyme.

Once out of the train, I check out the brochure. It's for the Transit Effectiveness Project, which kind of seems like an oxymoron, but ok. It looks like MUNI wants our opinions in order to help "refine proposals to make MUNI service more reliable and efficient." As of now there are four meetings left and you can win a Fast Pass. Totally hit that.

Total Time: 40 minutes (approx.)
How I got there: 5 to 18
Where can you see more? HERE

Google Schools You in New MUNI Tools

2008-04-22T11:16:00.000-07:00

Dearest Fellow Adventure-ers,

I promise I will post my L Taraval findings soon. I'm aiming for Thursday.

In other transit-related news, Google has rolled out GoogleTransit* in the Bay Area, which although by no means perfect, seems much more comprehensive than the jenky Transit.511 Trip Planner.

Of course, you could always rely on my favorite method and look at a map. The best part is you can print it out, glue it in your notebook and never be lost again!

Until next time, happy travels friends!

*Thanks SFCitizen for the heads up!

KT – Ingleside/Third Street

2008-04-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Line: KT – Ingleside/Third, Inbound
Date: March 29, 2008
Weather Conditions: Cool & Overcast

Time: 12:19 p.m.
First Stop: Green Division Yard

I rush out of the BART tunnel. Ah, Green Division Yard, you are familiar this time so I know where to stand. The K starts moving, I run as not to miss it. The driver stops the train and starts talking to someone. Phew. I will make it.

Everybody on!

I pull myself together. I don’t really notice the other people waiting, but I do see that the bitchin’ trash can moved. The doors open. I debate which car to sit in but end up sitting in the first car, seat by the door like last time. I thrive on consistency.

We start moving along and turning. The train moves forward slowly and squeaks; the rails need some oil.

Time: 12:23 p.m.

Stop: City College Pedestrian Bridge

We pass City College quickly, but from what I can see the campus is pretty large. It reminds me that I should look at the summer schedule and see if they have any good non-credit classes. They’re free!

Time: 12:25 p.m.

Stop: Ocean Avenue & Lee Street

Twin Peaks. Remember this, it will come up later.

There is a strange smell on the train. Sort of a cross between weed and potstickers. Appetizing. The train is beeping a lot. Maybe because there have been so many accidents.

Time: 12:27 p.m.
Stop: Ocean Avenue & Miramar Avenue

A mystery! High school love spelled out in bricks? Marriage proposal?

Oh. My. God. A woman channeling Cher circa 1980-something gets on! She is wearing leather pants and a leather jacket. Her hair is huge, long and amazing. I cannot stop staring. Cher has a friend, but I don’t really notice. Most people pale in comparison to Cher, wouldn’t you agree? I’m pulled out of my jaw-dropped amazement when I hear the man across from me yell, “This is the third time I’ve been transferred and I’m really getting upset right now!”

He takes a deep breath and says calmly, “My name is Tyrone.” Tyrone is probably in his thirties and he also has exciting hair. It is tightly curled and magenta.

He continues yelling, “Give me my respect as a customer!" There’s a short pause, before Tyrone erupts again, “EXCUSE ME! I’m going to work right now. Now. Just like you’re at work and I have no time for this!”

Time: 12:31 p.m.

I like this anchor. It looks like it would make a nice bench.

We pass through a nice area of houses, getting into West Portal. Compared to most places in the city they look like mansions with front yards, long driveways, and big windows.

“I’m serious! I don’t have time for this shit! If I did I wouldn’t be talking to you!” Zing! I accidentally laugh out loud at Tyrone’s last sentence. He’s put on hold and shakes his head. He tells me that pre-paid phone companies are ridiculous. I shake my head and say, “It sounds like it.”

Time: 12:34 p.m.
Stop: Junipero Serra Boulevard & Ocean Avenue

The pre-paid phone company person comes back and Tyrone says, “You are very rude and I do not appreciate it.”

A lot of older Asian people are getting on the train. There are also three or four younger Asian kids carrying instrument bags. I noticed a few young Asian kids with instruments on the J, too. I wonder if they’re headed to individual music lessons or they’re all part of a band. My thoughts are interrupted by, “I AM SO UPSET RIGHT NOW, I CAN’T EVEN THINK! I am calm.” Such a bipolar conversation. Half of his sentences are screaming and the other half sound calm and rational. “Excuse me? Do I sound like I have attitude?” Pause. “Well, I DON’T. I want to be transferred to your manager. Thank you very much.”

He rolls his eyes and shakes his head at me again. I shake my head back.

Time: 12:36 p.m.
Stop: Saint Francis Circle

Tyrone gets off the train. I’m incredibly disappointed. We roll along West Portal Avenue. It’s a cutesy area. There are breakfast places, coffee shops, an old movie theater and random little trinket stores. The driver announces, “Fourteenth Avenue!” I see a store called Alexander Collections. There is a mannequin wearing a pink tutu in the window. It’s the most exciting thing I’ve seen on this street.

So very stylish.

A young girl with a music bag sits where Tyrone was sitting. I can’t figure out what sort of instrument she has. A guitar?

It still smells like potstickers and weed. I feel nauseous. On my left I see some Greenpeace people. They are everywhere.

To my right I see the movie theater. I was there once to see “The Science of Sleep.” I don’t remember much about the theater except that there were lots of couples and the theater was small.

Time: 12:41 p.m.
Stop: West Portal Station

We ease into the station. Cher and friend get up and move towards the back door. I fumble to get my camera. They see me taking a picture and they start laughing. Cher motions towards her friend and asks me, “Doesn’t she look sexy?” I have no idea what her friend is supposed to be. She has a red velvety cape, a Budweiser bodysuit and devil horns. Beer is the devil? “Oh yeah, looking good,” I say. “Here! We’ll pose for you,” says Cher. Snap. Beer girl says, “This will be in places on day!” Ha. We both wish. They get off.

Cher, the beer-devil and the oranges guy. Enjoy fame.

The train starts to move and I notice the route sign change from “K-Ingleside” to “T-Third.” We are racing underground.

Time: 12:43 p.m.
Stop: Forest Hill Station

I look at the older man across from me. He is reading a paperback with a Borders sticker still attached. I can’t see what it is but I’m guessing some sort of guide book. He has a bag of oranges at his feet. I hope they don’t go rolling. That would be terrible.

Would you trust this bag?

There aren’t many people on the train and for the most part it is very quiet.

Time: 12:47 p.m.
Stop: Castro Station

We pull into the station and I notice lots of ads, namely the ones for the Sarah Marshall movie and for meth addiction. In the Sarah Marshall ad, someone replaced the “T” with a “B” causing it to read “You do look faB in those jeans Sarah Marshall.” I thought it was funny. That movie has the most ridiculous amount of advertising around the city. I feel personally attacked by the visual pollution that is the Judd Apatow Empire. Regarding the meth ads, the one ad I keep seeing has a guy who looks sort of like Ryan Gosling. I am curious about their effectiveness, but I guess they’re probably better than this.

Lots of people get on but the person that catches my eye is a man wearing head to toe black and red workout gear. He is wearing red Puma's and sits down next to the oranges guy.

The puma might jump off the shoe. Imagine if that happened. Chaos!

Time: 12:49 p.m.
Stop: Church Street Station

A boy who looks like a lumberjack gets on and stands in the doorway. After 40 minutes of having my own seat, a 50-something man with a few grocery bags gets on and sits next to me. I’m kind of annoyed.

Time: 12:51 p.m.
Stop: Van Ness Station

Lots of people get on at Van Ness, including an older man in a wheel chair. He gets into the train rolling backwards, which seems difficult because no one is moving from their spot. I start looking around and wondering where the wheelchair seats are. I guess there aren’t any, but that seems like a major hassle to the wheelchair-bound. (Note: I checked MUNI’s website and it does not make reference to special wheelchair areas on the trains. The only mention is in regards to boarding and exiting.)

On the back of the wheelchair, he has a lime green tote bag advertising a Baptist church.

I wonder what's inside.

The train continues on. Even though the train is full, it is still pretty quiet. At Civic Center, a father and son get on. The son, probably about 10 years old, has a very bloody lip. At Powell the red-shoed workout guy gets out.

My seat partner starts talking to wheelchair man, presumably about his bag. “I remember Pastor Hughes!” The two talk about different church pastors for about a minute before wheelchair man says he needs to get off.

Time: 12:57 p.m.
Stop: Montgomery Station

Maneuvering the wheelchair is a problem. “Excuse me, excuse me.” Despite his repeated attempts to disembark, no one moves. Seriously? Finally he rolls out.

Time: 1:00 p.m.
Stop: Embarcadero Station Tunnel

It’s stop and go in the tunnel and I can hear the under-rails of the train squeaking and lurching. They need some oil. I turn my head around to see what’s going on in the second car and instead I make direct eye contact with the guy behind me. It was unexpected and kind of freaks me out. I look at the window instead. Someone scratched lines into the glass. So obnoxious.

We finally exit the tunnel and stop at Folsom Street. I look up and see the Bay Bridge looming above. It looks so big from underneath. I take a picture and my seat partner starts talking to me.

The picture that started the adventure...

“Are you writing down the camera settings in your notebook?”

I am completely caught off guard. “Oh, no. I have a blog where I write about MUNI adventures and the pictures are for that. I’m on an adventure right now.”

Seat partner starts laughing, “Oh! I thought I you were a photographer and you were writing down the settings!”

“Oh, yeah, no.”

“I’m a photographer myself. I take pictures on MUNI, too.” He pulls out some developed 4 x 6’s and shows them to me. It’s been so long since I’ve held an actual photo; it’s such a weird feeling. He has pictures he took on the streetcar. Seat partner points out his favorites, “I like this one because I like this guy’s expression.”

“Yeah, that’s a good one,” I say. In the picture, there’s an old Asian man standing on the platform looking determined. He’s in focus and everyone behind him is kind of blurry and rushing. He shows me another one he likes; it is of a baby making a silly face.

“Yeah, those are really nice. I like how you captured their expressions.” I look out the window. We’re passing Fourth and King. I haven’t written anything down since we started talking. I feel stressed about this interaction breaking up my normal routine.

“I take pictures for churches, too.”

I feel baffled for a second and then a million questions rush to mind. Wait, like you get paid to take pictures? Or you take them for church websites? Instead, I blurt out, “What…what does that mean?”

“I take pictures for churches,” he repeats matter-of-factly. I wonder if this is a simple concept and I’m just being slow.

He pulls out his camera and hands it to me. “Here, look.”

He explains how this morning he went to a church meeting and took pictures of the meeting and the people. I flip though images of prayers hung up on walls, children playing and adults talking. I hand him back his camera and say, “Oh, these are cool. What are you going to do with them?”

He intends to print them out and enlarge the ones of the prayers. Seat partner starts asking me questions about photography terms. Have I heard of ASA? Do I know what it is? My mind feels bombarded as I try to recall all the information I tried to understand from video and photo classes. I come clean and admit, “I don’t know. Maybe it has something to do with shutter speed or exposure? I get kind of confused and overwhelmed with that stuff. I usually shoot on auto; it’s just easier that way.”

He admits that he, too, isn’t completely proficient in photo-speak, but bought his Konica to practice. He’s saving up for a Nikon. “Oh yeah! My dad has one, they’re really nice. They take great pictures.” I look out the window again; we’re going through the Dogpatch. They’re doing so much construction down here.

We reach a lull in the conversation. I mistakenly think I can continue documenting the exterior environment of the adventure when seat partner starts talking again. (Note: At the time, I thought our interaction was a disturbance to my routine of documentation. Now, as I write this, I am realizing that this conversation is just as, if not more, legitimate as looking at street signs and the world outside of the MUNI train.)

He tells me how black churches have dynasties of church leaders and how those leaders are now getting older, changing the dynamic of the church experience and the makeup of the congregations. He is passionate about recruiting younger church leaders. At one point, seat partner wonders about the dynamic in other religions and says, “I don’t know about white churches…” and then looks at me as if he’s said something wrong. “Oh, no, I understand,” I say. It struck me as funny. It was almost as if he seemed apologetic for not knowing the politics of other race’s churches.

I glance outside again. I think we’re past the Dogpatch and getting into the tip of Bayview. (Note: Upon further inspection, it seems that this area has gone unnamed. It’s below the Dogpatch, but to side of Potrero Hill and above Bayview. Maybe it’s just called Third Street.)

Seat partner starts explaining that it is important for young men to get involved with their church and their family and not run away. He tells me that he works on two websites: one deals with offering support to husbands and fathers, and the other, still in the conception stages, will be an encouraging site for everyone, offering inspirational pictures, quotes and the like.

He blames TV shows for providing a poor model for youth and fathers. “With shows like The Simpsons, the husband is always portrayed as an idiot! There need to be smarter shows. The father needs to act as the backbone of the family.” Seat partner is also unimpressed by George Lopez and the Belushi brothers as role models.

It seems that he left when his kids were growing up but has since realized that as a mistake and is trying to make restitution now.

Time: 1:23 p.m.
Stop: Third Street & Hudson/Innes Avenue

Seat partner gathers his things and gets up. He introduces himself, "I'm Brother Mitchell, it was good talking to you." We shake. "I'm Kathleen. Good talking to you too."

He exits. I look out the window. The neighborhood is broken down. There are quite a few storefronts, most of which don't seem to be open anymore. There aren't too many people left on the train. I notice that there are a lot of people, mostly men, standing in front of the inoperative stores watching the train pass.

Time: 1:25 p.m.
Stop: Third Street & Kirkwood/La Salle

I see a store with a sign that says "SF Cobras." Standing outside are about five or six older men. I make eye contact with one of them and the whole group waves to me. I can't help but laugh.

And me.

From this point forward, I stop taking detailed notes. Instead, I think about how this area was the site of the government's biggest facility for nuclear research during World War II. Though not used as such anymore, or used anymore, period, there are still quite a few radioactive zones. I think about my earth science class in college, and how we toured the facility. I think about how this area has the highest number of deaths from cancer and heart disease, which most people blame on a combination of poor diet and exposure to toxic waste.

I think about how within only the last two or three years an actual vegetable market opened amidst the plethora of liquor stores and fast food joints. I think about how this area has the highest homicide rate in the city, mostly due to gang violence and drug trade. How it has the highest number of children in the whole city, but the fewest resources for them. I think about the art studios. I wonder what will happen when the new homes are built. From what I've read, it seems like a large number of the older community members have cashed out and moved to the East Bay to live in more affordable housing. How will that change the makeup of the community? I wonder where BAYCAT is located. I wonder how the new train I'm riding has affected the area. With every stop we pass, SFMTA ads remind me that I could be experiencing one of the historical gems of the area.

I would like to see this organ.

These thoughts make me sad. It makes me question the strange dichotomy that is San Francisco, with its insane wealth and insane poverty, both existing in the same seven-mile spread. Do you remember the picture of Twin Peaks from the beginning of the post?

Twin Peaks, as seen from Hunter's Point.

Do you too find it strange, looking at the same structure from two completely different areas?

I apologize for the depressing, albeit realistic, tone in the last few paragraphs. I just think as a citizen, as a person, it's important to remember that the town we live in does not just consist of the 40 minute, less if you're lucky, stretch in between our homes and work. There are other people, other lives, other experiences, outside of our own singular lens. Despite many differences, it seems like we might all be seeing the same radio tower. Interesting, no?

Towards the end of the ride I saw some things I thought were noteworthy. The first is an ad:

Any guesses on what it says beneath towing?

I noticed quite a few Baptist churches and a Catholic church on Third Street. At Revere and Shafter I noticed Your Community Restaurant, which reminded me of the now-defunct Your Black Muslim Bakery in Oakland. Outside of the restaurant was the Turkey flag, making me curious about the Muslim population in Hunter's Point. I saw the flag again when I was on the way back to downtown via the T. It was hanging inside an office building in SOMA.

Also,

About the only time I've seen palm trees in San Francisco.

Time: 1:47 p.m.
Stop: Bayshore Boulevard & Sunnydale Avenue

I get out of the train, take a quick stretch break and hop back in to see what I missed the first time.

End of the line, folks.

Total Time: 88 minutes/1 hour & 28 minutes (approx.)
How I got there: 5 to Civic Center BART, off at Balboa Park Station
Where can you see more? HERE

You've got questions, I've got answers aplenty

2008-03-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

Last post I mentioned the "No answering the phone" rule, prompting my friend Alicia to ask, "What are the rules?" You will find the answer below but first I just want to say that Alicia has one of the craziest bus experiences I've ever heard: A few years ago some dude pulled a gun out on the 38 and threatened her and her friend. They're ok. I don't remember what happened to the guy. Insane.

The Rules:

I'm the type of person that lives by many self-imposed rules so as such, this project is no different. Before I began I came up with some things that I decided I would absolutely not do, but now that I've started things are getting modified; however, the spirit of the law is what's important here.

First there are the technology rules: No cell phone and no iPod.

I need to bring my phone so I can tell time since I don't use a watch but I've vowed not to take calls while adventuring. The only reason I took a call on the J was because I had plans later in the day that needed to be discussed. I felt very bad for answering even though it was legitimate. I won't do it again.

Yes, I have an iPod. No, I did not break down and buy it for myself. Yes, I listen to it all the time on the bus. No, I do not listen to it on adventures. I don't even bring it along.

I think that these two things would be distracting and allow for a less authentic bus experience. Who wants that? Not me.

Second Rule: No getting off.

I don't necessarily foresee this being a problem for me but it's always good to have a rule you know you can keep. Also, if the bus breaks down and I have to get off, I will wait for another one, except if the weather is really bad. Then I will stop living my dream and get real because I hate cold weather.

Third Rule: I must start at the first stop and get off at the very last stop.

Originally I tried to ride the 1 line to start but mis-read the MUNI map and got on at the SECOND stop. Even though it was only a block away from the first stop, I couldn't let myself just go with it. The whole point of this project is to a) see the entire bus line, and b) stay aware that many of us only follow a route from certain points, rather than experiencing the whole thing. The most interesting thing, for me, about MUNI and other forms of transportation is that in one stretch of road there are so many different lives and sights all connected. So it's very important to go from start to finish in order to get a correct sense of what's going on.

Fourth Rule: Talking to people during an adventure.

When I first started this, I was adamant: I will not talk to anyone else. I'm not going to get involved. I will just sit on the bus and write about what I see. About 10 minutes into the first ride, I knew this was a mistake. It's almost impossible to ride public transit and not interact with the public. Someone will talk to you or look at you, or someone will do something and you'll react to it. Non-participation is not really an option. Especially for me with a notebook open and a camera out. People seem curious, but don't want to ask questions (probably because I look so
threatening.) The good news for the curious is that I'm revamping my business cards so that should take care of some of the silent questioning.

Fifth Rule: I will ride EVERY line.

I think this is the most important rule. Some bus lines are less desirable than others. Some go to the outskirts of town. Some are a pain to get to. Some have people we don't want to see. Some are dangerous.

No matter. This isn't about only riding the pretty, safe bus lines. It's about seeing and experiencing everything.

That being said, I'm not stupid. Sometimes it's better to go somewhere with a partner and I'm thinking about how I want to do that. If someone else comes along, there will be NO TALKING. I might even make us sit apart. The other person could contribute as a guest blogger. I haven't totally figured it out yet, so stay tuned.

J - Church

2008-03-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Line: J – Church, Inbound
Date: March 15, 2008
Weather Conditions: Breezy & Sunny

Time: 11:53 a.m.
First Stop: Green Division Yard

I exit the BART station and feel a little confused. I’m not entirely sure where I’m supposed to pick up the J because this area seems more like a MUNI train graveyard rather than an actual stop. To the side of the tracks is a small walkway. I follow the path and see some other people so I assume I’m in the right place. I got here just in time because a J is leaving the yard. Yessss!

A garbage can at the station, bitchin'!

The train begins to pull out and the driver motions at me. I have no idea what he’s motioning about so I walk further down the walkway in case he was trying to say, “Yo, move it.” Good call. He starts moving again. Stop. Move. Stop. Finally he pushes the magic button and opens the doors.

Ooooh, the J-Church!

Five other people get on: two thugish looking dudes, two tourists and a guy who looks half asleep. I debate which car to sit in, first or second? After a trip to the second car, I decide to sit in the first car, on the right side, behind the door.

The train moves quickly, smoothly, and mostly quietly, save for the murmur of the tracks. The area we pass through is nice, very residential. We pass parks with kids playing Saturday league. I see a strip mall type area with a huge building. It reads, “Community Assembly of God.” We pass a few stops where no one gets on.

Yellow vs. Blue, who will beat who?

I glance up and notice an old woman with purple hair. I love when old people have purple hair! It’s a nice shade of purple, more dark lavender colored than that blue-ish-purple Kool-Aid color that happens sometimes. OH! But wait! Suddenly we are on the freeway! (The 280 East to be exact.) We are racing. I’m having a hard time balancing my responsibilities of writing and taking pictures. I need two more arms.

Well played, Grandma.

Time: 12:01 p.m.
Stop: San Jose & Randall

The purple haired Glamour Grandma gets off slowly. I’m not sure who gets on, I’m caught up looking at the beautiful skyline of the city. We turn at 30^th and now we’re on 30^th and Dolores. We’re moving so quickly. My phone starts ringing and I feel stressed. I ignore my own rule and answer it. Ok, no more answering the phone. We pass through the area of Noe Valley that I’m most familiar with. People are out picking up produce and eating breakfast on the sidewalk. There are some people in the furniture store looking at a table.

Time: 12:03 p.m.
Stop: Church & 30^th

A lot of white, hip looking people and couples get on board. I’m overwhelmed by colorful skinny jeans, expensive shoes and jackets with careful detailing. I feel let down by the J-Church. You move so fast and your riders are so boring!

Time: 12:05 p.m.
Stop: Church & 27^th

A family of four gets on and the wife sits next to me. I think it’s a mom and a dad visiting their daughter and her boyfriend. I’m pretty sure it’s a boyfriend because he and Daughter don’t have rings and the dad is sort of fishing with his conversation topics. I look out the window and see three little furry dogs on leashes sniffing each other. When I turn back I notice that the mom next to me is trying to read my notebook! I give her a look of disgust and she faces forward. (It’s only now striking me how funny it is that I’m being curious about others but when someone tries to do it to me, no way. That’s an example of irony, yes?)

Time: 12:06 p.m.
Stop: Clipper & Noe

A slew of people get on wearing green for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Mom and Dad hold a conversation:

“Oh, the parade must be in town.”

“It seems like it.”

Boyfriend, a scruffily coiffed guy with lots of facial hair and aviator sunglasses says, out of nowhere, “St. Paul, Minnesota.”

“What?”

“St. Paul, Minnesota. They celebrate St. Patrick’s Day pretty hard.”

Mom and Dad exchange puzzled looks. Daughter lowers her head. Oh dear.

Time: 12:08 p.m.
Stop: Church & 24^th

I don’t hear the rest of the conversation because we stop, the doors open and a screaming child is trying to board. “Patrick! Hold my hand! Don’t climb up like that!” Patrick is probably about two and is trying to scale the train stairs like a mountain climber. There is a huge line of people behind him. Once Patrick is cleared out of the way, more little kids get on, including The Crayola’s, a family of three children in bright, primary-colored raincoats and a dad. Too bad it does not look rainy today. More drunk people dressed in green get on and move to the back. It’s very noisy in the back. I wonder if they ordered their coffee Irish-style today.

Patrick is still throwing a fit. Seriously, Patrick? That was like two minutes ago. GET OVER IT. Patrick’s daddy and Family of Four Dad start talking about Irish baby names. Family of Four Dad tells Patrick’s daddy that his oldest daughter just had a third child and named her Rona. Her son is named Kieran. “Good, strong Irish names!” Patrick’s daddy is impressed. He has an Irish accent. Patrick’s daddy introduces himself to Family of Four Dad as “Patrick Kelly.” Family of Four Dad laughs and says, “I’m Terry Flynn! Nice to meet you.” Terry and his wife (Mom the Spy) are visiting from Tucson, Arizona. She’s a part-time teacher and he’s retired. They came to California to visit their kids.

Time: 12:11 p.m.
Stop: Chattanooga & 21^st (Also called Right of Way and 21^st)

Best Street Name EVER.

Chattanooga is the best street name ever. A rainbow child gets on. I’m not sure if it’s a boy or a girl. It could be a boy dressed like a girl, or a girl with a boy’s haircut. No matter. Rainbow Child has a rainbow striped turtleneck on, bright green pants, patterned socks and orange galoshes. The best part is that Rainbow Child is wearing bright yellow fuzzy earphones and bopping along to a cassette player. We make eyes for a second and we both smile. I’d like to think we were bonding over the schizophrenic feeling of the ride but probably R.C. heard something funny on the Yo Gabba Gabba tape. I’m guessing.

Best outfit EVER.

I hear snippets of different conversations, “You should check http://www.sfist.com/,” “You need to get your STD’s looked at,” and “This is FAR!” Mom the Spy tries to peer over my notebook again. Still not happening.

We start passing through Dolores Park. It is mostly empty except for a few dogs and their owners. There’s a pickup basketball game happening and I see more people in green running to catch the train.

The best type of day to be at D-Park.

Time: 12:14 p.m.
Stop: Church & 18^th

A group of green, glittery teenage girls get on. One says, “Make sure you don’t lose anything today Tess!” Tess says, “I’ll try really hard!” The group laughs. She must be a perpetual lose-er.

There is some movement around me. Daughter is in the seat directly behind mine and the woman next to her gets up. Mom the Spy gets up to sit next to Daughter. A boy with a girly-looking face takes her spot.

An Aside: I like to collect different things in my mind. It's sort of a recognition of patterns that I see. Most recent mental collections include people with canes (which made me wonder if polio is making a comeback,) people with partly burned-off faces (which makes me a) sad and b) think of this,) and dogs with shaved bodies but furry legs that look like legwarmers (Example.) Today I will collect ambiguous-looking people. Count so far: Two.

The driver comes on the PA system and announces, “Next stop—Church and Market. Next stop.”

From behind me I hear Mom the Spy say, “Have you seen ‘There Will Be Blood’? It’s great!”

Time: 12:18 p.m.
Stop: Church & Market

We pass the big Safeway. I try to take a picture and while trying to juggle my notebook, bag, camera and pen, I end up writing all over my sweater. Ugh.

We stop at Church and Duboce. The girl-ish looking boy gets up and is replaced by an older man-ish looking woman. Amazing. Count: Three. She adjusts her baseball cap and fixes her really cool earphones. They are blue and yellow with a blue and yellow striped cord. She opens a book, “The King Must Die.”

From the second car I hear the girls who got on at Dolores Park wooing and yelling, “PARTY BUS!!!”

The Dolores Park Girls and the back of Mom the Spy's head.

A guy who looks like he just came from the gym stands in front of me. He is carrying a huge bag on his back. He gives me a missing-front-teeth-smile, and says, “How are you pretty lady?” “Good, thanks.” He doesn’t listen to me reply.

Time: 12:20 p.m.
Stop: Inside the MUNI Underground Tunnel

The missing tooth gym guy, Toothless, says loudly, “I only like one type of music: Mexican stripper music.” One of the Dolores Park Girls yells back, “Oh my GOD! That’s my favorite too!”

“Oh, yeeeeeeah! This is the best music EVER. This is what you listen to when a girl is sliding down the pole. Mexico is great. Red Bull and doo-doo. Red Bull and doo-doo. You listen to this when you’re getting busy with a lady.” He starts air-humping. The Dolores Park girls woo and scream, the man-ish woman next to me rolls her eyes and I switch my camera setting to video record. This is MUNI gold.

“Y’all wanna hear this, dontcha?” Without waiting for a response, out of nowhere he pulls out a boom box. Really though, where was that hiding?

The train is still paused in the tunnel. He fiddles with some knobs and Mexican tango starts blaring. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard this same song at Chevy’s.

I suggest watching this first, then listening to it twice with your eyes closed. Once to hear the music, and a second time to fully understand what's he talking about. If you can.

Toothless starts air-humping again. The Dolores Park girls woo. Again. The train starts moving.

The driver announces, “Van Ness Station.”

Boyfriend gets up and as the train pulls to a stop he bumps into Toothless who yells, “DON’T TOUCH ME! DO NOT TOUCH ME. What is wrong with you, man? Bobby Brown is part of my family, you should KNOW better!” Boyfriend looks thoroughly confused and just stands there with his head cocked. Toothless just shakes his head.

The doors open and close, people get on and off. We start moving again.

Time: 12:24 p.m.
Stop: Civic Center Station

We finally get to Civic Center and the train mostly empties. Toothless, the Family of Four and the Dolores Park Girls all get off. The man-ish woman next to me turns to me and takes out her earphones, “God, I can’t concentrate. I forgot about the parade.” Her voice confirms that she is indeed a woman.

I say, “Yeah, people get pretty excited about St. Patrick’s Day.”

She shakes her head.

Patrick Kelly starts giving little Patrick and older sister Mimi directions. “We’re going to get off at the next stop. You need to get in the stroller.” Mimi, who has the face of a Kewpie doll says, “The next one, Daddy?”

“Yes. Please hold hands.” Mimi goes to hold Patrick’s hand. He freaks out and tries to hold on to Daddy. This child, seriously.

Patrick, in a calmer moment.

Time: 12:26 p.m.
Stop: Powell Station

Patrick, Patrick and Mimi make it out in a more organized fashion than they entered. The man-ish woman starts talking to me again. “It’s a long day of being Irish.”

“Yeah, very long day.”

“A long day of wearing green. I usually try to avoid this stuff. All the colorful people.”

“Yeah, well, it’s hard to avoid, you know. The city is always pretty crazy.”

She sighs. “Why can’t they celebrate on the 17^th?”

I spare her the official Church explanation of not indulging during Holy Week and say, “Some people just like to get wasted and wear green as much as they can.” I wonder if she thinks it’s weird that I’m talking to her and writing, simultaneously.

Time: 12:27 p.m.
Stop: Montgomery Station

From the second car I hear Ramones style chanting, “HEY, HO! LET’S GO! HEY, HO! LET’S GO!”

The man-ish woman says, ‘I’m going to get off and see if I can find some peace now.”

“I hope you do. Good luck with that."

The doors open and she exits. Her absolute sobriety and sanity is probably the funniest thing I’ve seen all day. I guess that maybe it’s weird when “crazy” starts seeming “normal” and “normal” starts seeming like a big joke.

I see The Ramones walking through the station. One guy is wearing a green track jacket that reads, “World Class Pub Champion.” He is carrying a 24-pack of Guinness. Of course.

The doors close, the train starts moving. The Crayola's and I are about the only ones left.

Crayon people, ready for the rain.

Time: 12:30
Last Stop: Embarcadero Station

The voice of the recorded MUNI woman comes on, “This train is going out of service. Please exit.” So I do.

Everybody out!

Total Time: 38 minutes (approx.)
How I got there: 5 to Civic Center BART, off at Balboa Park Station
Where can you see more? HERE

F - Market & Wharves

2008-03-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

Line: F – Market & Wharves, Inbound
Date: March 2, 2008
Weather Conditions: Warm & Sunny

Time: 11:30 a.m.
First Stop: 17^th & Castro

I rush up the street from 18^th. I’m thankful that the streetcar is there and pause to get my bearings. I can see that the streetcar says it’s going to Fisherman’s Wharf but I decide to err on the side of idiocy/safety and ask, “Does this go to Fisherman’s Wharf?”

The driver closes the streetcar doors and says, “Yup, all the way to the end. I’ll be right back, I have to go to the bathroom.” He darts across the street towards the Chevron station.

I think I’ve been on the streetcar once. The most I know about them is that they were made in Italy. I don’t know how or why they’re here. (I do now .)

The driver comes back and lets me on first. I decide to sit in the middle, opposite the back door. The seats are green leather, like on a school bus, and the inside is well-lit.

Classiest public transportation vehicle, ever.

Not that MUNI is ever very quick, but it seems that the streetcar is especially slow. It feels jerky and there is a lot of traffic around us. Where is everyone is going?

There are two men sitting together a few seats in front of me. One of them gets on his phone and starts talking loudly. “Hey Sean! How are you? We’re in the Castro on this sunshine-y day!”

The noise of the streetcar makes it hard on my geriatric hearing to hear the rest of the conversation. Instead, I start to listen to the wheels clanking with the metal rail. It continues to be traffic-y and we pass Beck’s Motor Lodge. I wonder if it’s a popular place to stay. (Apparently not .)

Time: 11:37 a.m.
Stop: 15^th & Castro

A tall middle aged woman with long curly hair dyed orange-red gets on with her dog. I resist the urge to pet the dog. I get the feeling it is a boy dog and it looks like a mutt, with patches of brown, black and white, mixed with some gray hairs. Not attractive. She sits two seats behind me and lets the mutt have the window seat. She starts speaking unintelligibly to the dog in baby-dog speak. I turn around to look; the dog isn’t paying attention to her, he’s waving his tail and slobbering on the window instead.

This is the new Mint, the old one is on 5th and Mission.

Also, we pass the Mint, not the hit or miss karaoke bar, but the place where they make money. The website says they no longer circulate money and do not allow visitors, but it seems like they manufacture silver coins.

Time: 11:40 a.m.
Stop: Laguna & Market

Three more people get on. The third person is a slow-moving transient looking man. He has a carnie type vibe; maybe in a past life? He is carrying a tote bag that says “Read, Write, Win!” He plops down in the double seat diagonal to me and takes out two pill containers. I strain to see what they are, no luck, something white. He quickly puts the bottles back into his pocket and pulls a wad of cash out of each pocket. He starts counting. There are lots of ones and fives.

T.C. takes care of some accounting on the streetcar.

I turn around to see what else is going on. A middle aged Asian guy is sitting next to the window a few seats back. Santa Claus on summer vacation is sitting next to him. Santa Claus has on red sunglasses and a red hat. Stylin’. They are too far away for me to hear properly, but it sounds like Santa’s friend is new to the Bay Area. Santa says, “I think you will like it here.” His friend says, “I think I will too.”

Time: 11:44 a.m.
Stop: Market & Van Ness

The driver announces, “Next stop, Van Ness and Market.” A few more people get on. A woman sits in front of me and another sits behind me. I feel slightly paranoid that they might think I’m weird, with my notebook and camera in my lap.

I try to hone my listening in on what’s going on but it’s pretty quiet. Instead I hear jingling coming from the car rails.

While straining to hear, I keep making eye contact with the transient carnie. He waves to me. I wave back. I wonder if I should be participating in my observations, it seems wrong. But whatever, this is my project, I’ll do what I want.

My simple wave opens Pandora’s box. “I’m part of the Grateful Dead, you know. I’m just not on stage right now.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Ehhh, you don’t even know who that is. You’re too young. You’re not even listening. I could tell you about lots of things, Kerouac, but you don’t care.”

He throws his hands at me in defeat. I’m writing furiously trying to capture everything, I need to learn shorthand. He forgets he gave up on me and continues talking. “You know Calamity Jane? She was nothing but a self-promoting adoration thirster!” (Not totally knowing who Calamity Jane was, I pictured her as some sort of Joan Jett type character. Not quite.)

T.C. (Transient Carnie) looks at me and smiles. “If I get anyone to talk to me at all it’s a good thing.” I smile back. I’m captivated by the way his front teeth look like an upside down mountain range. It strains my mind to think about how people lose a half of a tooth. Does it hurt? How do you lose only half?

“You know what I’m up to today?”

“No, what?”

“Well! I’m going to Fifth and Bryant to take a shower. I have this free place to live and one of the great government loopholes, well not great I guess, it’s just a loophole, is that you can’t charge rent unless you have sanitary facilities.”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah! I live for free, I just have no bathroom. Nice area, too. Nice two-bedroom in Cole Valley, you know where that is?”

“Yeah, it’s really nice over there.” I see we are at Hyde and Market. People around me are clearly annoyed that I’m talking to T.C. Whatever, he may be loud, but he’s harmless.

T.C. continues, “I’ve lived there for 18 years, nothing’s gonna change now. It’s a pretty good deal.”

“That’s an awesome deal.”

T.C. forgets we are talking about rent and starts pointing at his blue and green tote bag. “You see this? It holds all my stuff.”

“Yeah, I see it’s from L.A. It has a 310 number.”

“Yeah, whatever. I don’t know.” His eyes trail off for a second. He starts cracking up. “I’m going to take a shower right now. I’m going to get off at 5^th and Market and walk that-a-way.” He motions south. “I know I have to travel to use the shower, but I don’t mind. You need to have an adventure every day. That’s what’s most important. So I like traveling to get to the shower. I get to go on an adventure!”

Suddenly I notice we’re at 7^th and Market, lots of people get on, including an old Indian woman with pretty purple and white flowers. Despite the chaos, T.C. keeps talking. “This is my big adventure of the day—going downtown to take a shower. You know what? I moved here and I made beautiful art and music. But you know what I learned? Guess what?! You get bored, you gotta have adventure!

Time: 11:52
Stop: 5^th and Market

“Upsey daisy! This is me!” T.C. tries to hop up. He keeps saying “Upsey daisy” over and over before looking at me and clarifying, “Upsey daisy, that means (something I can’t understand) in rock ‘n’ roll!” He exits. I guess I’ll never know. I look around. Everyone hates me. Oh well.

More people have come aboard. A young guy stands next to me, speaking an Asian language I can’t distinguish. There are so many people on board that I can’t see the back door anymore.

While waiting for the streetcar to move I watched people play chess.

We start moving. I look out the window. We pass shoe stores; we stop at 4^th and Market. More people get on, the baby across from me starts fussing. Suddenly I notice there are a lot of babies around.

From out of nowhere I hear, “At least there’s someone to get lost with! Not like you! The last time you freaked out when we had to go to the hospital!” The speaker is a 30-something woman with full makeup, sunglasses and a white wrap shirt-black pants getup. She’s talking to a guy who looks like he played college football. I wonder what sort of adventure they went on.

An iBaby sits on the lap of the woman in front of me. (iBaby = baby with an Apple onesie.) Dad says, “That would be a great picture.” He holds the stroller between his legs, while Mom tries to maneuver the baby and the baby bag. He finally grabs the camera and tries to take a picture while still holding the stroller in his knees. Mom grabs the stroller in one hand and shifts the baby with the other arm. The picture looks stupid. I intercede. “Here, I can hold the stroller.”

“Oh, my gosh, thank you so much,” says Mom. “Smile, sweetie.” The baby does his best not to look bored. Snap! “Sweetie, say thank you, say thank you for holding the stroller!” The baby extends his hand towards me. We shake. The baby giggles. Seats open up in the back so they move. Asian teenage tourists take their spot and start posing and taking pictures.

I guess it's never too early to iNdoctrinate your child.

Time: 12:00 p.m.
Stop: Pine & Davis

The bus is still crowded. I notice that it is actually only cramped around the middle, it is clear in the back and the front. There is a group of teenagers near me. One girl with long black curly hair is chewing her gum loudly and says, “I like this bus. It’s tight!” She and her boyfriend start making out. Gross.

The Asian tourists in front of me are still holding a photo shoot. The girl in the seat ahead of me makes a pouty face and takes an outstretch arm self picture. I maneuver my head to be in the shot. She checks the picture on the viewfinder. Success!

Time: 12:05 p.m.
Stop: Steuart & Mission

More people get on and the car feels cramped. Out of nowhere I’m starving. We’re almost near the Ferry Building.
.

Or ELSE!

We pass the Ferry Building. People “ooooh” and “ahhh” and say things like, “What is THAT?” On the left, we are passing the park by Embarcadero Center. The pouty face girl in front of me gasps and in broken English says, “It looks like Central Park!” I love tourists.

I'm not sure about Central Park.

Time: 12:08 p.m.
Stop: No stop

The streetcar starts picking up speed. We are racing to the Wharf! A girl stands next to me. I have my notebook poised towards the window so she can’t see what I’m writing. I feel incredibly creepy and secretive and weird. Someone says, “Where’s Alcatraz?”

Time: 12:13 p.m.
Stop: Pier 39

We start inching up on Fisherman’s Wharf. The director of The Pouty Face Photo shoot says, “Next one!” Pouty Face seems anxious. “I hope so," she says. We stop, the doors open. I hear shrieking and, “Ooooh! We’re here!” I wonder if Fisherman’s Wharf is like the Eiffel Tower of San Francisco. If so, that’s kind of sad. I hear a keyboard and a saxophone. The doors close. Onwards. There are now only 11 people on board, including me and the driver. We continue speeding down the street. We get to Jefferson and Taylor and the driver announces, “Last stop, everyone out!” I gather up my stuff and am the last to exit.

People lining up for the ride outbound.

After I got off I hightailed it to In-N-Out and then walked down to Aquatic Park. I sat down to eat but then I saw a pirate ship! THE pirate ship! I saw it the other day from work and got very distracted and excited. All in all, a solid adventure.

Land ho!

Total Time: 45 minutes (approx.)
How I got there: 5 to 33
How I bounced: 47 to 31
Where can you see more? HERE.