Zazie, Cole Valley and hike from Muir Woods

Many a time have we gone to Cole Valley with the intention of enjoying brunch at Zazie. The queue has always been so long but this time we had more staying power (probably helped by the glorious sunshine). The 30 mins wait for a table went pretty quickly and the guy running the queue was so friendly you really didn't mind waiting. The brunch was lovely. I have to say, I didn't have the most adventurous thing of their fantastic menu. I settled for scrambled eggs with home fries and a fruit salad on the side. The fruit was delicious, home fries just what the doctor orders for a Sunday brunch plate and the eggs were cooked to perfection. Due to my pregnant state I couldn't enjoy the mimosas (unlike Andy, with a gleeful look on his face). I did however enjoy a superb Zazie spritzer, which was as good as a mimosa any day. I recommend this place, without hesitation.

We'll probably head back some day to enjoy the patio (and the amazing looking pancakes) as we chose to head in early to sit inside rather than wait an extra 10 mins for a patio table.

Onwards to Muir Woods to walk off the calories. Muir Woods on a sunny Sunday, were we totally mad and want to spend our afternoon with a load of tourists? No no. Not with the great

suggestion by Weekend Sherpa of their hike (Muir Wizardry) that avoids all the crowds within 2 minutes of the entrance. The signs at Muir Woods state that this series of trails takes 3.5hours to complete - we weren't racing and did it in 2.5 (including a nice 20 minute stop at the Tourist Club).

The climb up to the views of the Pacific is steady for about an hour but nothing too strenuous to stop you admiring the fantastic collection of Redwoods. Once up at the top, the views are superb, providing that the weather is being kind you can see the Pacific (hence the name Panoramic Trail I guess...). You then get an easy walk back down, lovely views, great

wildflowers at this time of year and the joy of the Tourist Club nestled in the trees (see photo) and their beer selection if you manage to get there in their opening hours.

We managed to hit it perfectly, 5 minutes before the bar shut meaning ice cold drinks and being able to get one of the sought after tables overlooking the valley. Pulling ourselves away from our perfect seat in the afternoon sun, we finished the hike back down to the car. Be warned the Dip Sea Trail is not that well maintained (and at the time we hiked it, it was actually closed - although it only told you that when you had finished, having clambered over drain pipes and fallen trees, clinging onto branches and rocks to see you safely down).

Whilst we did see walkers all along the trails (of course, it was a beautiful day), it was a nice number of friendly passers-by, as opposed to the squash in Muir Woods, battling for a photo op. Nice suggestion Weekend Sherpa (as always).

Ticked off my list on Sunday April 25th.