Hike To See The Monarch Butterflies!

Today we trekked all the way out to natural Bridges State Reserve to see the Monarch Butterflies. They commuted all the way down from Canada to keep warm throughout the winter. Our cameras were on super zoom in order to capture them hanging out (no pun intended) atop the tall Eucalyptus trees. Although the hike was a short walk - we got to be surrounded by these lovely creatures hovering and zooming around us in a beautiful dance. The weather was warm and it was time to fly!

Events and Adventures San Francisco

Waking up at 2AM? Only for a Good Cause.

A group of E&A’ers made a commitment to wake up early to help support our community this last Wednesday. It was a feat, just getting out of bed but it was worth it! We heading out to the Habitat for Humanity Restore in San Carlos, where we moved furniture, cleaned & priced donations, and put in a solid 5 hour shift. The Restore is kind of like a Goodwill, except all profits go into helping to build homes. About 3 homes a year are built just by the profits that come from the Restore! We put on a apron, and got to work! From 5AM-10AM we worked… Lot’s of coffee from McDonald’s and good friends made the morning fun and enjoyable. What was even cooler was that CBS did a story about Singles Awareness Week & us volunteering in the community! We all got the chance to be on TV! Roberta Gonzales did the interview and was so nice! It was wonderful meeting her and the film crew from CBS. Who would have thought you could have that much fun on a Wednesday at the crack of dawn!

Events and Adventures San Francisco

Santa Clara Ice Bucket Challenge!

When I first heard of the ALS challenge I had no idea what the heck it was all about. Suddenly it was all over the place.  Then I saw a video of Mark Owen the E&A founder (kind of liked seeing that!) taking the challenge and had been told that the Santa Clara Club had been challenged by the Seattle club. Always being a good sport or naïve, depending upon your point of view, I showed up to participate in the challenge.  We did this at our Volley ball event for that week we managed to get 8 braves souls to take the challenge and 8 not so brave ones to do the fun part of actually dumping the ice buckets. I would like to point out that I understand now all the screaming in the other Ice Bucket Challenge videos.  When that cold, cold water hits, your body feels the shock and you are amazed at the temperature.  I noticed that we had filled up extra buckets and so said what the heck and asked for more and got it. I can tell you that the second bucket is as cold as the first. I lost the capability to speak for a few seconds! All in all it was a lot of fun and I’m glad so many decided to take the challenge.  It was great way to raise money for charity and many of us took the challenge and donated money! I then made a video to challenge the rest of the Santa Clara club!

George J. Kahwaty – Host extraordinaire Santa Clara club.

We Love Karaoke

I went from never having tried it before to being known as the Karaoke king in Santa Clara.   So when it comes up on the calendar, I’m stoked and ready to go.  The most recent time was at one of our favorite places the 7 Stars Bar and grill. This place is star wars themed, has pictures of the characters, murals of space scenes on the walls, many of the Acton figures on display and a giant Jabba the Hutt on display.  With karaoke and dance music played through the night, it has something for everyone. The most recent visit was once again a great success. In karaoke, you normally get 3 songs to sing. I was able to get in an extra song or too because they started early for us and they also extend happy hour for us.  We have a number of truly good singers in the club. We also met some possible recruits who were attracted by how well the group got along and ended up wanting to sit with us. One of them had even tried out for American idol.  The other wanted to do a duet or two and E and A stepped up to the request. This event is truly one that our group enjoys and we always look forward to it. Everyone had a great time and as usual we closed the place down.  I can’t wait for the next time so I can do it “My Way”.

Written by George, a member in Santa Clara
Events and Adventures San Francisco

Playing Monopoly in the Park!

This weekend, thanks to Event and Adventures, a group of us had an awesome time playing giant Monopoly.  It is called “Monopoly in the Park” and has the record for the biggest Monopoly board.  The dice are huge, and two people have to throw the “dice” so they bounce off each other.  This brings a whole new level to the board game we all grew up on and loved.  When you pass Go, you actually ring a bell before collecting that $200.   All the tokens are custom made, and you trade and negotiate to gain the “monopoly” and  build your houses and hotels.   The announcers are excellent in bringing you the history of the board, as well as playing referee for the game to keep everyone on track (they dress up in Monopoly referee shirts).  It was so much fun, and everyone had a fantastic time trying to win. 

Events and Adventures San Francisco

Free Outdoor Performance By The San Jose Opera

Santana Row is a beautiful place on a summer afternoon. It’s especially beautiful while sitting on the grass listening to beautiful live opera! San Jose Opera came to The Row to give a free outdoor performance. We had a great group of people who brought blankets and snacks to hang out and have an opera picnic. The performers were amazing, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I only wished I would understand what they were saying! However, at one point the song “If I were a rich man” from Fiddler on the Roof came on as an example of America Musical Theater & I LOVED it. The audience really got into it! Our group started clapping along and singing the words! Afterwards we headed to the quaint little wine bar and got to know each other. The best part was at the wine bar where we discussed all the places we would like to travel and some of the weird paranormal places you could go… There are so many cool places to travel to! Events and Adventures San Francisco

One Of The Most Incredible Days I Have Spent With E&A....

One of the most incredible days I have spent with E&A was last Saturday at the White Water River Rafting, Ropes course and camping trip. We started with the ropes course. I didn't mind climbing up a tree 40 feet and jumping to a trapeze with no net (yes, I was attached to a rope and harness), but for others it was a test in courage and one that placed huge smiles and wide eyes on their faces.  

The Center where we stayed also cooked a delicious lunch, all included in our special price. Grilled and marinated chicken, Pulled Pork, fresh veggies and hummus and we all fought over the extra grilled cheese with tomato and basil left for the vegetarians.  We were full but the best part of the day was still ahead: river rafting.

We had an incredible guides and two boats just for us on our 10 mile journey down the American River. The rapids got increasingly more fierce but no one fell out of the boat and we all took time to swim and do some cliff jumping too. By the time we got back we were all exhausted and ready for dinner.  Some stayed for a night of camping while others made the trek back home.  A perfect day and one I hope we will do again soon. Events and Adventures San Francisco

Viewing Fireworks From Several Cities Is Amazing.

Add to that, being on a beautiful boat with a friendly happy crew and you have Magic. We had enough time to relax at Pier 39 before we boarded - food, drinks, shops, people watching. That was fun. Then, it was time to hop on the boat, so exciting, we got to see it come motoring in to the pier from its previous journey. 

Most people had never had the chance to do this, I heard so many comments, like "I've lived here all my life and never seen a fireworks display from the water." and "This was so amazing, I loved it. I'm doing it next year!" And from a Seattle member that came to visit, "This is really beautiful, I've never seen this, and not too much fog.Wow!"  Everyone loved it. Some of the displays were sychronized, some were small, others at a distance seemed sparkly and almost like fire flies. We could see so much. The weather wasn't at SF's best, but it cleared up so that we had an incredible view of the fireworks. From the water, there was a chance to see the fireworks from three different cities, all at once! And, you could see the bridges - like a string of pearls, Alcatraz island was close enough to get a good view, so beautiful.... it was the best night. Events And Adventures San Francisco

I Love My Volleyball Family!

Volleyball is a staple every week, and every week I go, I am reminded of why I love this event. Volleyball is not just a group of people playing… It’s not even members anymore, it’s a family. The Volleyball Crew has become such an intricate part of E&A. Each week you see eachother, and play together, it makes it easy to become friends and get to know each other really well. Most of the best friends I have made in the club are from volleyball! So many relationships have been formed with volleyball being the reason. We have even had a few weddings that developed from our volleyball events! The bond that has been created over the years has really made this event was it is today. Lot’s of people, lots of fun, and lots of love. It’s true… I love my volleyball family.
Events and Adventures Santa Clara

Ready To Take On The Color Run!

I am not a morning person… and getting somewhere by 6AM is almost unimaginable. However, upon arriving at the Color Run 5K, I was in a fantastic mood and ready to take on the morning! The music was happy and LOUD, the crowd was full of energy & our group was excited to tackle the 5k! We laughed, talked, and got a great morning workout all while getting covered in colors! There were sections along the race where volunteers covered us in colors! By the end we were laughing, singing, dancing, and thoroughly enjoying our time! Afterwards, we went to breakfast colored from head to toes… thinking they might turn us away! But, the entire San Pedro Square was filled with other Color Run people. It was a lot of fun, and something we are all looking forward to doing again.
Events And Adventures San Jose

 

Another Amazing Memorial Day Weekend!

Casini Ranch on the Russian River Valley, with one mile of beach on the river, was a perfect place for the E&A Memorial Day Camping Trip.  We set up the E&A Metropolis at our large campsite for 103 people and the fun began Friday night.  Laughter, fun, bonfires: we all had smiles and were ready for a great weekend.  The Mess Hall, reserved just for E&A, was great as well as it provided a safe and easy place for us to get our meals.  It also had the nearest bathrooms!

Saturday was more fun with a big floatopia on the river, and more fun at tonight.  Sunday we had a wine tasting and our final night at the camp.  I was surprised on Monday how well everyone pitched in and helped each other pack and get ready to leave.  I watched the cars drive away, all with big E&A smiles on the passenger's faces.  Another E&A camping trip success.  

Events And Adventures San Francisco

Spring in Tuscany Cooking Class

This was a great night of food, flavors, learning, enjoying, chatting and eating. The food we cooked was AMAZING, several people didn't cook, and a couple guys said they were there to learn. We did Grilled Artichokes with basil aioli, Tuscan Grilled Chicken, Kale Salad, and Lemon Tart. Somehow Chef Katherine managed to also teach us some knife skills, how to pick out vinegar and oils, how vinegar is made and how to find the right kale at the market. She was funny and entertaining. The great smells made my stomach growl and the chicken was the JUICIEST I had ever eaten. I feel accomplished. We met some newcomers to the group and this was the perfect event to get acquainted at, cooking and great fun!

Events And Adventures San Francisco

Laughing So Hard My Face Hurt!

 Made Up Theater in Fremont is a gem! It’s located in the back of a bunch of office buildings & if you weren’t looking for it, you would never know it was there. Most people arrived early & were happy to get their seats inside the theater as it was cold & windy. Once our group arrived, we got to know each other while waiting for the show to start. Once the show got going, the laughter could be heard all the way down the road. We shouted suggestions and waited for the actors to use them in their improv. The entire back row of members had side comments which made it even funnier. Lorraine was crying through the entire thing she was laughing so hard. Afterward, we got to meet all the performers and take a group picture up on the stage. It was a great night indeed. Events And Adventures

Wine Bottling at La Nebbia Winery!

Ahh...E&A.....E&A....E&A. You have done it again. You went out into this Bay Area world of ours and found a great event. Wine bottling at La Nebbia Winery in Half Moon Bay today. The event was fun and interesting but what really made the adventure was sitting down at a picnic table with our peeps. We met some new people today and hung out with old friends (by the way we made through E&A). I am continually amazed at the good times that I have with this group.

I have stated many times that I could go out and join a tennis club, a golf club, or a chess club. But in now way....no how could those clubs compare to the adventures that I get when I wait in anticipation for the calendar on the 15th of every month.

Kudos to the people behind the scenes to make these great events.

Sue Ellen (Member)

Events And Adventures San Francisco

The Wildflower Hike!

The Wildflower Hike on Russian Ridge is an event we all look forward to -- Welcome Spring! The weather was perfect and this trail offers so much, great views, changing landscape and an opportunity for hikers, photographers, and flower lovers. The woodsy smell of sage and bay just adds to the enjoyment. We can almost see the ocean - Half Moon Bay, we can see the fog this time. The California Poppies are bright orange dots all over the hillside and since it is our native California State flower - it is a nice opportunity for several of our hikers to ask questions, because they are learning all these new things about their new home. Even the drive up is nice winding road, lots of bike riders are out there too. After we got back down, we decided to go to Buck' s Restaurant, more history and silliness, the location of many big-money Silicon Valley deals. What a great day - friends, food, fun, and fresh air.
Events and Adventures San Francisco

Another Great E&A Hike!

Hikes at E&A are a constant reminder of the incredible natural beauty of the Bay Area. Recently we gathered for a hike around Phoenix Lake but the numerous waterfalls from last week's rain made the path especially wonderful.  The sun came out and made the views of Mt. Tam and Phoenix Lake even more special.  

Of course, beauty and serenity are wonderful, but the group made it great too. Scott who become our leader at the back of the group had a walkie talkie so we could communicate if necessary.  He jokingly told me to call him "cupcake" which made the rest of the group laugh and, of course, they wanted us to communicate just to keep sharing new names:

"Are you there Cupcake? Over."

"Yes, I am Powder Puff. The group is doing great." Over.

And on and on...

Serenity, beauty, and the laughter of fun friends.  Another great E&A hike!
Events And Adventures San Francisco

Kate & Rich First Met Over A Year Ago At Trampoline Dodgeball.........

Trampoline Dodgeball is a favorite for many & a first event for most. This last Trampoline Dodgeball was different though this last time. Kate & Rich first met over a year ago at Trampoline Dodgeball… His first event & one of the events she hosted. Although they didn’t really speak to each other, that night stuck out in their mind. It was where they met & where everything else blossomed from. This last Trampoline Dodgeball event had a huge turnout to say goodbye to Rich, although, many wondered why he was letting his membership expire. Upon arrival everyone realized pretty quickly what happened. Kate & Rich got engaged! They decided to announce at Trampoline Dodgeball surrounded by their closest friends & at their favorite event. It was a fun night that ended in a champagne toast at Bennigan’s in their honor. So many members came out to congratulate them! The funniest thing that I noticed was all the men standing off to the side, while the women crowded around Kate to hear the engagement story. After that, there were mutterings of “how am I supposed to top that?” from many of the men. It was the cutest story! Kate – you’ve found a winner! And Rich – job well done! I wish you both the best in your new life together.  Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Who Needs An Indoor Movie Theater?

I never knew I needed an indoor movie theater, until I had one over the weekend. Now it seems like a must. It was a weekend tucked away in South Lake Tahoe. At least, that’s what I did this last weekend. It was an intimate group of 17 people… And although there was no new snow, it was a very eventful weekend, of doing nothing. I rented a mansion. I mean, a REALLY, REALLY, REALLY nice mansion (hence the indoor movie theater, oh, and the indoor sauna, indoor steam room, indoor pool, game room, bar, 8 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, hot tub… the list goes on and on). It felt like we were living like kings! A large group of us decided we never wanted to leave… So we didn’t. Friday through Monday was filled with pool parties, movie premiers (we had some of the newest movies still out in theaters to watch), delicious meals, sauna parties, and pure laziness. It was so much fun! Granted, not everyone just enjoyed being lazy. Keith, Steve, Alvin and Todd all went snowboarding. And George & Gary went to the casino’s (where they walked away with $460!). Olivia took a helicopter ride around the lake & Laura got her morning exercise by running by the lake. With everyone in one house together we really had the feeling of family. It’s so true when people comment about their E&A family, because that is really what it is like. After spending so much time together, friendships were made & strengthened. Oh yea… watching the 49’er/Seahawks game was great (even though we lost) because we saw it in a movie theater! I can’t wait to go back. Events And Adventures Santa Clara

Here At Events And Adventures We Often Break Out Of The Mold.....

No better example than the event last Tuesday, which turned wine tasting and a scavenger hunt on their heads! This was not just any sip "more wine and skip from wine bar to wine bar" event. We started with a wonderful, friendly, and sociable place that agreed to remain open just for E&A (it's good to have friends who sell great wine).  Start with an unusual glass of Hungarian sparkling wine and hors d'oevures just wake up our palates and get a chance to mingle with our friends (and meet some new ones).  Then the teams were created: men had to find two ladies to discover the wine.  Already, men and women alike were smiling and laughing.  

Next were 5 different wines (all poured into identical bottles.  Each person got a small pour and each team a sheet of paper.  Located around the room were a number of descriptor cards with clues attached to a bottle of wine.  Was the clue helpful to what you tasted? Was it trying to deceive you? The job of each team: match what you taste in the glass to the bottle of wine.  Prizes for even those who could answer one correctly!

Every team went at their own pace but there seemed to be more teamwork happening among all of the teams as each wine had its own unusual characteristics.  Even after all of the name were revealed, people were still excited, except all they wanted was to purchase some wine and get some dinner! We all left having had a wonderful time and looking forward to the great Mediterranean place next store. Events And Adventures San Francisco

It Started As A Dark & Stormy Night........

And left me feeling warm. I have a love/hate relationship with all our parties. I love the idea of them, I love the outcome, and I love seeing the members have a wonderful time… sometimes I just hate the amount of work and stress that goes into them. This one was no different, although all the planning went relatively smooth, the weather just had to change to the biggest storm we have had this winter (granted this is California & it really wasn’t that bad). After months of planning, the rain came in & tried to ruin the V-Day Hoedown. It was at the coolest barn you can imagine with an extremely talented band, caller, and DJ. We had the BEST natural, organic, “straight from the farm” hors d'oeuvres, and a full bar with many delicious drinks being poured. I even rented a mechanical bull! The rain really made our numbers drop though, many didn’t want to make the drive on such a stormy night. What happened that evening though really changed my whole perspective…

I was surprised with a gift from Elizabeth for my birthday & had the entire barn singing happy birthday to me! It was a complete surprise! I hadn’t told anyone about my birthday coming up! Elizabeth brought in a beautifully wrapped package that had a gorgeous bathing suit cover up for my trip. Throughout the night, everyone gave me hugs and wished me a happy birthday. It was so special to see how grateful they all were for the hard work I put in & how they helped me celebrate my birthday! I felt so lucky to be surrounded by E&A friends celebrating this special day. It made me forget the stormy weather outside and truly enjoy the party.

Beautiful Day To View The Elephant Seals!

We could not of had a better day for the Elephant Seals Hike. Timing was perfect. The sun was shining with warm, clear, and gorgeous. On top of that, many of the pregnant elephant seals had just given birth so we were able to see tons of babies and boy were they cute! The 3.5 mile hike didn’t seem like a hike at all, we were all talking and laughing and looking at the beautiful scenery. Our guides were super knowledgeable & showed us all the great spots to see the seals. Megan brought out her GIANT camera that took some really amazing photos. Jacob shared his binoculars so we could all see the male elephants seals fighting out in the water. Walking around in a tank top on the beachin January, what a wonderful day! I even got a tan! Events And Adventures

Marine Mammal Sunday

Sometimes when you plan an event, you think it's going to be great, but you aren't really sure until you arrive.  On Sunday, a perfectly clear sunny day, I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and drove into the Marin Headlands, one of my favorite places in the Bay Area.  My destination was the Marine Mammal Center, an incredible modern building, located with an incredible view, of the Pacific coming into a small cove.  

This Sunday was Marine Mammal Sunday, a special day where this hospital, dedicated to saving sick animals in the wild, healing them, and re-releasing them, opened its doors to the public to see what they do.  Everyone arrived and got to stroll the grounds, then watched a fun and brief presentation about Arctic Mammals.  that was followed by a private docent tour of the grounds.  It was wonderful to have a full group sell out and I only wished I could have included those on the wait list!

Some events here at Events and Adventures are all about excitement: Broadway plays, Trapeze classes, skydiving, for example. Others, I like this one at the Center empower us.  All of them strengthen our friendships and the E&A community.  As we left I made a suggestion that we have an event where we spend the day volunteering for the Marine Mammal Center: either helping with the mammals or perhaps cleaning up the beach to protect wildlife from plastics and other garbage.  It wasn't just the unanimous responses, of "yes!" that told me this was a good idea.  It was the excitement in our eyes, the passion in the responses and the desire to volunteer for a good cause.  Guess I have another event to plan...
Events And Adventures San Francisco

Circuit Hacking.....On My Bucket List?

There are many things still on my bucket list, and I have an interest in many things, but I never thought that circuit hacker would be one of them.  That was, until Circuit Hacking Night at Noisebridge with E&A. Noisebridge is a non-profit dedicated to creativity in all things technological and we visited on a night where we could make our own mini projects.  Alvin created a key chain sized remote control that could turn of a TV anywhere.  Kate made a special techno-pencil for her artist daughter that "sang" and changed pitch and volume based on the stroke and pressure of the pencil.  I created an LED heart and then learn to program patterns in the lights.  

Another E&Aer mentioned, before the hacking started, that he joined E&A because he was always nervous, especially around ladies.  But being in his element, his natural interest in all things tech, and the ease he had with us, he soon started chatting with another women about their projects and they were soon sharing sodering irons.  Another felt completely confused but masterfully had every expert in the room guiding her and helping her understand.  All remarked at the end that they would have never come here before but all got something out of it: one made a special gift for her daughter.  Another learned to feel comfortable with himself and ask a smart techie "nerd" out.  Happy holidays to all the "nerds" and E&Aers everywhere! Events And Adventures San Francisco

Nervous About Rock Climbing......

The first three members who arrived at Mission Cliffs for a rock climbing lesson were visibly nervous. "I've never done this before.  What if I fall?" Despite my attempts to calm them, sometimes digging, or in this case, climbing right in is the only way to assuage ones fears.  

The incredibly nice and articulate instructors that were reserved especially for the E&A group privately certainly helped. The lessons in rope, belay, and climbing may have felt long to one not participating, but with safety always the main concern, each member, could safely climb or belay their partner.  

Then they were let loose.  One group stayed on the shorter climbs, while others took to the four story high climbs.  I checked in with everyone, and most were having a great time.  Some still had some reservations, but the instructors and especially the other E&Aers just helped out and made them feel comfortable.  Two climbs later and the fear left their facees.  I asked if everyone wanted to grab some lunch but with the All-day passes that were arranged for the group, more than half wanted to stay and keep climbing!  Best of all was an e-mail I received the next morning:  Bryan, please send me pictures from the rock climbing on Sunday.  My friends and family won't believe that was me on the rocks!" Events And Adventures San Francisco

Another Awesome New Years Eve!

After months and months of planning, and hundreds of hours of work, the day finally came. New Years Eve was so successful and so much fun! With 190 members, and an evening filled with glitz, glam, dancing, and friends, it turned out as a New Year’s Eve for the record books.

The venue was stunning, with the rotunda & stained glass. The open bar was… open, for all to enjoy. The Brie Crab Mac & Cheese delicious, and DJ Rich didn’t disappoint. On top of it all, the E&A staff made it so memorable for me! Rich, Courtney, Eric, and Anum really made me feel good. They surprised me in front of the entire membership with roses, a crown, & a sash. They made it so that I could be appreciated for all the hard work I do for E&A. It was such a surprise and so sweet of them. It was wonderful hearing all the congratulations throughout the night & everyone telling me how much I deserved it. It really did make the night feel special… even if it ended with me scrubbing the floor on hands & knees in my evening gown to make sure the venue looked spotless when we left. Events And Adventures San Francisco/Santa Clara

Ugly Sweater Christmas Lights Party Bus!

It was an Ugly Sweater Christmas Lights Party Bus! We met at the Caltrain Station & hopped on a party bus. We listened to a mix of top 40 & Christmas music and danced our way (in the bus) to the Festival of Lights at Vasona Park, where we saw a light up T-Rex & so many elves you would believe you’re at the North Pole. Afterward, we headed to LGBG for some cocktails, while dancing and mingling! Robert’s lightup sweater was terribly ugly… and FANTASTIC! While George 1 & George 2 had a great time bouncing around. I had on some blinking Christmas lights & a very ugly non-sweater (Amazon, you failed me there). Anyways, it was definitely a party… Must be why they call them Party Buses. Events And Adventures Santa Clara