21 watermelons, 2 flats of white nectarines, 1 flat of apricots, tomatoes, and of course cherries. The Rv was stuffed with freshly picked fruit from Julia's fruit stand. Even the shower had a full 2 stacks of watermelons. The beds had some as well. The fridge was packed like never before. All counter space that was ever available was covered with baskets of cherries and blackberries. It was worth it, the Piper's new that they wouldn't be able to come back to the fruit stand until late August, and it was unknown whether or not they would still have watermelons or peaches. So they went all out this time, and got as much fruit as they could.
The Pipers stopped in Chico, California. They went to one of their favorite swimming spots. It was called the 1 Mile. It was a river, but it had a dam on one end so it was basically a freshwater pool. The water was cold, but so pure and clean since it was still morning and not too many people had stirred up the water yet. The pool was almost empty, so empty that there weren't even any life guards yet. Without having any lifeguards around the Pipers broke just a few of the park rules. They ran, horsed around, and dived off the lifeguard seats. Who was going to stop them?
After getting their daily dose of swimming they jumped back into the Rv and continued the long drive to San Francisco. As they inched closer, they began to see the tip of the Golden Gate Bridge as it poked out of the clouds. Skyscrapers at least twice the size of Portland's hid behind a layer of fog. The Pipers exited the freeway and entered the Bay Bridge. Water glistened below them. The bridge was long, and had a wonderful view of the upcoming skyscrapers. They were taller than expected. Rising well above the road, Tara had thought the Portland ones were high, but my gosh these were even more magnificent then imagined. San Francisco was a incredibly pretty town, the ocean was in walking or bus distance. There were trees and despite the population of the town the streets weren't jam packed, they were actually quite manageable. (considering they were in an Rv) There were really tasteful cafes and restaurants on each block. The people were kind. The city did a good job of managing the population and still having enough extra space for plants. It was a big city but in some spots had the feeling of just a beach side town.
Ben drove the Rv down the streets of San Francisco, past the skyscrapers, past blocks of houses that had barely an inch in between them. Up hills, and down them. Past parks. Until they arrived at the Balboa Theater. You could almost see the ocean from the Sidewalk of the Balboa. It was just over a hill. The Pipers had a few hours before Phoenix, Oregon played. Ben and Tara went to go get a veggie burger, while Kim and Daniel went for a hike with the rest of the Phoenix, Oregon tour group. After Ben and Tara ate their late lunch meal. They got on a electric bus and rode down Balboa St. until the Bus's last stop where they unloaded. They were dropped off just a street away from the beach.
Time passed, and as 7:00 approached they headed down to the theater. When Tara peeked her head in to look at the turnout she was pleased to see at least 40 people had showed up. The Pipers had some friends in the crowd, as well as the Lundgrens. But most of this crowd was just San Francisco civilians. Next up on the Phoenix, Oregon Movie Tour is The 3rd Street Cinema in Santa Rosa, CA. See you there!
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