San Fransisco

It was overcast and about 45 degrees when we got up this morning. We hoped it would be better later because today we planned to visit San Fransisco. Mike spent some time on the laptop and put together a plan, just so we wouldn't miss anything in the few hours we could spend down town.

Earlier that morning we made reservations to do a 90 minute tour at 1:00 pm, so we left about 10:15 for SF. Rohnert Park is about 50 miles north on Hwy 101 or about an hour away. As we came over the crest of the last hill before the bay, the Golden Gate Bridge loomed on the horizon.

Crossing the bridge Hwy 101 becomes Marina Avenue. We stayed on Marina until we got down to Fisherman's Wharf where we found a parking garage under North Point Center and stashed the car. Taking the dogs we walked down to Embarcadero. Our first stop was to look at a restored WW II submarine and the Liberty ship Jerome O'Brien. After that we slowly wandered down to Pier 39 which was lined with shops and restaurants galore including another one of my magic shops - heh, heh...

We stopped for a smoothy and hot dog as we wandered our way out to the end of the pier where we had a great view of Alcatraz and the Bay. Then we took the dogs back to the car and walked back to the tour.

We had booked our tour with Mr Toad Tours. They have a series of pre-1930 touring cars convert-ed to run on hydrogen. Ours was a 1924 White originally used to run tours in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. We started the tour by going to North Beach, known as San Francisco's "Little Italy". Then it was on to Jackson Square, formerly known as the Barbary Coast and now a charming antique district. Interestingly, the San Fransisco Financial District is adjascent to the old Barbary Coast. We also drove through China Town, home to the largest population of Chinese outside China.

Leaving China Town we explored the elegant homes and hotels of Nob Hill and Pacific Heights with many beautifully restored Victorian mansions. Next we visited the Presidio District, a 1,500 acre park and former militsary base turned local community. Included in the Presidio are Crissy Field with a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Cow Hollow - The dairy farm turned boutique fashion area and the Palace of Fine Arts.

Leaving the Presidio area we continue along through the Marina District across Ghirardelli Square where you can get free chocolate samples and back to Fishermans Wharf, home of the World Famous Ferry Building, Boudin Bakery and historical piers.

Leaving the tour and walking back to the piers we decided to have a snack before heading home so we walked to the seafood pier where you can get all sorts of fresh seafood ordered up in minutes for less than ten dollars. We finally ordered two prawn baskets expecting to get a half dozen prawns and fries. Instead we got about 18 large fresh cooked prawns and walked over to the dock overlooking the fishing fleet.

Walking back to the car we got the dogs some water and headed for home. What a beautiful day!!