San Francisco

A day in San Fransico, what more could one want. We started out by seeing the Golden Gate Bridge from the side near Sausalito. One of the bargains for the day was that there was no toll North Bound seeing they have increased the prices of tolls--- it was worth the trip. It looks like we are cold and we were a little as the temperatures hovered in the 60's most of the day. I know you people in the South and Mid-West are not sorry for us, but you would also choose to be here instead of the heat wave that you are in. It was busy for a Sunday, but we braved the crowds and did as much as possible. This north side of the bridge was clear enough to see Alcatraz. The monument on this side is for the Merchant Marines, Sailors, Coast Guard. and other service personnel who place their lives on the front line of battles and landings from the sea it was very nicely done. There are many forts that surround the Golden Gate Bridge and they are in the process of being redone for visitors or have reopened for tours. It is nice to see that history is being restored for our youth to hopefully understand the positions we have taken as a nation to protect our freedom at all cost.
After many streets of up and down we managed with the help of the GPS to find China Town. It is very impressive and just as quaint as you imagine. We were pleased to see that the price on items were within reason. Many bargains could be found if you looked. We managed to resist the best bargains, but are sorry for it too. Of course there is always now the reason to return. We had lunch at the Cathay House which most tours stop at. It was very good and reasonably priced. Our next adventure was the Trolley Cars. You have not lived or hope you still are alive once you board one of these and have the wind in your face as you lean out of the car and make sure you keep your head in as the next one passes you going in the opposite direction. To say you are packed like sardines is to be kind. Our trolley operator was very nice and told us about a one day pass that would allow us on any of the city rides. We took our first one from China Town to the Pier or Wharf Area. Many side walk vendors and events going on at Justin Herman Plaza. We walked to Pier 1 and seeing the fog had lifted got a great view of the Bay Bridge and Alcatraz. We then boarded the cable car to ride out to Pier 39, that was worse than being a sardine in a can, but also fun our driver was very kind and informative. Being a Sunday it was very crowded, but with the temps so high inland everyone was looking for the coolness. We braved the crowds and found the sea lions and the boardwalk along Pier 39. We road back on the cable car to catch the next trolley to Lombard Street. Oh yeah you have to walk this all the way down to the bottom, or if you have a car you can drive it. Walking down is easy up was not all that bad really, Traffic is something else, but I guess if you bought your property you knew what was in store for you after all this has been in existance for years. We rode the trolley to the bottom of the hill, I was glad to be facing the other direction as the view down was quite scary, to say that the brakes were smoking would not be a lie. We walked to the Ghiradelli Square when of course one must have hot chocolate or a latte the boys preferred ice cream. Malikai was in heaven with all the chocolate he would have liked to have taken a bath in.
Our ride back to the car was a little chilly, but remember the side walk vendors, of course one could purchase a jacket at a great price to help against the chill. While waiting for the trolly we managed to watch the how the trolly turns around yes, it is still done the old fashion way of pushing it along the track to the turnstyle and rotating it 180 degrees. Great fun and enjoyment while you wait you turn to board. Our parking for the whole day was only $5.00, Erica left the garage in a great hurry just in case the attendent changed his mind. We found our hotel, with a great view from the 4th floor and got entertained or should we say sung to during the night by the street people. In the morning we found a great pancake restuarant called Sears House of Pancakes. If you go by the pictures on the wall a lot of famous people have eaten there. Okay one was Tony Bennett, I know you all wanted to know that and the newest visitor was Obama. It doesn't matter it was very good.