Here is a glimpse into our second day in San Francisco. Much to our disappointment day two was even colder and more blustery that our first day ( a real disappointment to those who only packed capri pants and t-shirts…Sam!). Despite the cool wind we decided to embark on a day-long bike trip across the famous golden gate bridge to the town of Sausalito. The bike rental guy assured the girls that the trip was a leisurely pedal with only one large hill and nothing they couldn’t handle. He also promised a ten degree increase in temperature once we were on the protected side of the bay. After buying some tuques and gloves (yes… it was that cold!!) we headed out. Much to our disappointment the money hungry bike rental guy told some major fibs about the difficulty of the bike path and failed to mention the “push you off your bike” winds going across the open-air bridge. After we had pushed our bikes up 4 major hills and were almost blown into the ocean we arrived in Sausalito. Lucky for us we were able to catch a ferry ride back at the end of the afternoon and avoided a sweaty, exhausting repeat of our morning ride. You’ll notice there are no pictures below of anyone actually riding a bike (I guess no one wanted the tuque/helmet/wind swept cheeks look posted for all to see) so we opted just for the riveting story without posting the evidence.
On our way from the bike rental to Sausalito.
Those cable card are everywhere!
Getting closer to the bridge…we’ve already climbed one hill and are resting easy that the hardest part is finished.
The bridge is even closer yet it seems to be taking us a long time to get there…by this point we have realised we have at least one more hill we will need to climb.
We are finally on the bridge and it is WINDY!! Yikes! The fog is just starting to come into the bay but the view is still pretty awesome!
We made it across and we have now climbed three hills! It is becoming obvious this ride isn’t our definition of “leisurely”.
We are sweaty and windswept but have finally locked the bikes up and are looking for a good vegetarian lunch (Yeah, that’s right. We’re vegetarians) option in a place known for seafood. On our way to lunch we came across a man selling pictures with his bird. As you can see it was the boys parents who thought this would make a good picture!
After a great vegetarian sandwich we took some time to look at all the fabulous boats in the marina! Wow…it’s hard to imagine a life where a million dollar sailboat can sit unused as a “hobby”.
A view of some of the smaller boats in less expensive moorings.
On our way back now! Riding the ferry…what a treat. Now we have time to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
We saw a view of Alcatraz from the ferry and we couldn’t wait for the next day when a day trip to the famous island was on the schedule!
On the way back to the bike rental place now…passing more of those famous trolly cars that I just can’t stop shooting.
Finally we have dropped off the bikes and are walking back towards the Pier. We saw some very talented (young!) buskers on the way to dinner.
After dinner we took a walk to see the infamous (stinky!!) California Sea Lions at Pier 39 basking in what is left of the sun. These guys are so funny! With all the noise and constant shuffling, pushing and complaining it’s no wonder they need so much sleep!
A final view looking up and away from where the Sea Lions are sleeping…it looks so peaceful!
Check back to find out what we did on our last two days in San Francisco. More great pictures to come!
Wonderful work. Great city!
Your photos are awesome, I love San Fran. If we could move there we would. I sure hope you went to the chocolate factory!
Love the little boy with the cockatoo.
Trolly cars, bridges, and the expression on that child’s face = fabulous! Did you bring a stinky sea lion home?