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Published: August 6th 2011
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We had booked a tour of the city and met the bus at 8.45am, ready for the 9am drive into San Francisco. This was a bit of a shock to the system as it has been quite some time since we have had to be anywhere by a certain time, apart from flights! I think we are going to need some training to get into the 'getting up and getting to work on time' regime that will be upon us all too soon! For the moment though, we enjoyed riding into town, without having to drive or navigate our way around. Once again, it was a foggy start to the day, but luckily, this was starting to lift and had cleared the Golden Gate Bridge as we drove across it. Some nice photo opportunities were had there, along with a coffee and a muffin for breakfast, ( we didn't have enough time for this before we set off, plus stocks were low in the camp cupboard) and then we drove through the Presidio, an old Army/Airforce Base which is being restored and the officers houses and barracks let out to tenants. You can't buy them, only rent or lease and its
Golden Gate Bridge
...and in the afternoon all managed by a trust. They have a prime location overlooking San Francisco Bay. Then it was on to Golden Gate Park, where we took a ride up the Tower to get an aerial view of the city and peeked inside the Japanese Tea Gardens. We then drove around taking in all the usual sights; the 'Painted Ladies', a group of Victorian houses painted in pastel colours that survived the 1906 earthquake and fire, Lombard Street and its crazy, steep, zigzag road, took a cable car ride, and stopped at Pier 39 for a look around and lunch. The day had turned out to be a cracker, with sunshine and a clear blue sky, and we then set off to Chinatown and a bit of a tour around some different parts of the city, seeing the difference between those sections of the city that survived the 1906 fire and the newer parts, as well as the Civic Centre and other landmarks. Alcatraz was visible in the harbour, but tours there have to be booked weeks in advance, so no chance of getting there this trip. After one last look at the Golden Gate Bridge, this time bathed in sunshine, we
headed back to camp having thoroughly enjoyed the tour. That evening was spent sitting around the campfire with some Canadians who were also on the tour, swapping traveling stories and getting a demonstration on how to make conversation and keep the discussion flowing and include everyone by our hostess. (That is another story that is best given verbally) Needless to say it was very entertaining. We are headed down the coast next on Highway 1. Only a few more sleeps in the van and a few more nights of having to make my way outside to the toilet in the dark, oh, and I'm really looking forward to having a bath mat...silly I know, but getting out of the shower and being able to have dry feet is one of life's little luxuries. Love to all, Shelley and Dean.xxx
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Bronwyn
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The trip
have been loving the stroies and the escapades - what an awsum time you have both had - on another matter I am asuming Dean is also known as Lionel :) and I am sure you havent picked up some strrange local from the hinterland - :) had a txt and phone call did I know Shelly and Lionel - well no - but all came clear (lol) all good - raved for about 10 mons - you could now walk on water :) enjoy the rest of the trip wil miss the blogs and the stories of the such great adventures