San Francisco - 24th May 2012

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We have now finished the Great Railway Journey across the USA. Today is our extra day in San Francisco before we fly down to Miami on Friday to pick up the 7-day Caribbean Cruise in Fort Laudadale

We spend some time sorting out our suitcases for the cruise so that we have a fresh start with all our clothes clean. After which we go up to the pool on the roof of the Golden Gate Holiday Inn where we are staying. It is quite a warm day and the pool seems to be sheltered from the wind, We sunbathe and read - taking it easy.

At around noon we go down to reception to say good-bye to the "Railway" Group" as they head off back to the UK. Di then goes back to the pool. I do some "window shopping". Firstly I go to a Guitar Shop, which is absolutely massive - I have never seen so many guitars in one place, they have a huge selection of Gibson and Fender. But I don't buy anything - we already have enough to carry! I then go to a American Vintage Car Exhibition - I am struck by the condition of the cars, which look "brand new" and are showroom standard. I also visit an off-licence (Liquor Store) that one of the other "Rail Travellers" had recommended to me. It has an unbelievable range of beers and wines. I find a bottle of the NZ Cloudy Bay Sav Blanc and I also buys some beers - we will probably stay in tonight and watch TV and have an early night in preparation for travelling tomorrow.

We have decided that we will visit Sausalito today for lunch. (although we have left it late so it will be a rather late lunch/dinner!). We get the bus down to Fisherman's Wharf and then book the boat for the ride across "The Bay" to Sausalito which will leave at 14:35. We have to wait 20 mins, but soon we are on board and heading off. It takes about 55 mins going out as we make a stop at Angel Island. It will take only 30 minutes to return.

As soon as we arrive at Sausalito we look for a restaurant as we only intend to stay a couple of hours. We find a restaurant called "Scoma's" which is situated on a little pier. We initially get a table outside, but we are out of the sun and it is a little chilly, so we move inside. They have some great seafood, I eat "Sand Dab", but Di has a Chicken Sandwich. It is a good lunch and we share mixed berry pie and ice cream for dessert.

We then make our way back to catch the ferry, doing a bit of window shopping on the way.We get back to Fisherman's Wharf, we make a good bus connection and are back to the hotel in no time at all.

We complete all the laundry and packing so that we have a fresh start for the cruise. We chill out for the evening, Di watching TV, me catching up with my Blog- I want to be up-to-date for the cruise!! We retire early looking forward to the next stage of our travels!

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