San Francisco

---

Well, we're now on tour. The flight across was a bit bumpy but the boys had a field day with their own TV screen each. Arrived San Francisco about midday, dry and windy, maybe 17-18 degrees. We're staying right slap bang in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf so there is heaps to do right on our doorstep. Spent the afternoon just wandering around - saw the sea lions at Pier 39, Alcatraz is just a wee way out - lots of shops selling Alcatraz this or that, went onto the SS Pampanito a US WW2 submarine - great tour all about the subs stopping the suply of goods to the Japanese - they sunk 1200 ships during WW2 and 53 subs disappeared without trace, and had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe with very real looking elephants and gorillas roaring just to keep us awake.

Had a huge sleep last night. Needed that big time! Today we've taken the cable car into the centre of town up past North Beach where the Italian community is based, then skirting along Chinatown. The cable car streets here are just like you see in the movies, up and down with rows of victorian terrace houses everywhere. Walked down Lombard St, the crookedest street in the world apparently. Now we're just having a breather back at our hotel while the boys catch up on the latest from cartoon network (!). The highlight for them so far today was probably stumbling onto a pokemon shop in Chinatown where they "invested" a couple of US dollars each of their own money in some new pokemon and pokemon cards. Just when they were starting to waver, that got a spring back in their strides.

Will do Alcatraz tomorrow.

---

Photos

SS Pampanito
On the submarine.

Lombard St
Lombard St - the world\'s crookedest!

the boys on the plane
ready for takeoff

Comments

[Andy Stewart]

Techonogical!
My lord.....Russell Mawhinney goes techie! Cool blog....keep em coming. WM.

[Mark Raddon]

San Fran
Looks as though you are all having a great time,hope you managed to escape Alcatraz !!!! Enjoy all the clam chowder on Fishermans Wharf - I did !!! Rads

[Laura]

Pace yourselves!
Don't be having too much fun in SF or TD will seem very sleepy!!! Weather starting to warm up here thank god! Hope to be up in the 80s by Friday!!!! Cant wait to see you all Laura

[Metherells]

Looks like your having fun!!!!
Hi, Looks like you guys are having a great time. Have fun tomorrow at Alkatraz and keep us posted with what your up to. The photos are great too. (:

[Andrew McGuire]

Business Class?
Enjoyed the read and the photos. In the photo of the boys the seats in Business Class look very close together!?! Enjoy the rest of the holiday.

[Tanz]

NZ calling
Hi guys What a great idea this is. Awesome photos. It's cold and miserable back here. Bruce still hasn't got his roster yet . Nice seeing you all on Sunday.

[Kathy.]

Aweseome family photos
Loved seeing you all - I was interested to learn 53 subs went without trace - Loved the photo of the boys on the plane although sinking feeling of thinking i have to take all three to scotland in a couple of weeks - flying has lost its novelty factor. Great education for you all and family time. Love to read and see more as your trip progresses. Enjoy!! Cheers Kathy and family.