Serendipitous San Francisco

What a day, I hardly know where to start!

We went down to Pier 33 on the bay with the faint hope that we might get tickets to Alcatraz. We tried to buy them on line 5 days ago but it said all tours were booked until the 4th January. I had heard conflicting reports on whether to buy them in advance or not, and just didn't get around to it thinking all would be fine. My bad.

Of course there were none, so the consolation trip was a bay cruise that went up to Alcatraz but that was all. As Jason went back to the ticket office, the girl he had just been asking about tickets directed him to guy who was trying to get a refund on two tickets he couldn't use! Unbelievable! It was a no brainer, we sent the girls off as we had already been there years ago. It was just like sending them off on a big ride at a theme park. They were gone for about 4 hours and said it was well worthwhile. We were so glad to be able to make up for our mistake of not buying tickets earlier.

Off on an adventure

Alcatraz

 Jason and I wandered up a little further to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, however, it was tourist overload on steroids. Goodness knows what it must be like in the height of summer holidays, it was mayhem! The best thing about the wharf were the sea lions!

Pontoons of sea lions

King of his domain

Jason found a submarine and a WW2 ship to explore, and I did what any self respecting deserted wife would do, went shopping and bought shoes (on sale of course)!

 The liberty ship (carrier ship)

Jason going onboard the submarine

One of the best things I saw was this street that appeared to go up at right angles. I believe the area at the top is called Nob Hill.

Jones street

I also went into a penny arcade where they had many old amusement type machines still working.

We met the girls back at Pier 33 and went in search of food which we finally had at 3pm. A bit more exploring of the area revealed Hyde Pier and some old ships to explore which Jason was very excited about (us not so much). The best thing was that they were part of the National park program, and our annual pass got us in for free. 

View from ship yard towards Golden Gate bridge shrouded in fog

Looking back to SF

It was getting toward dusk (again), and it was going to be a very long walk back to the hotel, so we decided to catch a cable car back as the route went right past where we were staying. We had a long cold wait, but eventually got on, Jason and I electing to ride on the standing positions hanging half out of the car! It was our cheap thrills now that we can no longer tolerate roller coasters in our old age :)

Waiting for the cable car

On the cable car (Jason standing on the running board)

The end 

It was time to find warmth and food, so we headed toward the Westfield on Market street where we found a food court that catered for everyone's taste. It was a fairly short walk back up a hill and we were home. After the quiet and solitude of Lake Tahoe, we're finding the crowds rambunctious and the begging homeless people confronting. I'd also like to tell the busking trumpet player out on the street under our window where to put his instrument!

We're all pretty tired and foot sore, and I'm sure there'll be a sleep in tomorrow.

Happy New Year everyone in Oz!