Wednesday 27 September 2017 – Canberra to San Francisco - Part I
Sunrise: Canberra 5:46am
Flight Info: QF1516 Depart CBR 09:55Arrive SYD 10:50
QF73 Depart SYD 13:00Arrive SFO 09:30
The flight out of Canberra got away on time. It landed in Sydney at gate 12, so I didn’t have far to walk to gate 15, which is the transfer gate to the International terminal. I only had to wait about 5 minutes, if that, for the next transfer bus.
Once on board, I checked my phone and there was a message from Andrew, saying that their flight out of Melbourne had been delayed and that they had only just landed and were now at gate 15. Once I offloaded at the international terminal, I then waited until they arrived. Had a quick catch up and then I went via the Express path route through Custom and Immigration, while they went with the crowd. As it was, I was only about 5 minutes ahead of them.
After doing some duty free shopping (new perfume for me), we then went to the Qantas lounge until the flight was called. Departed from gate 9, which was only a minute or 2 walk from the lounge.
The flight was due to depart at 1pm. Pushback was at 1:10pm and we were airborn at 1:35pm.
I watched the movie ‘The English Patient” and after eating the meal, vegetable lasagna for me, tried to sleep. Dozed and slept for about half of the flight.
Around 2am USA time, a Weis ice cream was on offer, which was quite yummy.
Breakfast was an omelette with sausage but I gave the sausage a miss. There was also an nice yoghurt and museli.
The plane landed pretty much on time and we had collected our bags and passed through immigration & customs and at the BART station, within about 20 minutes of touching down. I was very impressed.
Wednesday 27 September 2017 - San Francisco - Part II
Sunset: San Francisco 6:58pm
Weather Forecast: San Francisco 14 to 24 Mainly cloudy 50% humidity
Weather Actual: 29 and sunny
Steps: 13,562 9.36 kl
After buying a one way ticked into the SF downtown, we enjoyed an easy ½ hour ride into the city, getting off at Powell Street.
Andrew wanted a local sim card for his phone, so we went to the AT&T store. It looked like the wait to get the card was going to be a while, so we took off for the hotel and he went back later in the afternoon. Once at the hotel, even though we couldn’t check in, we did a pre-checkin and then dropped our bags with the concierge and then went out walking. I think the time was around 11am.
First up we wanted to have some lunch but decided to go exploring until we found somewhere. Headed back towards Union Square. Checked out the Apple store, a Nike sports store, a Walgreens supermarket, where I bought some water. I then checked out a Ross shop, while the others checked out a games shop.
We then started to head for Chinatown. The boys were feeling very tired by then,
so we had a quick coffee/ drink stop and then set out again.
Walked through ChinaTown
A very steep road to get there and the last street had about 150 steps up the footpath, then about another 100 or so and we were finally there. From the car park area out the back of the tower, there was a view to Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge but they are for another day.
By that time, it was around 2:30pm. Andrew was talking about walking to Lombard street but Tash & I said “another day”. She didn’t realize how much walking we were going to be doing today, so didn’t have the best type of shoe on. She had developed a blister and I was also starting to as well, even though I had my walking shoes on.
We eventually arrived back at the hotel
via Mason street (uphill most of the way) and finally got to our rooms.
via Mason street (uphill most of the way) and finally got to our rooms.
Melvin, the concierge delivered the suitcases and after having a shower and a change of clothes, we were meeting up in the 12thfloor restaurant for Happy Hour, which started at 4pm. I went knocking on their door at 4:30. Andrew had headed out to get the sim card and a USA adaptor, as he had packed a European one. I headed up to the restaurant and Tash & the boys joined me just after 5, so we had a drink and chatted, while waiting for Andrew to arrive. This Happy Hour is free, so we didn’t want to ‘over indulge’. After drinks, we all met up again to go out and have some dinner. There was a nearby restaurant the Andrew had sussed out earlier in the day and that is where we went.
I had beer battered fish and French fries.
Back to the hotel by about 8:30pm and arranged to meet in the morning for breakfast.
I washed the clothes that I had travelled in, hung the rest of the clothes up in the wardrobe, watch a bit of TV and the light was out by 10:30pm.
Thursday 28 September 2017 – San Francisco
Thursday 28 September 2017 – San Francisco
Sunrise: 7:02am Sunset: 6:56pm
Weather Forecast: 13 to 23 & sunny
Weather Actual: 23 and sunny
Steps: 11,859 8.18 kl
I had set my alarm for 6:30am. I woke shortly before 2am and tossed and turned for about an hour and then went back to sleep and woke when the alarm went off.
I had arranged to meet with the family at 8am for breakfast but when I knocked on their door, Andrew was the only one awake. Went back again at 8:45 and the situation was the same. I went up to the 12TH floor for breakfast and they eventually arrived half an hour or so later, just as I was finishing. It is a very busy breakfast restaurant. I went back to my room and told them to come knocking when they were sorted. It’s easier that way, as I don’t have children to sort out.
I think we eventually left the hotel somewhere around 10am. Walked down to the Powel Street BART station and caught the MUNI train out to the California Academy of Sciences, which is in the Golden Gate Park. That was about a half hour train ride. We arrived around 11am and left there after 4pm. It was quite interesting.
The boys certainly enjoyed it. The only section that we didn’t get to visit was the Rainforest, as that area was closed for updating and is opening again sometime in mid October.
Back to the city via the train again and headed to the restaurant for Happy Hour. The boys had to write something in their diary before they were allowed a ‘Shirley Temple”. We met a lovely couple from San Diego who are in town for the weekend. He used to be in the Navy and lived in Japan for about 12 years.
After Happy hour, back to our separate rooms for a clean up and then down to the Italian Restaurant just next door to the hotel, where I enjoyed a pork dish.
The plan is to visit the wharf area tomorrow.
Friday 29 September 2017
Sunrise: 7:03am Sunset: 6:55pm
Weather Forecast: 13 to 21 Partly sunny 58%
Weather Actual: 18 and sunny
Steps: 19,642 13.55 kl
I had breakfast with the family this morning and then we hit the streets again.
We walked from the hotel, all the way down Sutter St until we ran into Market St and then took a left until we hit the water at the Ferry Building. The idea was that we’d check out the Exploratorium and then continue on to Fisherman’s Wharf. Didn’t happen. The Exploratorium is so huge, with so many exhibits etc. It beats Questacom in Canberra, by a mile. As it was, we only got to see about ½ of what was there.
There was only 1 elevator working at the hotel so had to climb up 7 flights of stairs. We then all headed up to the 12thfloor. Thankfully the elevator was empty, so didn’t have to walk another 5 flights.
Ran into Bob and Cecilia Polanco, who we had met last night and had spent quite some time talking with. The place was packed, so we didn’t share a table with them tonight.
After having a drink, it was then down to the Westfield Mall, to buy some Golden State Warriors caps & shirts for the boys, as their birthday presents and then found a place called Lemonade (I think) where I/we bought a salad to take away. Back to the hotel. Andrew, Tash & the boys were watching the AFL grand final on the Ipad. Streaming it in from their home TV. Technology is amazing. I just checked and Richmond won. Andrew & Liam will be very pleased about that. Almost 8am here and we are meeting for breakfast at 8, as we have another busy day. Not quite as much walking though. I hope.
Saturday 30 September 2017
Sunrise: 7:04am Sunset: 6:53pm
Weather Forecast: 12 to 21 Sunny 56%
Weather Actual: 20 and sunny
Steps: 14,775 10.19 kl
After breakfast this morning, we walked down Powell St. to catch a Cable Car. We were there around 9am and the queue was far too long, so we opted to catch a Trolley Car instead to take us to Fisherman’s Wharf, which we were going to check out, before taking the 10:30 ferry over to Alcatraz. Anyway, we gave Fisherman’s Wharf a miss, bought a coffee and watched the 10:am ferry depart and then queued up for our ferry.
Lovely weather again today and the ride over to the island was calm.
We arrived sometime before 11 and then did the big walk up to the Cellblock. Never mind my legs getting a work out, my poor heart is certainly getting one too. I only had to stop once on the walk up to the top. We did the audio tour, so collected the audio equipment first and then started the tour.
It is really well done and even though there were a lot of people there, there was no pushing and shoving. The beauty of being able to do things in your own time.
After finishing the tour, we walked back down the hill and decided to take the next ferry back over the bay. That was the 12:55 one.
Once landed we then walked towards Fisherman’s Wharf. As the boys were hungry, we booked a table at the Wipe Out Bar & Grill on Pier 39 and then went and had an ice cream, while waiting for the table.
I had a starter chicken wings and that was more than enough for me. Servings are far too large here.
We then decided to catch the Cable Car back to the hotel. Another queue. This one shorter but it was still a 45 minute wait. Fisherman’s Wharf is still on the list. We managed to get outside seats and Andrew & Tash rode the step.
It was fun.
It was fun.
By this time it was getting close to 4pm and we had a train to catch to get to the Oracle Arena in Oakland for the basketball match. Gave the hotel a miss and after leaving the Cable Car, then walked across the road to the Powell BART station and caught the train.
Backpacks are not allowed in the arena and both Andrew & I had them so they had to be checked. I didn’t check mine, as I could fold it into a smaller bag but a security guy told me that my SLR lens was too long and that wouldn’t be allowed in. That went into Andrew’s backpack as did Tash’s lens, though after going through security, she would have been okay.
We eventually made it to our seats up near the ceiling but the view was fine and they have those big screens anyway, so you can always see the action.
Sadly the Golden State Warriors went down to the Nevada Nuggets 102 to 108.
Another train ride back to the city and a walk to the hotel. The family are having a day out of town tomorrow (Sunday) and I’m having a sleep in.
Sunday 1 October 2017
Sunrise: 7:05am Sunset: 6:52pm
Weather Forecast: 14 to 21 Mostly sunny
Weather Actual: 21 and sunny
Steps: 9,734 6.72 kl
I had a very lazy day today. Had a sleep in this morning and didn’t go to breakfast until almost 10am.
I eventually left the hotel around 11am and walked to the Skechers shop on Powell Street, down from Union Square. There wasn’t anything in there that caught my fancy, so I continued down to Market St and went to the Ross shop, to see what they had in stock. Not many skecher shoes there at all and nothing in my size that I liked, so no shoe buying for me.
From there I headed back to Union square and checked out Macy’s. A lot of their summer clothing stock was on sale but again, nothing appealed to me at all. I wasn’t feeling especially hungry, so just bought myself a fruit salad from the 7 eleven down the road from the hotel and ate that in my room, until venturing out some time after 2, to walk up the hill to the Grace Cathedral. I have a view of the top of it from my hotel room.
Only 3 blocks from the hotel but all uphill, so I got another heart workout. The last block was the steepest.
There were a number of printed brochures about the Cathedral and the art work, murals and windows in the cathedral. A nice little park across the road, Huntington Park, that was well frequented by locals when I walked through it.
The walk back to the hotel was easy. No happy hour at the hotel today. I still wasn’t feeling especially hungry, so ate a small packet of cashew nuts and a banana for dinner/supper.
I think the family will be back before 9pm. Tash sent me a text as they were leaving Monterey and that was around 5:30 ish. They’ll drop the hire car back at SFO and then train back into the city from there.
Monday 2 October 2017 – Fisherman’s Wharf
Sunrise: 7:06am Sunset: 6:50pm
Weather Forecast: 12 to 22 & Sunny
Weather Actual: 21 and sunny
Steps: 13,736 9.48 kl
It was decided that today we would check out Fisherman’s Wharf proper and go and have a look at the seals.
It was sometime around 9 when we went down for breakfast and we arranged to meet later to head out for the day.
First up was a walk to view the ‘crooked’ section of Lombard St.
Another uphill excursion but thankfully not quite as steep as my effort yesterday. Andrew was originally going to head up Taylor St but I protested. We eventually walked up Leavenworth St instead, which took us to the bottom of the crooked street, which runs between Hyde & Leavenworth Sts. I will admit that the views from the top of the hills is spectacular.
Another uphill excursion but thankfully not quite as steep as my effort yesterday. Andrew was originally going to head up Taylor St but I protested. We eventually walked up Leavenworth St instead, which took us to the bottom of the crooked street, which runs between Hyde & Leavenworth Sts. I will admit that the views from the top of the hills is spectacular.
After taking a couple of photos, we then continued on down the hill to Fisherman’s Wharf. We will be back again tomorrow morning to pick up the bikes for our “bridge ride” .
Had a wander along the wharf.
Spend some time and money in the Musée Mécanique, which was fun. Most of the machines only cost a quarter.
Spend some time and money in the Musée Mécanique, which was fun. Most of the machines only cost a quarter.
From there we then had a late lunch at the Boudin Sourdough Bakery & Café. I had the clam chowder in a sourdough roll.
Liked the chowder but not the roll.
Tash decided to walk back to the hotel, while we others took a trolley car. Once back in the city we went to the Cheesecake Factory restaurant to see if we could make a reservation for tomorrow night, for Liam’s birthday. Unfortunately they don’t take reservations. I then started walking back to the hotel with Liam & Aidan, as Andrew wanted to do some shopping and just as we turned onto Sutter St. Tash caught up with us.
We all went up to the 12thfloor for Happy Hour, around 5pm.
The boys wrote up their journal and then went to their room for some ‘technology’ time. We arranged a time to meet in the morning and I went for a short walk to buy some dinner before retiring for the night.
Tuesday 3 October 2017
Sunrise: 7:07am Sunset: 6:49pm
Weather Forecast: 12 to 22 Sunny
Weather Actual: 20 and partly cloudy
Steps: Fitbit 13,565 9.36 kl pedometer: 16,534 steps
Today is the last day in San Francisco for Tash, Andrew and the boys, as they fly out at 6:30am tomorrow morning. It’s also my last day, as I also fly out tomorrow but not until 11:35pm, so I sort of have another full day here.
As it is our last day and also Liam’s 8thbirthday, we had a lazy day.
NOT.
An early breakfast for us all and then out of the hotel around 9am, to catch the trolley car to Fisherman’s Wharf, down on Market Street. For the first time that we have been here, there was absolutely nobody lined up to catch the cable car at the Market & Powell St. turntable. We could not believe our eyes. Every other time we have walked past, the queues have been for an approx. hour wait, when we know how long we waited the other day up near Fisherman’s Wharf.
Anyway, onto the train and out to the Fisherman’s wharf and the Blazing Saddles Bike rentals and tour company.
Andrew had reserved a time for us to do a guided group tour from the wharf area, over the Golden Gate Bridge and down to the lovely bayside town of Sausalito. Andrew checked the distance earlier this evening and the ride was 8 miles (12.8kl). We then took a ferry back to Pier 1 and then rode for another 2 miles (3.2kl), back to the Blazing Saddles shop.
I haven’t been on a bike for about 30 years and certainly not a bike that has gears.
Anyway, the first little bit was easy. Then we had a hill to go up. The low? gears on my bike weren’t working too well and instead of me peddling and the bike doing the work, it was me peddling and me doing the work. I got off and walked the bike up the first hill. The stop at the top overlooked Fort Mason, which is a former military base and is now full of restaurants and art & culture places.
We then headed downhill to the Marina area
and the Palace of Fine Arts. That was in a really nice park with a huge domed building from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. it is still situated on its original site although it was rebuilt in 1965. Some interesting wildlife there too.
and the Palace of Fine Arts. That was in a really nice park with a huge domed building from the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. it is still situated on its original site although it was rebuilt in 1965. Some interesting wildlife there too.
From there we rode to an area called Crissy Field, with a fab view of the GG bridge. A refresh stop.
Somewhere in there was another longer hill climb. I managed to ride some of that one but then got off and walked the bike up.
Then it was onto the bridge and I hadn’t thought about how long it actually is. 2.7 kilometres apparently.
Once over the bridge it was then downhill into Sausalito. Me keeping my hands well & truly over the hand brakes. On the road, with the traffic. I’m just thankful that I stayed upright for the whole journey. Absolutely loved the ride, just didn’t enjoy some parts of it. The scenery was spectacular.
Somewhere in there was another longer hill climb. I managed to ride some of that one but then got off and walked the bike up.
Then it was onto the bridge and I hadn’t thought about how long it actually is. 2.7 kilometres apparently.
It will be interesting to see how stiff or sore I might be tomorrow.
We had lunch at a restaurant called Bar Bocce, which was on the water, so the view was very nice.
I had a calamari dish and it was the right size, fresh and delicious. Yum.
I had a calamari dish and it was the right size, fresh and delicious. Yum.
After lunch we then rode the bikes to the ferry departure place and just made the 1:55 departure. The next one wasn’t until 2:45pm, so we were pleased about that timing.
After handing the bikes back, we then caught another trolley bus back to downtown and walked back to the hotel.
A quick shower & change and then up to the 12thfloor for happy hour and then back downtown to the Cheesecake Factory for Liam’s special birthday dinner. There naturally was a queue so when Andrew was given the buzzer, we headed across Union Square to the Apple store, as they wanted a device to download the photos from the DSLR camera, He had just made the purchase when Andrew was buzzed, saying that a table was ready. All of about 5 minutes, if that.
The boys had meatballs, Tash a salad, Andrew a hamburger and I had a Thai chicken dish. The boys also had an Oreo milkshake. Almost a meal in itself.
After dinner, it was back to the hotel, so they could sort the bill, pack the bags and arrange for a car or taxi, so we said our goodbye’s, as I won’t see them tomorrow.
I think Liam enjoyed his birthday. It was certainly a very physical, fun day.
Wednesday 4 October 2017
Sunrise: 7:08am Sunset: 6:47pm
Weather Forecast: 11 to 20 and sunny
Weather Actual
Flight Info: QF74 Depart SFO 23:25
I woke around 6 this morning, rolled over and went back to sleep for another hour or so. Surprisingly, when I did get up, I wasn’t stiff or sore from the bike ride yesterday and I thought that I might be. Headed up to breakfast but wasn’t feeling overly hungry, so only had toast juice, fresh fruit salad and a yoghurt.
Back in the room, I had a look on google to see how far The Painted ladies were from the hotel. About 3k and the best bit was it said, mainly flat, so shortly after 10am I set off. I took some photos along the way.
Google said it was a 40 minute walk. I took about 55 minutes.
The last block to Alamo Square, was uphill, as was getting to the top of the actual square itself but the views were worth the exertion rather.
I spent a short time up there, taking in the view and taking a few photos and then headed back into the city, deciding to zig zag along different streets.
There is certainly a homeless problem here. Along most of the streets that I walked McAllister, Golden Gate Ave, Turk St, Eddy St. Larkin, Hyde, Leavenworth, to name a few, all had men and some women, either gathered on the street corners, sitting on the pavement or rummaging through the rubbish bins, that people had put out for collection. Such a sad thing to see. There were a couple of streets, that when I arrived at the lights, I wouldn’t walk down, as I could see homeless people gathered on the footpath and I didn’t feel safe walking past them, so would walk to the next block.
Finally arrived back at Union Square. Checked the skechers shop again on the way past but saved myself some money.
I bought some lunch on the way back to the hotel. Arranged a shuttle to the airport for this evening. Had a shower, packed the bag and am updating this. I’ll go to Happy Hour in an hour or so, check out of the hotel and head for the airport and next time you hear from me, I should be safe & sound back home.
When I was at the hotel's happy hour, I noticed, that for the first time this week, the Golden Gate Bridge had fog swirling under it. Every time we have seen it this week, it has been fog free. It's a bad photo, because of the reflection of the windows on the other side of the room.
I received a quick message from the family about 2 hours ago and they were just arriving at Disney in Orlando. They are 3 hours ahead of San Francisco time.
Friday 6 October 2017
Flight Info: QF74 Arrive SYD 08:00
QF 1471 Depart SYD 13:00Arrive CBR 10:50
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