Exploring the Streets of San Francisco

When we weren't watching the Blue Angels we were exploring the city on foot which was not only great exercise but a fun way to experience all the different sites and neighborhoods in San Francisco.

We walked around Fisherman's Wharf, having fresh crab & lobster for lunch from one of the many street side vendors.

The Parade of Ships - Fleet Week

There were many events during Fleet week but one I did not want to miss was the parade of ships. The weather could not be much better, no fog, sunny, warm, just a perfect day on the bay. 

The first ship was the FFD Fireboat "Guardian"

 Followed by the USS Cape St. George

Thursday's Practice Flights for the Blue Angels, Fleet Week SF

We know that Thursday was the practice flights for the Blue Angels we just had no idea they would be flying for so long. They took off around 1:00pm and flew for 2 plus hours. Then took to the sky around 4:00pm doing a practice show.

  Here are a few of the pictures. They were just awesome. We had a great time watching them flying over the city.

 A sailing school was out in the bay and kept getting buzzed.

A week in San Francisco

After driving 1291 miles it was time to turn in the car in San Francisco and explore the city on foot.
The whole reason we set up this trip was to be here for Fleet Week, Oct 5 - 12, 2015. We love watching the Blue Angels fly and what could be better then seeing them flying over the bay in this wonderful city.

Biking the Golden Gate Bridge

One of the things I have always wanted to do is to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge. The Inn Above Tide offers bikes so we sent out on a beautiful morning to do just that.

The only thing that I had forgotten was the steep hills to get to the bridge, very steep.

I had to get off and walk my bike up a few of them, it was a tough climb even on foot.
It was worth it once I got to the the bridge, the views are great and you can stop to take some pictures. It was a cool to ride across. It was football Sunday so I was dressed in my Eagles wear and got a GO BIRDS from a fellow biker.

Thankfully it was all downhill on the return ride.

The Inn Above Tide, Sausalito, California

 We have been to San Francisco many times and one of the places I have always wanted to spend some time in was Sausalito. I have sent a few of my clients there over the years with rave reviews. It was my turn now.

 We are staying at The Inn Above Tide which is the only hotel which is actually on the bay plus right in town with an easy walk to everything. Location, location, location. We have panoramic bay views of Alcartraz, Angel Island, and the city skyline.

 

The Avenue of the Giants

We spent the night in Eureka which was a good resting spot after all day in Redwood National Park. Crescent City is the Northern entrance to the park and Eureka is the Southern entrance.
We had a 6 hour drive to Sausalito.

On the way we took the 31 mile scenic drive through the Avenue of the Giants. It was magnificent.
I thought after seeing the redwoods yesterday how much more could I be wowed. Well this actually surpassed it.

It was early and not many cars. At one point I was laying down looking up at these magnificent giants.

Redwood National Park

Hwy 101 takes you right through Redwood National Park and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy these huge redwoods. Having done a little research there were a few areas and hikes I wanted to do. We only had a few hours so I needed a little game plan.
Instead of staying on 101 we took old 101 which is now, Newton Drury Parkway. On this 10 mile drive we got to see the Corkscrew Tree.

Big Tree which is estimated to be 1500 yrs old, 304 feet in height, diameter is 21.6 and the circumference is 68 feet. That is one old and huge tree.

We hiked in tall tree grove which was magnificent. My favorite was Lady Bird Johnson Grove. It is a 1.5 mile trail that is just amazing.

Battery Point Lighthouse

In Crescent City, Ca before you enter into the Redwood National Park is the Battery Point Lighthouse. We decided to see one last one. This one at high tide becomes an island. The interesting thing is that a light keeper lives here year round. I can not imagine life in a light house.