Having flown in and out of San Francisco 6 times in the past 4 months, I finally got an opportunity to go in and see the city, on the 4th of July. OK, it wasn’t their fault, but the fireworks show was…..not viewable! The fog just settled right over Pier 39 and at best, you could see some colors in the sky, fairly disappointing.

Not that getting a shot of the Golden Gate was any better :{

Most surprising to me was the temperature difference. The drive was only 1.5 hours, yet the drop was over 20 degrees and a jacket necessary.

Alcatraz was also a no go, with reservations needed a week in advance (the damn boat company has an exclusive on the rights to transport there, as per the US gov.).

Not a big deal for me, I can return, but I’d be a bit angered if I came from overseas to see SF and yet couldn’t see the ‘Rock’ because only one company operates to it…

Golden Gate Park is a definite return ‘with bike’, and offered some great views, if you could get the fog to cooperate. Granted, SF can’t hold a match to the NY 4th of July show, but for a change, it was civil and I didn’t see anyone fighting, hurt, not even a drunk….I’ll be back for sure. I must say, I think the freak show that SF is known for is a bit overblown, Prague has more freaks walking about than they do, or I just was in the wrong place :}

As I slowly learn my way around, I get the proper info. from the locals. While Half Moon Bay was great, I’ve been told that Santa Cruz is the real California beach that I want. Just getting back into the ocean after 8 years was enough for now…