San Francisco 2014. Final Day.

The day had to come. This was our last day in the lovely San Francisco. And it was rainy. We got our umbrellas and walked up the hill for breakfast at a little cafe close to the chocolate factory. As it turned out, either we missed the whole purpose, or the whole purpose was what we saw. It is no longer a functioning factory. They had this little display to show how it was done. So we kindly retreated and went about our day.



And we walked to the trolley terminal and decided it was a perfect day to trolley.





As we were flying by, Drew saw this Auburn sign and said "Quick...get a picture of that!" Which, I was able to. Riding and picture taking can be tricky at times. But, happily I was able to fulfill this request. He also had a couple of other requests...found in the group of pictures above. "Touch our junk" and the lady in the window. I don't ask questions. I just take the pictures.



The trolley circled up by Lombard Street. This is the view from the beginning of the curviest street in America. Only, I really didn't see the actual street!



We ended the ride close to our hotel and stopped in the Starbucks for a warm cup of coffee. And a cup of coffee that wasn't so strong it would curl your toes.



Back at the hotel to rest a bit before heading out again. I loved that hotel.





We walked down to the dock and just wandered. (Oh...look! The Golden Gate Bridge in the distance!!)



After the dock, we boarded a cable car and rode. There is a large gay population in San Francisco. We went through a section of town that was decidedly gay.





And then...it was evening. And our last little trip through town.



I hope, that one day, Drew and I can visit this most beautiful city again.

San Francisco 2014. Day 4.

Today we rented a car and drove to wine country. It turned out to be a delightful day! Full of different sights and things to see. The drive was beautiful. The whole experience was well worth it.

Of course, to get to wine county, one has to cross the Golden Gate Bridge. If you notice, I have a picture of Drew driving across the bridge.



We stopped in Sonoma for some coffee. Let me take a minute to explain the San Francisco coffee situation. They drink it strong. Extremely strong. There isn't enough cream or sugar to rectify that situation. This coffee we had in Sonoma was the first coffee that we enjoyed. Finally. It was a little surfer/hippie place. Nothing fancy. Just decent coffee!




The landscape was different. Coming out of the city, it was nice to see open, rolling green fields. Full of sheep, cattle, and grapevines.



Our destination was the Viansa Winery. Since the morning was a bit misty, there was not a lot of people there. It was quiet and serene. I have never been to Italy, but this felt like we walked into a Italian village.



Down the hill was another winery/olive pressing farm. I believe it may have been part of the Viansa Winery, but I could be wrong. As I was taking photos, one of the workers told me to go through the door at the far end of the room and walk through the courtyard. She said the doors are Eucalyptus. They were full of knots and beautiful wood grain. And they were massive.





When we finished up there, we went back into Sonoma to have lunch at The Girl & The Fig. We had a very French lunch of exotic and domestic cheeses, fruits and french bread.



After we had lunch, we made our way to Muir Woods. The rode there was full of hairpin curves and steep cliffs. We drove through the clouds.





Then...were were in the most magical place. It was quiet. Soft. Drizzly. Mystical. Damp. And the air was so fresh and cool. And we were in one of a few such remaining stands of the Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens).












Leaving the Muir Woods, we winded around and around and found ourselves at the Muir Beach Overlook. This was rugged. Foggy. Rocky. The fog and the ocean melted into one and you couldn't tell where one started and the other ended. Drew loved this spot.







As we left the lookout, we winded down and down and down. Till we came to the bottom and a crossroad. Across the road was this line of most colorful mailboxes.



Back across the Golden Gate and into town. We returned the car and walked to a little cafe for dinner that was not too far from our hotel. As a matter of fact, I took a picture of the cannery through the cafe window.

San Francisco 2014. Day 3.

This was a more laid back day. We were relieved of the grueling tour bus schedule and left to our own devices. We were giddy. So off we went walking in search of a nice place for breakfast.



We passed (which we later rode on) what I call the cable car. Somehow, they also called, what I referred to as a trolley, cable cars. As you can plainly see, the car (actually more like a bus, but I didn't want to get too fussy), is connected to an overhead cable. Ok. I guess it had some connection to a rail in the middle of the 'track'. At any rate...I'm calling these cable cars.



We eventually came to a spot recommended to us by someone at the hotel. Fernando. It was a small, odd shaped little cafe called Hollywood Cafe. It was a wonderful place for breakfast!



After breakfast we strolled down to Fisherman's Wharf to find the sea lions. Pier 39. They moved into the bay 1989 and have stayed ever since. Before we found them, I saw a great view of Alcatraz Island. (I never made it there. In a nutshell: Had tickets. In line. Almost passed out. Left tickets and line and went back to hotel. That was yesterday.) So, I did get these pictures.



Then we saw this island. At least it appeared to be an island. Upon closer inspection, it was a large barge made to look like an island with lighthouse. On this island was a little cafe.



Walking out on the pier, I got a couple of pictures of Drew with San Francisco behind him. (I don't know who the man in green is. Photo bomber.)



Also some flowers...



Then we saw all of these sea lions sunning themselves in the bay. They were loud. They were fun to watch.





Later in the afternoon we rode to Chinatown! It was amazing. Probably the closest I'll ever come to visiting China. I loved it. Drew had mixed emotions, but toughed it out for me.





























I ran up and down the streets of Chinatown until I couldn't anymore, and we walked back to our hotel. And then there we were at our hotel/DelMonte Cannery.