Thursday, 22 November 2012

Day 7 and 8: The road to San Francisco

Just a little update for the past few days..

DAY 7:

We left our accommodation in Monterey and set off on the 17 mile drive. The boys were in their element looking at what they could see of the golf courses. At Spyglass Hill we were lucky enough to see a group of Deer on the fairway. At first their were just 2 until about 6 came out of the trees. I was stoked!!! Safe to say Mum's and my camera's were clicking over time!


Where we were standing

So cute!

Next we went to Laguna Seca (a racetrack). We had a little look around and the boys spent a looonnnnggg time looking at the circuit and the few cars that did happen to be racing that day.

We stopped off at the Gilroy Outlets (Just for a change) before we headed to San Fran. We only had a very brief look, seeing only half the shops, but we still managed to stay for an hour and a half!

It seems I have developed motion sickness when we are doing any kind of windy or long driving. I felt really unwell at lunch time and slept for a while on the drive to San Fran. Later we realised it was actually the motion sickness tablets making me sleep!!

We arrived late to our accommodation after a wrong turn was taken. The Chief Map Reader and Navigator (Daniel) was giving directions that the Chauffeur (Dad) decided to disobey resulting in us turning off way too early and becoming stuck in traffic. Anyhow, we still got here safely! We are actually staying at the same place as we did last time and also ate dinner at the same restaurant on Pier 39. To my liking the restaurant was a surfy theme, so kombi van decorations scattered around, unfortunately none to buy. Walking down to dinner Dad also noticed a big cruise ship docked a little further up. It was actually the same one that we saw anchored at Santa Barbara.

We decided to have an 'early' night but as always early was not so early!

DAY 8:

And it's Turkey Day today!!

Opening the curtains this morning revealed clear blue sky as far as the eye could see. Being on the 3rd floor, we could see some of the bay and had a great view of the Coit tower even though we are a reasonable walk away from the water. Was about 20 degrees today which is warmer than we expected here.

Being Thanksgiving we were uncertain as to how many or what shops or restaurants would be open. We ventured on the off chance down to Macca's for breakfast and decided we would hire bikes and ride across the Golden Gate bridge. What a perfect day to do it!! The view was incredibly clear and there was little wind!!

While riding up the first hill of the bike path, someone who has requested to remain unnamed, took a nice tumble. We were worried at first, but they turned out to be fine, except for a few bruises and grazes. After the entertainment we continued riding to discover that the ride to bridge was  A LOT steeper than we expected. We stopped at many Vista Points (I better say it the american way) along the way admiring the incredible view and the beauty of the city.



Looks like a postcard


There were many people also biking the bridge today, so it was quite busy. We took our time and eventually made it onto the bridge. We rode right across to the other side before Mum sat down for a much needed for a rest and the three of us walked under the bridge to the other side to admire the view from another angle.

We made it!

From the other side


Hopping back on our bikes with weary legs we rode back over the bridge. It was an amazing feeling to be riding across while admiring the beauty that surrounded us. After making it over, we had to ride back to return our bikes. We managed to get a little lost and take a detour and after some map reading at a bus stop we again found our way. The little adventure uncovered a beautiful little park with a fountain, so at least something did come out of it.

Family photo


Mum did very well making it considering she hasn't ridden a bike in about 10 years. She loved riding across the bridge the most and also the down hill parts as did we all!! She looked quite cute sitting on the bike!

After finding lunch and having a rest at the room we went off to do some sightseeing. We stopped off where  the show Mythbusters film in a studio at Daniel's request, before driving to twin peaks. Twin peaks is a look out at the top of a hill with two peaks to walk up for a better view, hence the namesake. Mum stayed in the car while the three of us walked up rocky, unstable stairs to the top of a big hill. Luckily, the effort to get up there was worth it!!

Up the top of the hill there was an even better view of a stunning pink, orange and red sunset. It was like nothing I had ever experienced and something I will always remember. The photo's do not do any justice for it at all. From the hill is also an amazing view of the city and the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges. The city really is so beautiful all lit up at night!!

The sunset

Looking out over the city

Tomorrow is Black Friday and they have big sales just like we do on Boxing Day. I think some damage may be done...


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