Pablo was keen to get back on the Highway and enjoy his oil change - so we packed up our kit and headed North up twisty turny Highway 1 for 136 km of spectacular coastal scenery all the way to San Francisco.
The Van Ness Inn was to be our home for five nights, a couple of streets up from Fisherman's Wharf. Traditional Motel style Inn with three floors of Rooms all facing inwards to a courtyard with Guest Parking. Room 205 on the top floor, far corner, away from Van Ness Avenue, had everything we needed - WiFi, TV, Queen Bed, Fridge, Microwave, two Windows, Shower, Toilet and Sink!
After de-bussing we headed out to Pier 39 to visit the Sea Lions and pass on best wishes from their Argentinian Cousins we'd met at Caleta Olivia last October. They barked, grunted and growled their thanks and wished us a safe journey to Alsaka!
David insisted on dining at 'In-N-Out Burger' on the Wharf - delish - Amanda preferred Chipotle for a Mexican Burrito - delicioso - and after waving to Alcatraz, gazing in awe at the Golden Gate Bridge and dodging the F Market Streetcar, popped in at The Argonaut Hotel (where we stayed with George & Albert on our last SF Trip 12 years ago). All of which worked up quite a thirst so we had drinks at The Buena Vista Cafe on Hyde Street at Beach and watched Tourists queue for the Powell & Hyde Street Cable Car. Must get up early tomorrow to catch the Cable Car downtown - not big on Queues!!
Wednesday 9th May - up early for Breakfast (Continental Only) at the Van Ness and head to Union Square for some shopping! Powell & Hyde Cable Car had no queue at all and soon we were creaking and groaning our way up and down the Streets of San Francisco to the Powell at Market Street Cable Car Terminus.
David swallowed his pride along the Cable Car journey and, tired of the clunkiness of his HTC One Android phone when crossing borders and time-zones, joined The Apple Nation buying himself a Matt Black iPhone 7 Plus at their Union Square flagship store! Apols to all those to whom I've preached on the Evils of Apple!! Humble (apple) pie has been eaten today!
San Francisco is the headquarters of Levi Strauss, GAP Inc, Airbnb, Twitter, Uber and Cole Hardware - where David bought himself two Carhartt Jackets and a new Gerber Multitool!
Amanda tried (hard) but did not buy - very responsible! She did find 'Boudin Sourdough Bakery' who sold a Loaf for each Month of the Year - resisting temptation Amanda left empty handed!
