San Francisco
Our last day of vacation before traveling home was spent in the San Francisco area. Wake up was 4:30 AM so we could make the drive from Calistoga to San Francisco. We were concerned about the traffic and wanted to find our tour company with time to spare. It all came together and we were on Fisherman's Wharf in no time at all. Once we found the tour company we had time to grab breakfast at an IHOP a couple of doors down. The weather was shaping up to be another exquisite day. Sunshine, blue sky, and mild temps, it could not have been better.At 9:00 AM we met at the tour company all set to see Muir Woods National Monument, Sausalito, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz. Our driver / guide was knowledgeable and interesting. As we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, he talked about the area, about red wood trees, animals, history, and other interesting facts. The views were breath taking. The water was blue reflecting the sky. The surrounding hills came right down to the water and held houses, trees, and other vegetation. We wound around up and down the mountains until we reached Muir Woods. This National Monument is an area of coastal redwood trees some more than 300 feet tall. The sequoia redwoods are only found in Sequoia National Park. One other variety of redwood, dawn, is only found in China. These trees live to be more than 2000 years old.
Unfortunately, most of the redwoods in California fell victim to timber companies. One reason Muir Woods escaped a similar fate is their virtual inaccessibility to the loggers. Before they became attractive for logging, the area had been purchased and set aside as a National Monument.
We walked along trails which followed a river. Imagine a dark forest and the sound of a babbling brook. Now imagine the air being cool but not cold. The forest floor was covered with rich, deep green ferns. Giant redwoods reached 300 feet in the air. Sunlight filters through creating interesting displays of shadow and light. Some things are beyond description and their beauty far exceeds any words invented to do so. A couple of times I got a big lump in my throat. That happens in some movies, looking at a newborn baby, or appreciating the beauty of a tree that stood when Jesus walked the earth. If you can, someday, go there. I will hold these things in my mind and heart along side my memories of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.
Back on the bus heading for Sausalito, the drive continued the theme of beauty. We saw a hawk flying between two mountains. The road wound, climbed, and fell abruptly. The bus driver zipped around with the precision and assurance that only comes with many repeated drives along that way. I was busy snapping photos and shooting video.
We arrived in Saucalito in a few minutes and after a few tips about where to eat and what to do, we were on our own for an hour or so. We all opted to buy some fish and chips then walk to the waterfront to eat them. Picturesque and serene, we sat at a picnic table watching boats, guls, and people as we ate the deep fried cod. We were reminded of the afluence of Marin County. The homes in the San Francisco area average about 600 K. I do not know how people can afford to live there. They must make more money than a social worker in Louisiana.
After our quick taste of Sausalito, we were back on the bus heading back to Fisherman's Wharf where we were to board our ferry to Alcatraz. The ride to Alcatraz was only about 15 minutes. I tried to imagine how it might have felt were I riding to a cell instead of on a tour. The contrasts are so obvious. From the island of Alcatraz, the prisoners could see San Francisco. They were surrounded by beauty, but though visible, it was beyond their grasp. Prisoners who went to Alcatraz were from other Federal prisons. The people who could not follow rules and work and play well with others were sent to Alcatraz. The worst of the worst were its denizens.
The tour began with a 12 minute video, then we were given headphones and a little remote control. The audio directed listeners through the prison. It was well produced and the voices were from actual guards and prisoners. Sound effects were also used to make the experience more real. It was eerie walking through the prison listening to the narration. This tour had a real impact on me. Not that I felt sorry for the people who had been imprisoned there, but I did have regard and respect for anyone who endured such an ordeal. Again, the view of San Francisco for the prisoners to see is like letting a starving man smell food, but preventing him from eating.
The ride back provided more views of the city and opportunities to drink in the bay area beauty. Once back on shore, we did some shopping in the Fisherman's Wharf area. Eventually, we hopped a cable car and rode it to China Town. We ate at a little Chinese restaurant. The people were friendly and the food was good.
It was dark now and we had to be getting back to Oakland. We had planes to catch in the AM to head back home. Our little vacation was over, but we packed a lot in a few days. I ran the length of the Napa Valley, ate at a mountain top home, toured wineries, saw ancient redwoods, visited Alcatraz, and ate in China Town. Not bad for three days.
If you missed them yesterday, check out my California photos today.
Until the next time
John Strain