Pacific

First the metro took us to the west and the Pacific.  Nicki braved the cold and washed her feet but a lovely sunny morn. Then manoeuvred over GG Park enjoying the hundreds of Sunday exercisers.  The metro then bought us back to the fisherman's wharf where we strode up to Coit tower on telegraph hill, phew. Down and up and the crookedest street in the world. Very steep with lots of drivers testing their skill.  The Calafornia st cable car,  back to Fisherman’s wharf and try to get Nicki a tee shirt, it's been a  tough day.  Worst still,  having to plan our leaving!
I need to say how courteous everyone is here in america especially drivers,  I still find it hard to believe how everyone holds back on the streets.

Golden Gate

Down Market Street to the Saturday morning farmers market, after a stroll the F streetcar took us to the Blue Gold ferry terminal.  On Angel island we walked over to the immigration museum.  Gate crashing a great tour then make our way back for the return.  Next the 28 took us to the Golden Gate Bridge,  the photos show how nice the morning had turned out,  and a stunning vista. The conservatory in the GG Park was smaller than we thought but it was followed by coffee and cake on the edge of the park, so the day was still going good. After a spruce up at our hotel it was cocktails at 46th floor Hilton before our evening meal.  Using public transport lots but legs feeling it!

Fisherman’s Warf

48 square miles to go at and a map like a maze, but we were determined to sort out the transport systems. We’d paid 30 dollars each for a 3 day passport for unlimited travel and Dave was determined he was going to crack it. Walked to Pier 1 on the bay then got the ‘F’ tram to Fisherman’s Warf. Had a really good amble around Pier 39 including the sea lions and a tour of a Second World War submarine, then we got the 28 across to the Golden Gate. We decided to save the walk over the bridge until tomorrow, hoping for better weather, so got off in the Golden Gate Park to visit the museum of Sciences which was geared towards families....and was especially full of children. The Rainforest and Sea life worlds were great. Then it was the 44, 38 and then the 47 back to Fisherman’s Warf for a crab supper. Finally, our first amazing trip on the cable car back to the hotel.

San fran

After another look at the monarchs we had a walk along Monterey beach. Very pretty with lots of birds on the rocks.  Then highway one to half moon bay, an odd patch of rain on the way but lots of sea mist.  Another stroll then to the airport,  no issues dropping the car then take the 'bart' into san fran. We have 3/4 days here but our evening outing to get eats and it's very gloomy around town,  lots of homeless.  Reminds me of Gotham!

Monterey

Something was wrong! It was dull outside. Still we made our way to the local bird sanctuary. As luck would have it, Karen a local was about to take her monthly newcomers introduction walk and she offered to take us under her wing. So 5 of us had a brilliant stroll along their boardwalk with over 20 new species.  Another drive and we landed at Carmel where we watched sea lions,  seals and otters, then into Monterey. Coffee and cake then arranged accommodation at the Monach butterfly sanctuary inn. I'm adding a picture but it just looks like a dark mass as they were clustered together for the winter.

Morro Beach

Weather back to full sun and blue skies as we headed on 101 towards Cachuma Lake, 2000ft in the sierras above the coast. Did a 5 mile hike over to the dam and back, very dry and hilly. Saw lots of birds of prey overhead, apparently they are hawks. Excercise done, picnic overlooking the lake, back to drive and stop off at ‘authentic’ 1890s town, Arroyo Grande for a spot of cake and coke. Joined coastal road 1 again for a bit alongside some seaside resorts, a bit like Morcambe Bay but with the sun and blue ocean! Nicki wanted a sea front stop so picked out Morrow Bay! Very beautiful harbour, fishing boats and the imposing Morrow Rock. Sunset from our room window over the Bay was awesome, but too many cables in the way for a great photo. Will explore a bit tomorrow before the next 200 miles up to Carmel and Monterey. We decided to get the car washed too! Looks almost as good as when we picked her up 3 1/2 weeks ago.

Santa Barbara

After a very restful night in a great place called Franciscan Inn, near the seafront, we began the walkers trail around the old town. Picked up lots of the history of the town, basically native Americans followed by Franciscan missionaries, Spanish entrpepreneurs and then Americans. The town has kept the Andalusian theme and is really relaxed and easy to get around. The old Courthouse is still in use even though it is definitely original, comp,eye with wall frescoes. Great views from the top of the tower and into the clock room. Got a trolley bus back to the coast then legged it to a bird refuge along the coast. Warm, but getting cloudy and grey! Falling into the tourist trap of long, late lunch at the harbour restaurant, watching the paddle boarders and the pelicans sweep past. Yes! An afternoon siesta! Tomorrow we start up the coast but not able to stick to Coastal road all the way because of the landslide around Big Sur. we’ll break it up into 2 more stops before we hit SF on Thursday. Car will need a clean before it’s return!