San Francisco.

We arrived in San Francisco late in the day and as we were driving in the fog started in, it looked like fingers creeping up over the hills. 

We stayed at the Frank Hotel right in Union Square. After so many days of driving we decided to stay two nights and be able to really explore the city without worrying about the car. Much to our surprise, the hotel upgraded us to a nice suite, we clearly didn't belong after so many days of camping. 

Our first night we grabbed a bite and walked around Union Square and then fell fast asleep in our huge bed! The next morning, showered and refreshed, we headed out into the city with no particular agenda. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the driving, camping, and packing that we just wanted one day to walk, sit, and relax. Immediately we fell in love with the city. It was our first city of the trip and probably the last one we could afford. Katie and I were the perfect tourists. We ate at a small diner with 50's style decor and road the street car down to the wharf's to walk along the water. 

Katie in her element

Loving SF!

Only Harry Potter fans would poise for this pic:) 

Pier 39

We stopped to admire art and gaze at the ferry boats. Katie was really disappointed that the tours to Alcatraz were all sold out so we decided to take a bay tour and see both the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.  It was a little windy.

SF from the boat

BRRRR!

Katie- "Try not to look so wind blown!"

\

Golden Gate Bridge

Alcatraz 

The "Rock"

Yikes, glad we didn't try that. 

Me- "Give me your best Nick Cage"

 We road a trolley car back to the hotel up an down the hilly streets. We basically did every touristy activity there was to do and loved every minute of it. For dinner we had sushi at a trendy restaurant and then walked the streets admiring all the art galleries near our hotel. We both enjoyed the city so much that we wished we'd had time to stay and really see more of it.  We both remarked how our Mum would love it her with all the diners, street cars, trolleys, and 50's style nightclubs. I guess we'll just have to come back and bring her with us!

Trolley's 

Ready to board!

Perfection. 

Hang on! 

Hmmm? 

Ready to ride

The next day we loaded the car, again, and headed for the redwoods and Sasquatch country. About ten minutes into Bigfoot territory we had already made at least a dozen puns and jokes about him….or her? We situated ourselves for the night in Humboldt Redwood State Park Campground, which was lovely. Now we are driving on the Avenue of Giants which boasts at least every few miles the presence of an "Immortal" tree. Hmmmm, we'll see about that. They really are very large trees though. We are headed for the Oregon coast and maybe, finally, we will get out of California….hopefully…..someday…..any minute now…….geez this is a long state.....