Walking the Golden Gate Bridge for The Buccleuch Centre

The main task for today was to walk the Golden Gate Bridge as my Sponsored Walk in place of the Umbrella Walk back in Langholm on 19th March. I am walking for The Buccleuch Centre. Fraser took the day off from his work and the 3 of us headed of to San Francisco. The forecast for the day was to keep dry but it was not too hot so ideal for walking.  

Mother & Son

The auld couple 

Father & Son 

Half way there on the first crossing and Gaye looks a bit cold but was more concerned about her hat flying off in the strong wind

A small harbour on the north side of the bridge looks just like Queensferry on the Forth Bridge

The view from the north end looking south and the half way point for our walk where we had a nice picnic

The San Francisco skyline in the distance

Having a rest and our picnic

Well done Gaye. Its a great feeling when you complete something you have planned for a long time and as this is the longest Gaye has walked for a long time and bearing in mind what she has gone through in the past couple of years both Fraser and I were very proud of her.

On return home we found Eleanor had been given this Medal at school for her reading abilities. Well done Eleanor.

Trains and Boats

Our last day in San Francisco and on our morning walk we managed to catch this Aircraft Carrier as it made its way out into the Pacific

This vessel in the Maritime Museum was Clyde Built

A swimmer in the cold water of the Bay. There were loads of them every morning.

And this Vessel was built in Newcastle. We forget that at one time most of the worlds ships were built on the UK

And so back to San Jose on the Caltrain service from San Francisco and a chance to sit upstairs. It was comfortable and very clean and quiet.

Our Train in Sunnyvale Station

Up and Down the Hills of San Francisco

Today's adventure involved the famous Cable Cars of San Francisco on a vehicle over 100 years old, although it may be a bit like Triggers brush and had lots of new parts over the years.

All set to go at the Hyde Street Terminus

Our Cable Car on the turntable.

 The hills are very steep

The end of the line in a busy shopping area of the city.

I was determined to stand on the side of the tram for the return 30 minute journey which at a maximum speed of 9.5 mph is quite safe except when you pass a Cable Car coming the other way. It is certainly an excellent way to see the city.

Hanging on and enjoying every minute of the experience.

Going downhill 

In the afternoon we walked almost the entire length of Fishermans Quay stopping regularly to sit in the sunshine and people watch. They pass by in all shapes and sizes and wearing an amazing mixture of outfits. 

We had another walk along Pier 39 on a different level from our walk yesterday and again spent a lot of time either people watching or listening to excellent street entertainers.

A Slow Boat and a Very Fast Boat

We took the morning Caltrain from Sunnyvale to San Francisco which took just over an hour and is a very pleasant journey on a double decker train.

We booked into the nice Courtyard Hotel at Fishermans Wharf and on a beautiful day decided to take a boat trip in the Bay.

The San Francisco shore line.

Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge.

Going under the bridge.

Alcatraz looks a formidable place.

Suddenly this yacht called Oracle appeared and it was coming past us at a fantastic speed and was almost flying. It turns out it is the USA Americas Cup team doing their trials off San Francisco. There were 2 fast speedboats following them with back up in case anything went wrong. There was a second yacht called Artemis following it and this seemed even faster.

Artemis going like a bat out of hell. I have never seen anything without an engine go as fast.

Back on land we headed for Pier 39 which puts to shame any British Pier.

And of course the Sea Lions basking in the sunshine.

Followed by a Magic Show on the pier. This guy was brilliant and very funny.

Tomorrow we are going on one of the Cable Cars and then will explore more of San Francisco.