Wow,am I tired!!!

Yesterday I drove from Mammoth Lakes to San Francisco.  Took about 7.5 hours in total, with slight delay on route and a quick pit stop for food and refreshment. 

Finally got in aroun 9pm.  Found the hostel alright. I am staying in a Hostel International Hostel downtown somewhere.  The hostel itself is nice and clean.  Larger than the previous one in New Orleans.  A lot less intimate. 

Also the area is…. well…  not the best, but,it is a great location in terms of a short walk to the tram or the buses where a short(ish) journey will get you to the Bay Area. The hostel staff are friendly, pointing out no go areas and where I could park the rental.  I used valet parking for the first time within the hotel next door.  It felt very weird giving the keys to the valet who was a complete stranger only to watch him drive off.  Part of me did wonder whether I would see it, and him again 😅

The evening was a quick luggage, make bed, food and bed.  I met the 2 girls in my 4 bed dorm who where a bit…narky shall I say.  Essentially I had just arrived and getting myself organised which did involve entering and leaving the dorm twice.  Much to the unamusement of the 20 somethings who were either in bed already or getting ready for bed (it was 9pm)!!

Anyway, they were fine this morning and it just left time for me to plan the day. After a very quick breakfast provided by the hostel. I gathered my bits and headed for the bus/tram as I had heard Fisherman’s Wharf was the place to explore. I even got an app on my phone for the multi day ticket I would be needing while I was here. Appropriate, what with San Francisco being the birthplace of the internet and pretty much any app that has been made for any smartphone or tablet. Feel like a proper San Fransiscian I do!!

I managed to find the wharf ok and after a quick exploration, I found a nice seafood place which did a really nice clam chowder for lunch. As I was sitting there. I saw all these people on bicycles. 

That got me thinking..

Yep,  I decided to go for it and I rented a bicycle for the day. It was so funny, the guy renting out the bikes spent ages trying to find me the correct size frame. I know I am a short arse but come on ☹️

Eventually a suitable sized frame for my delicate features (ahem..) and a quick video on the route and a safety briefing, I was off.  The route was going to take me along the coast line past all the docks, past Alcatraz and eventually up to and over the Golden Gate Bridge where afterwards I would meet the ferry to bring me back to San Francisco.

Not sure how long it was exactly, should have really looked into that a bit more, but it seemed like a good idea at the time.  Also, I should have sorted out more appropriate footwear as demonstrated by me nearly loosing my shoes of the bridge when I stopped for a breather.

Note to self, ballerina shoes are NOT a good idea for a long cycle, especially over a very, very windy bridge.

I never thought I would do something like that. I am so chuffed with myself for completing it, still can’t quite believe I’ve cycled over THE Golden Gate Bridge.  The cycle route was amazing along the coastline offering great photo opportunities, although I have to admit to walking some of the more hilly parts. I must remember that I am not that fit after all.

Boats, as expected 

Good views of San Francisco

Alcatraz Island, of course

The Golden Gate Bridge, which enable me to take the following photo from a great vantage spot on the cycle route

The cycle over the bridge itself was windy, to say the least. I cycled around the main pillars and felt as if been whacked in the face and chest with a baseball bat, it was that windy. Thank goodness for safety railings and segregated cycle lanes.  That is all I am saying!!  It was also very misty. So misty, I couldn’t see either side of the bridge.  Still, it was a great experience. 

I am now tired, aching legs and hungry after all that exertion. 

What to do tomorrow?? 

Like an idiot, I didn’t pre book a tour of Alcatraz and now it is fully booked till end of August. Doh!!!!  Is it worth getting up and queueing at 6am to see if they have tickets?

May see how I am feeling in a short while

Night, night 💤