Day in the bay… San Francisco!

Although I was raised just 100 miles away from this popular place, I find myself visiting for the first time as a tourist. What a fabulous city!

Who else but one of my best buds Walker to join me for this day of Bay area exploring. Our drive starts with blue sky and two smiles!

Nervous about going over bridges? This journey may not be for you as it’s necessary to cruise over a few throughout the day.

First stop is one of the most photographed spots in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge.
To answer a common question, no it’s not gold. It’s said to be “international orange” or in Walkers words, “It’s more of a red”.

SF Fun fact #1- The Golden Gate Bridge is continuously painted and repainted all the time. It’s so long that by the time the paint crew gets from one end to the other, it’s time to start over again.

Handstand photo!

The sign above describes what each rod is made of to support this massive structure. Below is a close up of the iron rods that make up each cable.

Can you walk across it? Of course! Let’s do it.

I’m not sure why the cyclist get all the room.

As you heel toe across these gorgeous steel path, signs keep you aware of the height that can take your life if dared to compete.

SF Fun Fact #2- The production of the bridge was the first of its kind to ever use nets as safety for falling workers.

We pause in the middle for a view that encourages a deep breath and forces the eyes to wander in attempt to capture all that’s around you.

That “little” island out there is the famous prison that is now closed but is still known as Alkatraz. I found a easy read website describing some details about it. Click here for the facts

On the way back we witness the “official” crew and their transportation cruising across bridge, you’ve got to smile on the intensity of these mini machines!

What’s this? I’ve only seen this abroad, which leaves me to wonder if these were attached by visitors here from over seas. The tradition brings a loving couple to the bridge and after securing it to the gate, they toss the key overboard to lock in their commitment.

Last shot as we exit the bridge followed by a “creative” photo I snapped with a neat effect.

Now, off to the well known cross streets of Haight and Ashbury. I absolutely love walking through this bohemian neighborhood of thrift stores, music shops, cafe’s and specialty boutiques. Here are some photos on the drive over and some fun in the shops.

SF Fun Fact #3- Denim jeans were invented in San Francisco for the Gold Rush miners who needed tough, comfortable clothing.

This wall was so magnetic!

SF Fun Fact #4- This city ranks fourth in the world, after New York, Moscow and London, in terms of the numbers of billionaires that call it home. This is despite the fact that it has less than 10% of the population of the other three cities. San Francisco is also known for having the largest Chinese community in the world, outside of China.

As we finished up the afternoon, I made photos from the passenger seat on our drive out of the city. Well, that was after we found the owner to the van that decided our car needed a hug.

Clearly the owner of this dog didn’t read the sign.

Adorable.

Nearing the famous Fisherman’s Warf before crossing the final bridge through the tunnel and Sacramento bound.

SF Fun Fact #5- The Chinese Fortune Cookie was invented in SF at the Japanese Tea Garden by Makato Hagiwara. Chop Suey was also created in the bay during a banquet!

I can absolutely understand why so many people around the world travel here to capture the energy of San Francisco. I’m so thankful I got the perfect company to join me on this day. Rabbit ears and all… Walker, you’re sawesome (not a typo).