Tourist San Francisco

Approaching San Francisco from the north.

The Golden Gate Bridge.

We strolled the tourist areas near Fisherman's Wharf, and Pier 39.

In this view, a small bush is visible on the sidewalk. The bush is fake: behind the leafy branches, a small Asian man crouched. He would come leaping out at unwary tourists, to the delight of more street-smart tourists who already knew he was there.

Seagull.

Street bands played.

The sea lions frolicked under the gaze of hominid mammals at Pier 39.

Alcatraz Island, with sailboat.

Sailboat.

Salt-water taffy for sale. Resistance weakens.... Must purchase....

Carousel on Pier 39.

Purses for sale on Pier 39.

The Carnival Splendor prepares to leave San Francisco.

This is the cruise ship that got into so much trouble last November, when its crew and passengers were stranded at sea after an engine fire. After being towed to San Diego, where its passengers disembarked, it was towed to San Francisco for repairs. Those repairs are now completed, and the Carnival Splendor will rejoin the Carnival fleet soon.

Container ship arrives from China.

















There is a chapel on the port walk. We looked in the windows, to see this stained-glass window.

An enterprising water bird collected sea weed. This is likely either a Western Grebe, or a Clark's Grebe.




My sister called when I was playing tourist, with a crisis. Childhood friend Joe Lewis, whom I hadn't seen in 40 years, had just missed a flight at Sacramento Metro Airport. Could I meet him for dinner?

Unfortunately, the one night when he was in Sacramento, I was in San Francisco! Perhaps another time!