Cycling over the Golden Gate Bridge

Well now we have been busy tourists. On Tuesday evening, we had a walk through China Town, before settling on Fish and Chips up by the Fisherman’s Wharf, while looking over a colony of Sea Lions.

Yesterday, we visited Alcatraz, home for a period to some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone. During the course of the day, we realised that the famous San Francisco Cable Car is scenic, but slow. The regular bus is better if you actually want to get somewhere. Having been a user of the London Underground as a commuter for over 20 years, I was well prepared for this. Going through China Town is a very social experience, if you like being really cosy with people that you have never met before.


Today, we hired bikes for the day and cycled over the Golden Gate Bridge. Spectacular views from a magnificent bridge. I am convinced that where the Americans are faced by a physical obstacle, no matter how wide, they just build a bridge – well, what else would you do? By comparison, faced with mountains, the Swiss build tunnels. Same principle. Shortest distance between points is a straight line.

Having finished the bike ride at Tiburon, we took the 45 minute ferry back over the San Francisco bay. Just before catching the ferry, we had the unique experience of being refused service at a restaurant (“genuine Mexican cuisine”) because we used the wrong door. But this only stands out by way of contrast to the fantastic hospitality and friendliness with which we are otherwise received.

We had not realised until recently that the weather in San Francisco is generally pretty cool. This year, they have recorded their coldest summer for 70 years. But this way only until we arrived. On Tuesday, the temperature was 95 (35C), and yesterday cooler at 75 (25C). Today was cooler still, starting out at 55 (15C) brrrhhh, but the sun came out later, so I have a red nose. I should know better by now.

One other striking point. The hills of San Francsisco really are as steep as they look in the films. Thalwil is positively part of flatlands compared to this. I could do some serious training for a mountain marathon here.

Tomorrow morning (Friday), we are off northwards (that’s up) for a couple of days, planning to arrive on Sunday, in Newport, Oregon, to meet up with my old friend, Norman Austin.