As mentioned previously, Shaun and I have a knack for getting ourselves completely lost while driving and, thus, having many adventures along the way.
After making it through Golden Gate Park, our first discovery while getting lost was the
Sutro baths. Shaun and I love learning and walking through old history. Apparently, the
Sutro baths were built to fit 10,000 people and cost 1 million dollars to build in 1886 (the same year that the University of Puget Sound was built). The pools were filled with water from the tides and
had many different
amenities.
In order to get to the ruins, there was a long set of really steep steps. So, Shaun and I had to pretend we were Rocky and run up and down them... and this was after a very long day of walking around Golden Gate Park. So, I was impressed that we had the energy we did!
After exploring the ruins, we decided to drive across Golden Gate Bridge in the day and return back across at night. So, we had to plan our travel plans just right. Lucky for us, while trying to get to Golden Gate Park, we got lost and found the famous twisted
Lumbard Street.
While
maneuvering ourselves precariously down
Lumbard, in our rental car that we had already almost wrecked two times thus far (another story), we discovered how to get to the Golden Gate Bridge. So, off we went. Crossing the bridge was not as spectacular as the view from the
other side. First we took a picture with a view of San Francisco.
Then we took a picture of us and the bridge!
Since I was set on crossing the bridge at night, Shaun and I decided to explore the realm. Along the way, we discovered a quaint city named
Sausalito. Shaun and I arrived just as the town was closing for the night, but not before we were able to get some interesting flavored
ice cream and listen to some live music (in the distance).
After "shutting down the town," Shaun and I continued our exploration by going through a one lane tunnel that literally took us through a mountain. We soon learned that tunnel was also our only way back...
BUT, Shaun and I actually felt that this was a favorite part of our trip. Once we passed through the tunnel, we found ourselves in lush country. We also saw signs that said "Do not feed the Coyotes," which made Shaun excited to actually see some wildlife. Shaun and I were definitely craving some wilderness after experiencing hours of the "concrete city."
After driving a while, we came across a neat military site. As we began to look further, we discovered many decaying military
bunkers, cannons, and other cool military relics. As we drove around another corner, we were again surprised. We found a group of really good surfers catching some waves. Shaun and I were very impressed by their skill... so we had to watch a while. While we were watching, the sun began to set and gave us a beautiful sunset.
When the darkness fell, the
wildlife began to come out. First Shaun and I saw a small black tail deer, then three big raccoons, one skunk, and four owls. THEN, we came
across the
biggy. We saw a huge 4 by 5
blacktail buck! It was beautiful! While we tried to get a better look at it... we discovered several more black tail bucks! It was awesome!
Also, much to my delight, we also came across a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge at night!
The next morning, Alena flew in! She came all the way back from Africa... and Shaun and I would be able to spend two days with her!
Since we were all hungry, Shaun and I convinced Alena to take a driving adventure with us to find a good breakfast spot. After getting lost a bit, we finally made our way to a really fun old fashioned "drive-in." We were able to enjoy a classic hearty breakfast before
immersing ourselves in Kat and
James's wedding day. Although, I should mention that while we were lost and trying to find the Catholic Cathedral, we did find the "Full House" house.
The next day, we woke up early, again. This day we had plans to go and do some "hard time" at Alcatraz. We were all really excited to tour and learn the history of the infamous "Rock." The only thing that could distract us from reaching the rock was some Sea Lions.
They were a sight to see... and something else to smell... very stinky. I think that Shaun could have stood there forever and watched the Sea Lions interact. They were amazing.
Still, Alcatraz called... so off we went to the inescapable island.
After we arrived, we were greeted by a "Warden" who told us about the great escape attempts at Alcatraz. Even though there have been no recorded successful attempts, Shaun, Alena, and I all agree that we think two escaped.
Alcatraz held such a reputation of being the "worst" place to do time because of where it was situated. The
prisoners could see, hear, and smell freedom... yet there was no way to escape. Also, the prisoners had single cells and received no
amenities besides food, water, and medicine. So it was a lonely place where "a man could go crazy listening to his own thoughts."
Many movies were made about and on Alcatraz. The movie that seems to be the closest representation to Alcatraz (in Shaun and my opinion) is the
Shawshank Redemption. Everything the
prisoners did in that movie (besides the
extortion of government funds) was fairly accurate.
Alcatraz was the
Penitentiary that
prisoners were sent to when they misbehaved at their current prison. SO, it housed many of the famous mob leaders. The most famous being: Al Capone... who was in for Tax Evasion (Even though many murders were done in his name, none could be tied down to him). Below are the pictures of the most famous inmates:
All of us were so wrapped up in the history of Alcatraz, which was also a military camp and Indian Monument (of sorts), that our day almost slipped completely away. Reluctantly, we had to leave the island because we knew we would be disappointed if we didn't have some time to tour Fisherman's Wharf.
Once off the island, we power walked Fisherman's Wharf down to
Ghiradelli Chocolate... where we enjoyed some delicious chocolate! Yum!
Then, we power walked back along the wharf in search of San Fran's famous Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl. When we finally discovered it, we were delighted... and it definitely hit the spot.
Three hours later, we were on a plane and flying back to Washington. Shaun and I had a great time and we grateful that we could experience San Fran with such great friends. Still, we felt like we left so much more to do. SO, we definitely plan on going back...
The girls were intimidated about the wriggling fishes at first, but we finally were able to get them close enough to "Papa Tim" for a picture...
...until he chased them with it :)
While we were out fishing, we found a really funky looking bee. This was the best picture that we took of the bee:
Uncle Shaun really enjoyed his fishing time with our nieces.
