GREETINGS FROM SAN FRANCISCO,
California (CA), USA
Well, not exactly – on the other side of the bay to be precise at Sausalito.
This week/weekend there are 6 trade shows and/or festivals in San Francisco so accommodation – even booking as far ahead as we do – was scarce AND expensive if you could find it.
So tonight we are in “trendy” Sausalito on the north side of San Francisco Bay and tomorrow night on the otherside of the bay at Fisherman’s Wharf.
Fort Bragg CA to San Francisco CA
Sausalito developed rapidly during WWII as a shipbuilding center. But post war, it’s industrial reputation changed and gave way to a wealthy and artistic enclave and a picturesque residential community, including a large number of houseboats on the bay.
But back to the beginning of the day –
The rain had gone and we woke to a lovely clear sunny day. Our aim was to drive down the coastal road – Highway 1 – all the way.
We soon found there were many opportunities to stop and take in the wonderful coastal views.
The coast is certainly rough and wild. There are lots of rocky outcrops dotting the nearby shoreline and these seem to be a constant thing all up and down the coast.
The rough and rugged Pacific
As we would see later in the day, the constant battering of the ocean against the shoreline is causing problems. Roads are needing to be retained and re-aligned due to the erosion and in some places houses have already been claimed by the falling cliffs with others now derelict just waiting for the day when they will disappear down a cliff face !
The coastal towns all look like they are geared for the “weekend and holiday” crowds from San Francisco. There are B&B’s everywhere and all the crafty, touristy shops you would expect.
We drove through the town of Mendocino and stopped shortly after to take photos of the coast and the misty fog we could see to the south. Little did we realise that soon after we would drive into this fog, which would basically hug the coast all the way down to Bodega Bay. And it was thick ! We attempted to drive out to see an historical lighthouse at Port Arena but the fog was so thick we couldn’t see it ! Well not exactly. There was a steep entry fee and we figured it was a bit of a waste given we couldn’t see any view.
Here comes the fog !
The fog was bizarre as when the road was clinging to the coast we were in thick fog. If the road drifted slightly inland, the fog would clear.
The road was again fairly winding and there were more stops for roadworks like yesterday. So when we got to Bodega Bay, we decided to head inland toward Sonoma instead of carrying on in the fog all the way to San Francisco.
And sure enough, as soon as we were off the coast we were back in bright sunshine !
A foggy overlook near Bodega Bay
The stops and winding road had taken some time so I asked Adrienne if she had a coffee stop lined up ahead. The guilty grin revealed that the coffee stop was at an Outlet Centre she had found at a town called Petaluma – just in the direction we were heading !
Anyway, another “mall walk” probably wasn’t a bad idea after a long day in the car yesterday. And of course I got the blame for spending more than Adrienne at the shops ! I had been looking for a new sports coat and the Van Heusen outlet store had 70% off ! So the US$265 jacket cost me US$77 !
Then on to Sausalito. The hotel we re staying at is in a great location right on the water and across the road from a lovely park. We walked along the waterfront before dinner then decided to try Spinnaker, a nice restaurant right on the bay. What a great spot – window table overlooking San Francisco Bay toward the city skyline ! And two sea lions appeared in the bay in front of us during our dinner.
Across San Francisco Bay toward Oakland Bridge
We shared yummy crab cakes with mango dressing for starters then Adrienne had Paella for her main and I had the special – Salmon with a bouillabaisse sauce. It was then just a short stroll back along the waterfront to our hotel.
Tomorrow we explore San Francisco….