Cable and Beer

Tuesday 17 April

Today we mainly traveled by cable car and sampled beer. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=869474 shows the route taken today and by clicking on large next to Elevation on the right of the screen, you will see a profile of the cable car ride! The following picture doesn't do justice to the steepness of the climb.

You realise how high up you are when Bay Bridge can be seen below you...

The choice of cable car was a good one as not only was the climbs spectacular, it was also possibly the longest ride. At one point we had to stop before the level, between inclines, and the car was unable to continue. So it was all off onto the pavement (sorry side walk!) while the crew from three cars pushed it onto the level. Then it was all aboard to continue the ride towards fisherman's wharf.

After coffee and cakes we made our way slowly along the bay planning to arrive at the brewery, for our tour and tasting, at 2:00pm. Plenty of time!

We called in briefly to look at a collection of boats/ships/paddle steamers etc...

Including one aptly named Lobster fishing boat...

M wasn't impressed as previous visitors had taken the same picture before we had!

Not every one in San Francisco was happy and well! One gull had a broken wing or, like a number of humans, was putting on a good act for the sympathy vote...

He/she was being well fed and wasn't apparently suffering. There were other forms of transport available including more traditional ones...

Chris read, in her trusty guide book that, before the introduction of the cable cars, one horse slipped and the wagon dragged the horses back down the hill!

Along the Bay front are a number of sculptures, including this one...

...I've called the picture "sealed with a Chris!"

As we neared the Bay Bridge, I think it is just as impressive as the Golden Gate Bridge, it was apparent that we were pushing it, time wise, to get to the brewery by 2:00pm. Note the traffic leaving San Francisco goes across the bridge on the lower level and those entering the city come in on the top level!

We caught a taxi to take us the last part of the journey and arrived spot on two o'clock! The bad news was that the tour started at one o'clock! The good news was that we were in time for the tasting! Six beers were tasted (third of a pint samples) followed by more of the one we liked and all for free!

Chris and I then walked back to 8th and had a drink and sandwich at Urban Market. It is becoming one of our San Fran Haunts!

Later that evening, B had classes and didn't get back until 7:30ish, we went for a Chinese meal followed by a visit to M's sister, Emily, for drinks and afters! Mmmmm another good day!

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