We left Santa Barbara vowing that we will return. This part of California is so beautiful -- and yes Mage, we want to visit Ojai, too.
All cruise ships have fog horns, activated these days by flipping a switch. The horn sounds every few minutes and may be annoying to some, but it's a sound that I love: deep and forlorn, it literally resonates in one's chest. I did not know, however, that the Golden Gate Bridge has its own fog horn. So as we approached a fog-shrouded San Francisco, we heard what sounded like the mating calls of two giant bull frogs. It was interesting and a bit comforting as we could not see our hands in front of us. We had hoped to get photos as we entered San Francisco Bay, but all we could see was the base of the bridge.
We were disappointed, but thought for sure we'd be able to capture a few shots of the bridge when we left that evening.
All cruise ships have fog horns, activated these days by flipping a switch. The horn sounds every few minutes and may be annoying to some, but it's a sound that I love: deep and forlorn, it literally resonates in one's chest. I did not know, however, that the Golden Gate Bridge has its own fog horn. So as we approached a fog-shrouded San Francisco, we heard what sounded like the mating calls of two giant bull frogs. It was interesting and a bit comforting as we could not see our hands in front of us. We had hoped to get photos as we entered San Francisco Bay, but all we could see was the base of the bridge.
We were disappointed, but thought for sure we'd be able to capture a few shots of the bridge when we left that evening.
Little did we know that on the other side of the bridge, the sun was shining! The fog did begin to lift a bit and we were able to see Pier 39, where the sea lions have taken over, and quite a bit of the Embarcadero.
Can you see the Ghiardelli chocolate sign?
Once docked, we boarded a bus for Napa Valley and the Wine Train on which we enjoyed wine and a wonderful lunch. It was fun seeing the wineries we had visited in the past but this time from the viewpoint of the train.
Here is our menu....
And part of our lovely table...
The views were spectacular...
Many of the wineries plant roses at the end of the rows of grapes. The roses are the "canaries" of the wine crop. If the roses start to suffer, they know to investigate the crops.
When we returned to the ship, most of the fog had lifted, but was still clearly distinguishable. That's our ship right in front of the fog.
I believe this is either Alcatraz or Angel Island.
I can understand why people fall in love with this city.
And so we left San Francisco, cameras at the ready to get those long awaited shots of the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Can you hear the fog horns? ;)
9 comments:
Oh dear. No Golden Gate? You'll just have to come back. I take it the wine train was your only excursion here in San Francisco?
I am loving your trip so far. I was in San Fran for a few hours long ago while heading to Sacramento on business. I've always wanted to go back, now more than ever. Love the thoughts of the Napa Wine train!
That's big ship you are on!! Just got back from our cruise - yours looks so interesting. Sorry about the fog, though!
I lived in SF during fall and winter 1968. Didn't see much romance in it as you did. I like your photos, though.
Too bad about the fog! One of our sons and DIL are in SF.... they love it, but will one day need to move in order to be able to afford a family. But it's fun for now!
I love that city. It's my favorite anywhere. Thanks so much for taking us along, and I'm so glad you liked Santa Barbara. :)
This looks like so much fun. You had real orchids on your table? Wow!
I enjoyed your photos of San Francisco, fog and all. The wine train looks like a marvelous experience. The menu looked good as well.
Loved the stories of your foray into California. The picture you took of the city must have been done from your ship? We lived in the apartment building at the far left of our photo, the dark gray building, and could watch the cruise ships come and go from our window. I'm so glad you got to see our beautiful state. Please come again.
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