A good way to spend the start of a new month is a stop in San Francisco. The feel of Halloween was in the air. We were already docked by the time we woke up, and that was at the old Pier 35. The Ruby Princess had taken over the new cruise terminal Pier 27, and the Seven Seas Mariner was sharing the other side of Pier 35 with us. We have never seen so many pelicans flying quietly in loose v-formations over the murky green waters of the SF bay. A great blue heron was perched on a pole beneath our veranda, not scared off by some curious seals six feet away. We were so close to Pier 39 that we could hear the sea lions barking up a storm. And that was one plus of docking in the old pier was that we were much closer to the famous icons of the city.
San Francisco is a city that we are quite familiar with, since both of us were born and raised here. Alcatraz, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, the cable cars, and the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges are places we have traveled and seen many times over. We have since moved to the East Bay, a mere 35 miles from downtown, but with a whole different weather pattern. Colder winters and hotter summers come with the territory. And sun……lots of it, and far less fog.
Unfortunately, the entire TV was shut down today, and we suspect it is due to a big problem that has not been resolved. That's the only way they can work on restoring it we guess. So without access to the shore excursions, there is no info on available tours and their prices. One of the best ways to get around has to be the Hop-On Hop-Off bus.
Thought we were early to arrive at the Pinnacle Grill at 7:25am, but all the window tables were already occupied. However, most of the early birds were finished in 45 minutes, and the staff seated the second round of guests. Perhaps that is a better time to arrive.
We hung around after the crew drill at 10:30am. Passing through the same old cruise terminal/parking garage for buses, we went outside to find a gospel group blasting music promoting religion, we think. They sang the best version of "Amazing Grace" that we have heard in a long time. Being that today was a Saturday, the streets were full of tourists and locals, and getting more crowded by the minute. It has been a long time that we stopped here on a weekend while visiting on a cruise.
We made our way to Pier 39 where every shop, café, restaurant, and even the merry-go-round was opened. Lots of kids of all ages were here too. The biggest attraction for us, not counting lunch, had to be a walk to see the sea lions. Close up, they are humongous and quite vocal….especially the biggest males. With the multi-level seating available, quite a group of onlookers had gathered to watch the seals activities. Actually, the pontoons were not as full of seals as there normally are. Perhaps they were out feeding, and left the lazy ones behind. A river of tourists was flooding the area, so we left to make a run to a CVS pharmacy. It is located almost across the street, and had some of the supplies we needed that we did not bring with us. The only disappointment was that they did not have the Ghirardelli Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Squares we discovered a few years ago. Now we have a shorter list for Walmart in Hilo, and may even find those special candies.
One could not help but see some homeless men here and there, rooting through the garbage cans in search of recyclables. Cannot imagine the plethora of germs encountered doing this, but these folks seem to be immune, and those cans and bottles are worth even more these days. Another thing we noticed while in CVS, were the number of items that were under lock and key. We can understand the pain and cold meds, but the toothbrushes? Cosmetics were always locked up, but now many everyday items were as well. It has been reported that the fine for shop-lifting cannot be enforced unless the loss totals $900. That's California for you.
The Hard Rock Café would have been our choice of lunch venues, but it was so crowded, we would have to wait for a table. Not worth it, we sat on the benches outside, people watching, deciding what to do. Much to our surprise, who should we see but Howard R., our President's Club buddy we have known since 2005. He and his friend Gyl were on the Nieuw Statendam this last winter/spring for almost 4 months. At that time, he spoke of cruises that would take him to Europe during the summer, then eventually, Transatlantic back to Florida in the fall. However, the N. Statendam was taken out for a dry docking, so he eventually landed on this ship after doing several Alaska runs. He boarded in Vancouver, and expected to see us at the Mariner Cocktail Reception in the Crow's Nest. We told him we never received an invite, and he said that never should stop us. We assumed it did not happen. Anyway, our little family group grows……
Getting back onboard was easy with no customs to pass by. Only x-rays, which got me with my new knee. The officials were the nicest folks as I got wanded, then set free. We both heard the officials yell, "enjoy your trip" as we continued onward.
Relaxing on the veranda, we finally left the pier after 5pm. The Ruby Princess had left first, however, the Seven Seas
Mariner never did leave from what we could tell. To warm us up a bit, we ordered hot chocolate and coffee, mixing the two in our new insulated mugs. They stayed really hot for an hour……making that mug purchase from Alaska a good one. Even though the skies remained gray, the Golden Gate Bridge was in plain view as we sailed under her and out to sea.
At dinnertime, we were regaled with a story from the Assistant Maitre'd about an attempt to walk across the famous bridge in the afternoon. We know from experience that a lot of time is needed to accomplish this hike…time that the crew does not have. Even if they taxi there in a group, walk across then taxi back, they never would have made the all aboard time of 4:30pm. And of course, they never factored in the traffic situation at that time of day. Commute traffic can stop that traffic flow in a heartbeat. So the decision was made to take all of their pictures from the info booth at the bridge, then try to figure out how to get another taxi back. With the help of a local lady who offered to summon a ride for them, they made it back by the skin of their teeth. Lucky crew.
Dinner was a repeat of the Culinary Council from last Tuesday. But we ordered different items of a crab cake and crispy shrimp salad. Mains were rigatoni with unexpected Bolognese sauce, and one halibut dinner. Both were quite good. One tiny scoop of orange sorbet was just right for dessert. The only thing we need to remember is to ask for the ice cream or sorbet to be frozen, not half melted. Obviously, they are pre-scooped, but we do know they can find the frozen tubs somewhere.
One lazy day at sea, and we will be in San Diego, the official beginning of the 45 day Tales of the South Pacific.
Bill & Mary Ann
