Thursday, January 22, 2009

A Golden Afternoon and Evening

Upon leaving Golden Gate Park
we journeyed across town
in the shadow of a skyline familiar to me,
but offering a completely new sight for my girls:
Coit Tower (left) and The Transamerica Building
(it will always be that to me)
in an ocean of hillside housing.

We're not in Grass Valley anymore!

Pier 39 welcomed us with
a slight ocean breeze and warm balmy air
making it seem like a day in May
rather than January.

We stopped to gaze out at Alcatraz Island,
a uniquely beautiful prison,
while sea lions frolicked beneath us
(too swiftly disappearing for my slow camera skills).

The thrill of discovery in this special place
bid us continue on down the wharf
in search of more treasures.

We found unique transportation methods,

And colorful people of the most friendly sort . . .

Offering gifts to passing children.

A stop before the display window at The Boudin Bakery
confirmed that they still provide more than mere daily bread.

Finally we arrived at The Wharf
and all my childhood memories rushed back

Joined by new memories made today.

The fragrant siren's song of "today's catch"
caused our tummies to rumble
in the fresh sea air,

So we strolled into Nonna Rose's Cafe
and found a waterfront table
affording a delightful view of the sunset
as we dined on clam chowders and crab Louis'
and succulent shrimp salad sandwiches.

A waltz back up the avenue in the darkening eve
treated us to a festival of lights
and a musician (or two) on every corner.

We boarded our home-bound vehicle
and joined the throng of workers in exodus
as we drove under the Bay Bridge
and ended our magical day in The City
with a steady conversation
about all we will do on our next visit.

12 comments:

Karen said...

Oh, just awesome! I love the turtle bread, and the sweet memories your kids will have.

Michelle said...

Oh I miss San Francisco. It's one of my favorite places to visit! Those turtle breads are so adorable!!

Laura ~Peach~ said...

Fantastic photos Love the turtle bread too!
Great memories!

Laura ~Peach~ said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
imbeingheldhostage said...

Great photos!! How fun, I feel like I was there :-)
That Wharf sign flooded my memories as well. Once when I was young, naive and fearless, I jumped into my truck and drove for two days to see San Fransisco for the first time. I was a small town girl determined to camp in my truck-- alone, in SF. What an idiot. Did I mention it was near Halloween? Yeah, froze to death and didn't sleep at all.
You look like you planned your outing so much better.

dawn klinge said...

That photo of the turtle bread was my favorite...so cute! Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos.

Becky said...

So much fun! All those sights are so familiar and missed. The girls look like they had a great time. LOve the crab pic and turtle bread.

farmlady said...

Seeing the City makes me realize how much I love it and how long it's been since I was there. Pier 39 is where, two years ago, we left in a boat to spread my dad's ashes under the Golden Gate. It was a beautiful day and it was his last request. Your photos reminded me of that day. How often we drove to the City with Mom and Dad when we were young to see all these sights. Good Memories!

Kathy said...

What a wonderful time spent with your girls! I love your pictures. Have to agree with the others, the turtle bread is adorable. I get to S.F. a few times a year but refuse to drive myself. The bridges, the traffic, the one-way streets, the city crowds, all overwhelm this country gal!

Janette said...

Miss the city terribly. I am glad that you and the girls enjoyed it- for all of us!

Ruth MacC said...

Lovely to have a peek at what you people are doing, and look at the lenght of your daughters hair!

I like the last post, flowers and gardning, feel like going to sleep thinking about them:-)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.