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Visit with Chris  San Francisco
October 4 to 8/03

cityscape_jpg.jpg (17483 bytes)We have a wonderful visit with Chris. Ascension was moored at the South Beach Harbor Marina, below the Bay Bridge, so that we could be close to all the action of Downtown, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and the other attractions. We did a lot of walking and took in lots of sights.

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Riding the Cable Car

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We experienced all types of transportation. The famous Hyde Street Cable Car took us over Knob Hill, through China Town and into the Downtown Area of San Francisco.

Twelve 14 foot diameter pulleys and over 10 miles of cable drive the cable car system.

In addition to the Cable Car, we made use of the Train and Street Cars to get to the Fisherman's Wharf area and took BART (subway) from the Airport

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Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39 and Ghirardelli Square

We visited Fisherman's Wharf, taking in many attractions including "Ripley's Believe It or Not," the Maritime Museum and the Aquatic Park.

Ghirardelli Square, once home to the world famous chocolate factory, is now renovated to an open-air centre filled with specialty shops and restaurants.

Pier 39 transforms old-time San Francisco waterfront into more unique shops and restaurants featuring street entertainers.

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 Maritime National History Park

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park is the only floating National Park. We toured the world's largest collection of historical ships, including a steam powered tugboat, a salmon packing sailing ship (Balclutha) and a restored ferry boat full of vintage cars and artifacts.

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Downtown and Union Square

While in Union Square, the protesters were in full force against the Election Recall of the "Governator."  

Note: Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffanys in the background.

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Institute of Art

The Institute of Art had fascinating architecture. We enjoyed our walk through the huge pillars and marveled at the carved detail in the structures.
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Hard Rock Cafe

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A stop for a snack at the infamous HARD ROCK CAFE with its original rock 'n roll memorabilia.

 Golden Gate Bridge

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Our tour wouldn't be complete without crossing over the famous Golden Gate Bridge which links San Francisco with Marin County.

At a cost of $35 million, the bridge took more than 4 years to build. Eleven men lost their lives during construction due to foggy weather, 60 mile per hour winds and the strong ocean currents that swept through the deep rugged canyon.

Often shrouded in fog, the bridge sways 27 feet to withstand winds up to 100 miles per hour. The two great cables contain enough strands of steel wire (80,000 miles) to encircle the equator three times.
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SAN FRANCISCO ARCHITECTURE

POSTCARD ROW is possibly the most photographed spot in the City. These colorful Victorian houses or "PAINTED LADIES" with the San Francisco skyline in the backdrop have graced many postcards and movie scenes.

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Visit to Alcatraz

ALCATRAZ island is situated in the center of the San Francisco Bay. It was the home for the infamous maximum-security prison for Mafia criminals and high risk convicts. Today it is a National Park.

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Photos SIDNEY TO SAN DIEGO and Alcatraz

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