A Sunday in San Francisco (or Traffic)

from Ben's mom

San Francisco was in the plan from the start. But then everyone was out late Saturday night and we wanted to see friends that couldn't go along because they had to catch earlier flights. So by the time we hit the road it was 11:15.

Now, technically, San Francisco is supposed to be about an hour and twenty minute drive from Sacramento. Three hours later, we (Dan & Amanda, Nathan, Mark, MJR & me) had successfully crawled across the bridge and through the City and found a premium parking spot on the Wharf. Dan had made friends with several residents conversing with the people on the sidewalk.
Amanda and I had formed a plan in the back of the minivan since the guys were preoccupied. Our plan included a cable car, walk along Fisherman's Pier, and food. That part didn't happen.

But we did manage to take the Red and White Fleet Golden Gate Bay Cruise with the Blue Angels flying overhead. Dia had given me a 50% off coupon good for 6 admissions out of her Entertainment book the day before.

The Cruise was great fun. We went out underneath the Golden Gate bridge and turned around and circled Alcatraz. The cruise was narrated and we caught a little of it. However, for the most part, the sound of the Blue Angels buzzing the boat was a little distracting. And very cool.

Apparently it was Fleet Week in San Francisco. It would have been good to know; we would most certainly have parked on the other side of the Bay Bridge and rode BART. Instead we were briefly part of the Italian Heritage Parade, with a huge float of Italians waving Italian flags three cars behind us at one point. Sadly, the men in our vehicle were absolutely certain that the girls in the convertible in front of us were turning around to look at them. They found it difficult (and for some impossible) to believe that they were actually looking at the Italian float behind us.

Our cruise ended just about the time the air show did, meaning that it took another three hours for us to get back to Sacramento, making for a very tight little schedule. And no dinner. After returning our rental car, we made it to the airport about 20 minutes before our plane was scheduled to depart. Fortunately, it was a little late and we made it on, and kept our seats (all together with an extra seat per couple).

All in all, an exciting day. The airshow brought back memories of airshows with my Grandpa, who loves airshows. We used to go alot when I was a wee girl; once we even flew in his small plane to go to one. So cool!