Day 5  Tuesday 6^th August

Today the tour director decided on cycling over the Golden Gate bridge.  Fly thought sitting in the top deck of an on-off bus would be a good thing, but it was not to be.  Bikes it was.  Hiring the bikes:  “Do you want a helmet?”  “Yes, are they not compulsory?”  “Only if you are under eighteen.”  Are those over eighteen not worth saving?

On the bridge - so exhilarating!  Right up there being blown about by the winds, with the glorious views more than adequate compensation.  This city rivals Sydney in the wonder of its natural setting.  Yachts were out down in the bay – Team America aboard the giant Oracle getting tuned up for the America’s Cup to be run in early September.  People here are not happy about it.  Apparently the rules of engagement this time are such that there are only three countries entered in the race.  

Down the other side to Sausalito, and we’re in a different climate.  Hot.  Sausalito is a bit like the Gold Coast and sports a big sign saying “Welcome to Paradise”. Shrimp Tacos and a California Sauvignon Blanc for lunch.

Returning home after dark, I am struck by the number of street people about.  They are seen during the day, but more so at night. Remember the old song about the Streets of London, the people “carrying their homes in two carrier bags”?  The SF street people have shopping trolleys, and more often than not, a dog.  The dogs appear to be better fed than their owners.  Owners and dogs are bedded down in a shop entrance or recess, and seem to be left undisturbed.  In fact, I have seen no police presence here at all.  But neither have I seen anything warranting a police presence.  All is calm.

Alcatraz sits under a cloud.