So on the bus again to Fisherman’s Wharf, then on the ferry to Sausalito vis Angel Island and Tiburon. At the souvenir shop on the pier, $1m note fridge magnets with Trump’s face on them, along with toilet paper, talking birthday cards with his voice and mock bullet key rings with names on one side and ‘the right to bear arms’ on the other. It’s … Continue reading Sausalito

Went to North Beach on the bus and to the City Lights bookshop. Founded in the mid 50s by the poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti – who appears to be still alive at the age of 100. (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_Ferlinghetti). Hangout of Jack Kerouac et al, inventing the Beat Generation as they went along. Site of the first performance of Allen Ginsberg’s Howl (https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49303/howl) which livened up both the … Continue reading San Francisco continues

Dan and Sherry went home and I moved to my cousin Ann’s house, also in San Francisco. She is kindly putting me up for a week. Went for a walk along the coast at Pacifica and then out to dinner. Continue reading Onward….

Well today was exciting. Went to the Tourist Information Office with Dan to get a bus ticket for next week, went out to coffee, had lunch – dim sum – and this afternoon we went to see Downton Abbey at the cinema! The Americans wanted to. Last day with Dan and Sherry today as they are off home tomorrow. The woman in the tourist office … Continue reading San Francisco continued

After more excellent driving by Sherry, we are staying in a very cool urban apartment on Folsom St (anything to do with Johnny Cash’s prison?) with bars and sirens going past. We are knackered, having got up at 5am to get to the Yosemite Valley before the rest of the herd so this evening’s witty conversation has us all on our iPads and phones, lounging … Continue reading We finally arrive in San Francisco

Hands up all those who thought diners like this only existed in old US movies. This is in Buck Meadow CA, population 50. Continue reading And in more food related news…

Beautiful glacial valley surrounded by steep granite cliffs. Brings back memories of O level Geography. If they had brought us here I might have paid more attention! And Dan met a weasel. A bronze one. Continue reading Yosemite 2

A little light lunch? Continue reading And the fight continues….

This is the Wawona Hotel. (https://www.travelyosemite.com/lodging/wawona-hotel). First opened in 1876 and now a scheduled ancient monument. Still has original plumbing and electric wiring (eek!). Continue reading Yosemite 1

With many thanks to Sherry who drove all day – 8am to 10pm – as Dan has a cold. And goodbye to Christopher who had to go home. Death Valley is exactly as you would imagine. Acres of desert – although very little sand; the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, and many many tourists. It was also very hot. Seems bizarre that it would … Continue reading Death Valley