Well, this is certainly a change from all the garden posts this summer...
So, can you guess where I was last week? Yes, that's right. And I definitely left my heart in San Francisco... It was cool, and misty, and totally marvelous!
And wow, it was incredibly windy on the Marin Headlands the day we visited (see photo above). After temperatures in the 90's and 100's in New Jersey, we really enjoyed the typical late summer cool weather in San Francisco.
There was fog every day, although on some days it burned off by the afternoon. But I love fog! It certainly makes for some great photo opportunities. The view of San Francisco's city hall (above) was taken from the top of a building at UC Hasting's Law School. We went to check it out for my daughter, who wants to go to law school after she graduates.
We spent a morning visiting Alcatraz, too. I took hundreds of photos, so that will have to be a post all by itself. I was so inspired by this spare, windswept island, with it's imposing and stark buildings.
Finally, I have to say that the "mellow" California stereotype is well-deserved. :) Actually, these sea lions at Pier 39 on the Embarcadero were not the only mellow creatures we spotted. The very first thing that we all noticed was the fact that California drivers actually stop for you when you are in the crosswalk. I cannot tell you how totally alien this idea was to us. Here in New Jersey, drivers speed up to hit you when you're in the crosswalk.
You think I'm kidding, but I'm not.
So, much more San Francisco photos over the next week. I'm so happy to be back and sharing with you once more. And I just have to take a moment to point out one of life's little ironies -- the day we returned from San Francisco, we had an honest-to-goodness earthquake on the East Coast. How strange is that?
Until we meet again, my friends... :)
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Welcome back! Beautiful photos of San Francisco. I'm glad you had a wonderful trip and respite from the heat and humidity. We felt the earthquake here in New Brunswick too. (I didn't). Enjoy the weekend. Pamela
ReplyDelete...So YOU'RE the reason for the earthquake! lol... You brought it home with you! ;o)
ReplyDelete...That first photo? *swoons* And I too love fog but not for the photo taking abilities but just because it makes everything seem cozy, mysterious and slow.
...Have a wonderful weekend!
...Blessings :o)
Lovely photos! I went to San Francisco four years ago but only stayed for two days. I had a two year old, a one year old and was pregnant! and yet my dear husband thought it a good idea to tour the West coast. San Francisco was beautiful and my first sight if it was at 10pm driving across the bridge. I loved Alcatraz, it was a great history lesson for a Brit in the US. Thanks for sharing, Sally xx
ReplyDeleteGorgeous photos Mary! I've never been to SF ... loving the first photo of the bridge and those sea lions are just adorable!
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to SF in years but it's my husband's favorite city. You've captured it beautifully.
ReplyDeleteIt is a gorgeous city, isn't it? I am going to visit my son in the Silicon Valley and plan to spend a day in SF probably at the Embarcadero and most likely the Ferry Building with all the food venues. I will save the hills for another time, I have been there and done that I am not in shape for it this trip :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful city and that first photo is a Wow! Welcome back ... just in time for earthquakes and hurricanes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous city. It's on my holiday list - it's always been a magnet.
ReplyDeleteLOL......I was in New York a couple of years ago.....I am quite sure you are not kidding!!
ReplyDeleteHowever our Seattle drivers are starting to seem more like New York City cab drivers all the time!!
San Francisco......beautiful!!!
What a sensational photo of the bridge. So glad you enjoyed your time on the west coast.
ReplyDeleteBe safe this weekend. Prayers that the hurricane will suddenly go out to sea. I see news of how the Jersey Shore is bracing for Irene and it is so frightening. We both were born and raised in New Jersey and that is where our hearts are.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Wonderful impressions !
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your post today... I lived in SF a long time ago. But I brought my heart with me... I met my hubby there...
ReplyDeleteRainey
I spent the weekend in San Francisco. My daughter has lived there for about 16 years now. In fact the picture of City Hall could have been taken from her apartment window. She sent me a similar picture just a week ago showing the building enshrouded in fog. Maybe she lives on the opposite side of City Hall from where you were. And, yes, it was very cool there -- chilly, actually. I live in Sacramento, where it's been 90 degrees plus. Can't wait to see all the photos you took.
ReplyDeleteStay safe this weekend. I am praying that Irene heads out to sea and decides not to pay you all a visit!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Susan and Bentley
What fun! You are just as good with city photos as you are with country photos.
ReplyDeleteI've lived in both San Diego and Los Angeles and spent tons of time in San Francisco. It is definitely an interesting place. Tons to see and do and the weather is almost always just wonderful. So glad you had a great time. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteW-w-w-ow, Mary! Magazine-quality work here. And I'm not just whistlin' dixie. These are beautiful, and unexpected. Love 'em.
ReplyDeleteWhat a surprise to find San Francisco here! What gorgeous photos! What a wonderful vacation! Can't wait to see the rest of your photos. And what a coincidence to come home to an earthquake:)
ReplyDeleteThere are all sorts of funny little coincidences, here. Well, it's the middle of the night and maybe I won't share them all....heh.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, unbelievably, my mom has an African Gray parrot that she's taught to sing, "I left my haaaaaaart, in San Franciscoooooooooooo!" (Think lots of vibrato on the long parts.)
I love fog, too, btw. It just needs to be said.
The day after I arrived back in CA, eighteen years ago, we had an the Northridge earthquake. Alright, so, I was IN CA and that makes sense....=]
and, oh, Mary....I hope that Irene isn't too terrible for you guys! Wish us luck. My garden was just coming into its own. I'm going to cut the flowers and bring them in, tomorrow. weep!
BUT, glad you're back and life moves along....
oh, one more, btw....I finished the 365 PAD, today!!! Tadaaaaa! =D When I realized that I didn't HAVE to take a pic, today, I wanted to cry...silly me!
Gute nacht!
Katy xxoo
Stunning shots of San Fran. And as a fellow East coaster I appreciate your west coats/east coast comparisons. New Yorker driving are just as lacking in driving manners (no surprise there). I have been looking in on Little Red House for awhile now, and have to tell you I love listening to your mellow play list almost as much as I love to look at your lovely photos. I love Eva Cassidy now.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Leah
A great big thank you to all who leave comments here -- you guys truly make my day! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed your time here in the Bay Area. San Francisco is truly a beautiful city and you certainly captured that in your photos!
ReplyDeleteSigh...I Know what you mean. I fell in love with this city when I was 16! It's awesome!!!!
ReplyDeleteHope Irene didn't get you guys too hard.....smiles, Anke ;)
San Francisco is one of my favorite cities! I'll be visiting it again later this fall.I never tire of this pretty place.
ReplyDeleteHope you fared well in the hurricane!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteWe went there in 2008 and really enjoyed our trip, however my pictures were not as good as yours. I would love to have a copy of the Golden Gate Bridge picture it is stunning!
Thanks!
I love the photo of the Golden Gate Bridge! You captured the misty atmosphere perfectly!
ReplyDelete