Golden Gatetime

After we got the all clear to hit the road again - it was off to recover in San Francisco. Just when you think you have driving in the states sussed, you soon realise it was Californias version of the country that you were driving in, and reality hits. Or in this case- it sideswipes. A police vehicle. Managing to get the entire way through our road trip sans accident - we almost came out unscathed… but too many one way streets and narrow lanes go the better of us and 500 metres out from being at the car hire depot we ‘tapped’ a cop car (at least thats how my mum likes to put it.). Enough to flip the side mirror in, and to leave me thinking we might also get a free trip to a jail cell and another emergency phone call home. Thankfully, it was left undamaged. And we were left with any bail money safely still in our pockets.
Arriving finally in one piece at the hotel, home for this leg of the trip was the Sheraton at Fishermans Wharf. The hotel itself is quite old and not by any means as ‘glitzy’ as others from the same chain. Definitely the beachside version. It does have a coffee machine in the room, which scored some points - and its great location wise, but other than that i’d put it in the 3.5 star range. Elevator keys are temperamental and you’ll need at least 371 tries before you finally master the art. The internet server went down for all rooms for about a 24 hour period - not the end of the world but inconvenient none the less. Overall, i think if you go in without the ‘Sheraton’ expectation you’ll have a nice stay and appreciate the hotel for what it is.
As for which side of town you should stay in San Fran, they’ll always be the debate from people of whether you stay in downtown San Fran or at Fishermans Wharf. It all comes down to personal opinion really- theres no right or wrong. I think if you’re an avid traveller and love to wonder around cities, then Fishermans Wharf does the trick perfectly. You can easily get into the city centre within 30 minutes straight up Columbus Avenue on foot. Then wander back down along the Embarcadero. Yes- there are ALOT of hills in San Fran - but thats all part of what makes the city exactly what it is. And for all the eating and drinking i like to experience on my travels - my ass was grateful for the hills. Its San Frans gym, and the best kind of stairclimber is a free outdoors one in my opinion.
There are of course the ‘must do’s’ of San Francisco. The Golden Gate Bridge and  Alcatraz are the two that you can’t go home without ticking off the list. If you don’t feel the need to actually spend time on Alcatraz island, you can get still get up close for some great photo opportunities via the ferry (and do your budgets some favours by avoiding the tour boats!). Heres how I suggest to see the sights in a day - Blazing Saddles. These guys have platy of locations so you can easily pick yourself up a bike from somewhere close by to your hotel. It’ll cost you about $35USD for the day, but if you grab one of the free maps from the hotel lobbies you’ll find a $5 off voucher… winning! The staff here are awesome, and will give you great directions before you head off (these are also written on your bike, and theres an emergency number too - just incase. So you have all bases covered).
Head off down the bike path towards the Golden Gate Bridge. They’ll be some amazing photo ops along the way, and then you’ll hit the bridge itself. There are two hills that require a bit of guts (or just jump off and push your bike if you’d rather) - but other than that its mostly flat. This is a long day of riding, but nothing too strenuous. Besides, its a pretty epic moment in life to be riding your bike along such a famous landmark. Take it in, and be grateful. Once you hit the other side - its an easy downhill to Sausalito. This a beautiful and quaint little town right on the bay (and also where you’ll catch the ferry back). Hot tip- find out the when the next ferry is as soon as you get into town. Chances are you may have about 40 minutes or so to wait. In which case park you bike in the ferry lane first, then wonder off to check out the town. Otherwise you’ll come back to a very long line and most likely have to wait for the next one! Pre-buy your ticket from Blazing Saddles to save yourself time (its the same cost as at the station - $11). Most of our time was spent in the ‘Holiday Shoppe’. A cute little shop covered in Christmas. My souvenir of choice when i travel is a Christmas decoration showcasing where I’ve been. Long terms dreams of decorating my tree with the unborn kids one day, telling them stories with each decoration they hang about the places in the world I’ve travelled (and hope it’ll give them the bug to do see the world themselves one day the same way i have). This was definitely the place to tick that shopping off my list! One San Fransico Giants decoration later and i was ready to go...
The ferry itself will take you about 20 minutes to get you over to the Ferry building - which is an awesome stop to grab a quick bite before returning the bikes. And you’ll go directly passed Alcatraz - giving you a great close up and photo op as well (all included in your 11 buck ticket!). From here - its just a short ride back to Blazing Saddles to return the bikes. So for a total of $41 to knock off these two attractions (and get in a bit of exercise at the same time) - this gets our thumbs up for sure!
Make sure on on your ride back you take the time to stop and listen to the music. There is some serious talent along the wharf, and go way beyond just  your average busker shaking around a tin can singing an off key version of Joe Cocker. This is a showcase of actual talent. The kind you want to get up and dance to, and the kind you would happily pay a $10 overcharge to see (keep that in mind and remember to leave them a tip! This is how they earn a living, and for most that money goes right back into their talent). Our favourite was the Lone Sound Ranger. One man - who can play many, many instruments, All at once. Who needs a band when you have that much talent!