Early, I arrived early for several reasons. One, to get a good parking location near the location of the ship tours. Two, Sunday affords free all day parking on Bay St. Three, I wanted to get in, take the tour, then Im out. Unless I decide to change my mind, the all day parking affords that option.
The drive along the Embarcadero is quiet and serene with the glow of the sun behind me. Farmer's markets were a thing on Sundays at the Ferry Plaza.
With advance notice, SF Sunday Streets will close off blocks of streets to vehicles allowing pedestrians full use of the roadway. This has been done to the Embarcadero before but not today. Today would have been a great day for it.
Pier 39 is an attraction that I used to visit alot when I was a child and worked at one of its stores for a few months during college.
Individually painted statues can be found dotted among the stores, kiosks, and eateries
Alot has changed, many of the stores have changed, places to eat have change, and attractions have changed. When I was a kid, the location of the Hard Rock Cafe used to be an arcade with a carousel and bumper cars. The carousel has been moved to the oening toward the rear of the pier. I worked for a time slinging ice cream. It used to be a branch of Swensen's. Its now Dreyer's
On a nice day, the pier is a nice stroll along the wooden planks and the salty bay in the air. The second level lets you elevate yourself over the masses below.
Sweeping views of the bay from GGB
through Alcatraz/Angel Island
to the Bay Bridge. A great viewing spot during Fleet Week airshows.
Taking a leisurely walk back to the entrance and eventually to get in line for the tour
The memories of days gone by where I spent some of my time
With local transit taking about an hour to get here from home
