After a hearty breakfast, we headed out for the day.
I had already decided to go with my jacket, while Hera said she would go without, and wear it if she got cold. After a moment out the door, she changed her mind, and came back in to wear her jacket as well.
We walked down 17th Street, and looked to see if any brave souls would bare their bodies on this cold day. None were to be seen, and I did not blame them, when the wind blows, it feels very cold.
At Castro Street, we took the 24 bus and headed North, past the Haight Ashbury district, and headed into Pacific Heights. A neighborhood of Victorian houses high on the hill. The views can be spectacular, but was obstructed by the low lying cloud.
For Hera, overcast days are a delight, as colors seem to pop, and no harsh shadows are to be found. She clicked away happily at various flowers, dogs, children, and the vistas that caught her eye. But we both shivered when the wind blew.
We walked along the way, peeking in various shop windows, past cow hollow, as we made our way down to the Marina.
Once there, Hera again delighted as she took various images of flowers, birds, even a jellyfish, not to mention a few of the Golden Gate bridge.
After shivering along the waterfront, we walked east and entered Fort Mason. First taken over during the Civil War, it later served various military functions as the US interests in the Pacific region grew. Today, it is home to various shops and art complexes. But it's Jetties also have some lovely views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge which was now shrouded in clouds.
Walking East towards Fisherman's Wharf, we entered Ghiradelli Square. We had to enter the Ghiradelli Chocolate shop. Even though we were cold, we shared a delicious Banana Split then savoured a couple of well made espressos. Before leaving, we perused the chocolate making displays, and then had some trouble deciding on what chocolates to buy. Decisions, decisions, but what a delicious decision.
A bit warmed, we headed back out. Ahead of us, a few teenagers decided to take off their shoes to wet their feet. They shrieked as they felt the cold water, but they were having a blast of fun.
Back in the touristy Fisherman's Wharf, we looked about for a place to have supper. We tend not to eat in such touristy places, and know we could do better elsewhere in the city, but that will be for another day. For now, we wanted a nice warm place to have dinner.
We started with the house salad and shrimp, along with a perfect Italian vinaigrette dressing, then shared a half dozen raw claws. A first for both of us, delicious with a squeeze of lemon, and a tomato and horseradish sauce. Finally we each had a seafood chowder in a bread bowl. Yes, we had had it before, but after such a cold day, a hot chowder was exactly what we needed.
Although it was cold and overcast, and I wore my cap for the better part of the day, I could feel that the sun still managed to get through. I could feel my face, particular my nose to be quite warm. We will have to get some sunscreen soon.
Tired, we found our street car, and made our way back home. Stepping out, we again felt the cold, but we knew our climb up 17th Street would soon warm us up.
Cheers,
