Sunlight and fog create amazing illusions – this site vanished within seconds after I took the image.
Yesterday marked my last day in the Bay area and the friend of a friend invited me to explore San Francisco with her. Carol picked me up at 10 AM and was just the best guide to show me the city she loves! Enjoy the photos with commentary. I am making my way home today. The plane boards in less than an hour.
The Bay Bridge: We had perfect timing to see it emerge from the mist…
A view of Hyde Street Pier ship museum with Alcatraz in the distance.
Contrasting against the blue sky – just a detail of one of the ships at Hyde Street Pier Museum.
Alcatraz shrouded in mystery and revealing itself as the morning fog burns off.
The architecture of San Francisco is varied and provides inspiration for many – I fell in love with this brick faced hotel.
San Francisco and Ghirardelli – what a treat! We were greeted with a square of Pumpkin Spice Caramel – smoooooth!!
Calla Lilies in full bloom – on the patio of a side walk cafe.
I was told they have a Polar Bear Club in San Francisco – I overheard these four members make the decision to swim another mile around the ships docked in the museum.
This is more my style to enjoy the water….
A palm tree in bloom – it is late October and this was a site I had to honor with a photo.
A typical San Francisco Street – steep, and seen so many times in the movies. They make the best starting point for car chases…
The Golden Gate Bridge was shrouded in thick fog. As we approached the Sausolito side the fog began to open up – what a feeling!
Despite taking a leisurely lunch in Sausolito, the fog never lifted. Driving up the headlands road provided us with a wonderful view of the distant city and just one arch piercing through the dense, ever changing fog bank.
The highlight of the day? When the fog lighted on the Golden Gate Bridge and I was able to see the impressive arch against the blue sky. This will help me return to reality and help me get through the winter that is sure to arrive soon.
Anna Hergert, Art & Design 
Thank you for bringing back sweet memories, Anna. My late husband and I drove down to San Fran in 1982 — leaving our daughter with my parents in the Okanagan — so I could run a women’s marathon in SF, sponsored by Avon. The race started on the Oakland side of the Golden Gate and the first two miles were spent running across the bridge — the first time any race had ever done so. We ended up in the park at Lake Merced. An experience and a holiday I’ll never forget, as we drove back up the CA coast to pick our daughter up at my in-laws’ home in Vancouver. Your photos brought it all back…
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You are welcome, Marg! It might be time for you to return to San Francisco – it’s an amazing and vibrant city! I can’t wait to go back next year.
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It’s so wonderful to see our beautiful City by the Bay through new eyes. Thank you!
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I hope I did it justice – these were just a few images I was able to select before my early morning departure… there will be more on my travel blog soon.
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I grew up in the bay area and kind of took SF for granted. Its so fun to see it through the eyes of a visitor (especially a visitor with great photographic skills!)
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Thanks, Debby! It was great to meet you. Hope to see you next year.
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Many postcard moments!! I gotta go there now. Thanks again for sharing Anna, I feel like I need to be going with you next time!! haha
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The more the merrier!
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Hi Anna, my son used to live in San Francisco so I have spent much time there. loved it but just a wee bit too cool for me and when it rained did it ever rain. Glad you had a wonderful time in California. All the pics were awesome. See you at CQA next year along with a bunch of friends. welcome back to Canada, cheers, Marilyn
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Thanks, Marilyn! Almost home – just landed in Calgary for a couple of hours, then on to Regina.
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