We returned from San Francisco two days before the 100th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake, so there was much talk and discussion about that during our two night stay in the City by the Bay.   Two of the members of our party had been in San Francisco in April 1990 and had been involved in an after shock of the 1989 quake when the Oakland's Bridge was so badly damaged, so we were a bit apprehensive.   However, nothing untoward happened and we enjoyed our visit in spite of the weather having deteriorated.  

We decided that, rather than do a conducted tour, we would arrange it ourselves.   So armed with maps of the city layout, we set off in the Pontiac Mini Van for what proved to be a most illuminating and enjoyable trip.   Our first port of call was to The Golden Gate Bridge, though why we had to come down California Avenue in the midst of cable cars et al, was not readily understood though the navigator was spot on as we could see the bridge in our sights.

Round and about the Golden Gate Bridge.....

Fisherman’s Wharf......

And with the shot of Alcatraz(above left) and our last view of San Francisco from Twin Peaks view point (above right), so ended our wonderful trip to a small part of Western America.   We journeyed nearly 3000 miles, met many differing road and weather conditions, but enjoyed every minute of the experience.

The main highlights were the beauty in the snow of Yosemite National Park, the change in the weather when we got to Barstow, the wonderful flight over the Grand Canyon, the shuttle bus trip round the north rim of the Canyon to see the sunset, Las Vegas and its many facets, Morro Beach and viewing the Sea Otter swim past, the views from route one near Monterey, 17 mile drive taking in Carmel, Pebble Beach and Cyprus Point Golf Clubs and finally, our self conducted tour round the Bay of San Francisco.

Thank you Western America for a wonderful “tour”.   We thoroughly enjoyed it all.   As General McArthur said during the second world war, “We shall return”!!