Day 18 : San Francisco Day 1 (Jan 23) - Bridges And Alcatraz

An awesome trip into San Francisco for the morning. We passed under the Golden Gate Bridge at about 8 am, with no fog and full sunlight (a bit cold, 52F, but I'll take that!). For the engineering geeks, it finished construction in 1937, just after the Bay Bridge. It held the titles of longest and tallest suspension bridge until 1967 and 1994, respectively. Its main span is 4200 feet (1280m), and its height is just under 750 ft (227m). The bridge connects the city to Marin County. For decades, SF residents had dreamed of a direct connection to its northern neighbors, so when construction started in 1933 in the heart of the Great Depression, construction crews jumped at the opportunity for steady work. Sadly, 11 workers died during the construction. including 10 when a scaffold fell through the safety netting. Amazingly, 2 other workers survived by jumping as the scaffold fell and becoming entangled in the torn netting! 

We also passed by Alcatraz, giving us a spectacular view of the island. Alcatraz was only in operation for 29 years, closing on March 21st, 1963, because it was too expensive to maintain. And not because of the disappearance of Morris and the Anglins. It's now, obviously, a popular tourist destination and a site for movies - like The Rock, Dirty Harry, The Enforcer, and Birdman Of Alcatraz.

We're docked at Pier 35, right next to the Aquarium on the Bay and a short walk from Fisherman's Wharf. Our cabin is on the starboard (right) side of the boat, with a view of the Ferris Wheel and the GG Bridge behind it. A great view for falling asleep. From the port side of the boat, you look across the Bay Bridge and into Treasure Island. 

Tomorrow (Wed 24th) - we'll do some more exploring, try some dim sum lunch, and get ready for a 7pm departure. Heading to Hawaii.

(And if someone is reading this to Morgan and Rylee - hi girls!!)