Mill Valley to San Francisco-14miles

Today was our second rest day, a chance for a break in routine and a transition day for several of us.

After last night's escapades we were both in need of the early fresh air of the Golden Gate Bridge. I think I fell asleep to the cry of "yeah baby, you're riding on the freeway!"

First off we said farewell to Colin, who had decided he wasn't well enough to carry on with the cycling adventure. More breakfast pastries (and lettuce!) for Geoff!

Then it was time to meander towards the bridge.

We climbed up and prepared for the crossing!

Then we were off!

San Fran was covered in murk early morning, but we could spy Alcatraz across the waters.

There's a big triathlon that starts there :-)

Lots of stopping later, we got to the other side.

And that was that!

Time to head into town and find the hotel. Blinking blink, there's some hills in San Fran!! I had to walk up one 30% nasty. As Monique said, ooo yai yai yai yai!

By 11 we were in our trainers ready to hunt and gather some souvenirs from this city. Within 2minutes we'd walked by 2 syringes on the sidewalk and numerous weirdos. This is an edgy place indeed and the locals are walking somewhat on the wilder side of life.

There's so many homeless, with many being disabled mentally or physically (some voluntarily, judging by their bizarre over-wide stary eyes).

With little in the way of state support I suppose there is no option but for people who would be in homes (where they can't harm themselves or others) in the UK, to survive on the streets. 

It certainly makes for a memorable experience and without doubt, this is how many americans live, so it needs to be seen.

The trolley buses are a great idea but we took on the city by foot.

There's a strong gay population here and Pierre enjoyed (hahaha) that attention. Good job I was there to protect him in my luminous pink trainers.

With half past four approaching it was time for goodbye and that was never going to go well. It sucked!

My new roomie helped me level out again, as did a little wander to Macy's (pre-dusk) before the super-weirdos came out!

So, now we can say we've walked three blocks down and turned left on 11th and all that. I much prefer the sticks.