16 July: San Francisco
We woke up to sunshine streaming in the windows for the first time. PERHAPS we could walk the block down to Ocean Beach and discover where we are staying. Each day we have left home in swirling fog and returned at night in similar conditions. PERHAPS we could unpack our summer clothes. Peter did not risk shorts though. So off we went across the Great Highway and , sure enough there was the best Ocean Beach California could boast. There was still some fog at the far end but it was magnificently clear where we are staying. I even risked paddling  but I discovered why all the swimmers were clad in wetsuits.
Back to our #7 bus and off to explore Haight Ashbury which is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Hippie movement this week.  It was packed with tourist all in festive mood. We had the essential Ben & Jerry ice cream and joined in the celebrations. All I lacked was the flower in my hair. Oh, and the muslin frock.
The next item on our To Do list was China town. Rather a long walk, but with the help of a few kind people we reached the Dragon Gates. By then the heat was overdone; nearly as hot as Whistler which is the only hot day we've had on the whole trip. So we stopped for iced drinks and then I found a foot massage place for Peter. He emerged a new man. We're averaging 15,000 steps a day which is taking its toll despite the Sketchers.
The last item on my list was Lombard Street , the steepest Street in the world with its 8 hairpin bends. We could find no way at all of getting to it so dialled up Uber which materialised in 90 seconds. $6.50 later we had joined the crowds at the top of Lombard Street. There were queues of cars waiting to drive down and a bevy of cops controlling the throngs of vehicles and tourists. We walked down very slowly clutching the handrails every step.
Somehow we needed to get home so in the light of our experience the other day we decided to have a meal first and then lie in wait for an elusive F trolley. There was one stopped outside our Pier at traffic lights so we jumped on. Somebody was trying to photograph the black American driver, so we got pushed into empty seats. Photo was taken, lights turned green and off we went on the most entertaining ride ever all at no cost. Actually we have noticed that paying seems to be optional in this city. Those who can, do; those who can't just don't . Nobody cares. This F tram was absolutely packed like sardines in a can and nobody paid. What an incredible city this is!!!