The Rock

Today, I went to the Rock. Alcatraz is probably the most famous and well known prison in the world.

I have seen lots of movies featuring it, so it was great to step on the island and see what is left of it with my own eyes and step through the cell blocks. The only problem is that I did not have enough time, you need to plan at least half a day for it but better more to really see and take in everything, despite a lot of it being in ruins.

I have enjoyed my time there and unlike the prisoners there, felt I needed more time on the island and would like to return.

There is a lot of history and myth behind the walls so it should be on anyone's list of things to see while in San Francisco.

Streets of San Francisco

Took it easy today, just been walking around the Haight and Mission areas. It was not the best day photographically but I got some good street photographs.

San Francisco Road Trip - Day 3

The last day of the road trip through the wine country started in Lucern this morning. I stopped at some wineries along the way before spending some time in Sonoma and then heading back to San Francisco in the evening.

It was a great trip and I enjoyed seeing the different places but also diving aound the countryside, next time I need to make sure I rent a better car though with a bit more power to get and even better experience.

San Francisco Road Trip - Day 2

After spending the night in Bodega Bay, I left in the morning heading for the wine country around Sonoma.

The coast was fogy and chilly but as soon as I got inland along the Russian River, it  became warmer and the fog disappeared.  

San Francisco Road Trip - Day 1

Rented a car to get out of the city for a few days. Although I like San Francisco, it will be nice to be out of a city. I drove north on Highway 1 and did a few stops along the way, Muir Woods, Point Reyes and Bodega Bay to name a few.

I enjoy driving in the US, I can drive drive on the right side of the road, unlike in the UK, and it is very relaxed, the roads are wide and people are not aggressive when driving.

 The weather was a mix between sunshine and blue skies and thick fog but it made for some dramatic and very atmospheric views.

Boats on the Bay

Went hiking today from Sausalito to the Golden Gate Bridge and across the bridge.

This series focuses only on boats so it is different than the other posts from my trip. I find it fascinating how huge the container ships are, these are almost as big as as small city and don't seem small even when compared to the bridge.

You will notice some dust spots on some pictures, this happens all the time and I had to again clean the sensor while out and about.
Ricoh seriously need to add some form of dust protection to any new modules they release The sensor in the A12 Mount module is a dust magnet and a lot worse than the sensor in the GF1 which is always exposed but never seems to have problems with dust.

San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair)

If you're going to San Francisco

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair

 

You're gonna meet some gentle people there

In the streets of San Francisco

These are some lyrics from the Scott McKenzie song and I found it fits some of the pictures I took today.

I spent most of the day in the Golden Gate Park but rather than posting pictures of flowers or the Japanese garden, I thought posting pictures of people following the lyrics might be more fun.

I only used the Nokton lens today as I was too lazy to change and it has done everything required of it.