All at sea

We're very lucky in that each time we visit San Francisco we have the opportunity to take to the water, whether by ferry boat to have lunch in Sausalito or Tiburon, on a dinner cruise around the Bay or in this case, as close to the water as we can get without getting wet, on a sailboat ride, powered by the wind which there is no scarcity of. The hills should be festooned with wind turbines but they are not. Missed opportunity but probably hazardous to aircraft.

It makes for an exciting excursion as it involves driving from our hotel up onto the mighty Bay Bridge for the drive over to Oakland and then onwards to Alameda. Drivers certainly won't see much on the Bridge as the side walls are high enough to making rubber-necking a waste of time and also there is fast moving traffic in multiple lanes so it is best to keep your head on a swivel and use all your mirrors and signals.  Just enjoy the fact that the bridge saves you a long drive before dropping you off in the un-picturesque industrial streets of Oakland. Thread your way out of there with the help of a friendly satellite and you are in Alameda which is an orderly looking town with lots of greenery.

Down by the marina we were bound for it is pretty indeed.

Prior to sailing we visit a Mediterranean cafe in the marina to order some sandwiches for the on-board picnic. They make them fresh and I usually have some kind of lamb meatball sandwich. Add the chips, nachos, beer and soda that we are toting with us and there is a bountiful spread out on the water where the sea air and the sun do wonders for the appetite. We'll find some calm water to enjoy the picnic later or if the sea is too choppy we may just eat before or after, tied up to the dock.

Through the extreme generosity of spirit of the owner, I get to do most of the sailing by which I mean steering and following the compass and depth finder. My main focus is to stay within the watery bits and avoid the rocks and land portions. Oh, yes I also have to NOT HIT the huge ships that are anchored or steaming through the bay. I also have to keep the sail filled with wind so that it appears we are sailing and not anchored. I also have to run a camcorder with one hand.

It is a very pleasurable time for me-icing on a very rich vacation cake.

Here's a flavor of sailing in San Francisco Bay.....

The shots are a mix of 2011 and 2013 sailings......