Road Trip #2

A few weekends ago marked Memorial Day here in the U.S., a day somewhat similar to our Remembrance Day. And so, the weekend was extended and we got Monday off school. Despite having 2 major papers due in the next couple of weeks, I decided that the long weekend was better put to use for a ROAD TRIP!

Above: Driving past the wind farms on the way to San Fransisco.
The drive up North took us about 9 hours because we stopped a few times so Brandon could have a break.

On Friday morning Brandon and I hopped in the car to pick up Laura and start the drive to NorCal. Destination: San Francisco. The plan was to pick Laura up at 7:30 but, after waiting outside the dorms and not hearing anything from her until 8:30, the trip was delayed and we didn't set off until 9am. (She slept in) 9 hours later we were pulling into our hotel in Downtown SF, right at the Dragon Gate of San Francisco's Chinatown. While Brandon had a nap after the long drive, Laura and I went for a walk around Union Square. Friday night was spent in Chinatown and then turning in early for a long Saturday of sightseeing.

Above: At the Chinatown Dragon Gate

Saturday morning we took the famous Cable Car to Fisherman's Wharf.
We walked around the piers, including Pier 39, and also took a tour of Alcatraz island.



In true Laura fashion, we spent a bit of time backtracking to locate the shopping bag that contained her brand new digital camera she purchased about half an hour before heading to Alcatraz island. Luckily someone had found it and turned it in to the tour people.

On Saturday night we met up with my fellow Aussie friend, Sarah, who was in San Fran visiting a fellow UCDC Participant, Jake. Jake, being a local, knew some good places to take us for a few drinks and we ended up hanging out til the wee hours of the morn.

On Sunday we took a hop on hop off bus tour of Downtown San Fran. We saw the Oakland Bay Bridge, Ferry Building, the famous windy road, and lots of other places.





Monday morning, before embarking on the long drive home we stopped at the Golden Gate Park and The Golden Gate Bridge.

Above: The Gate to the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park

Above: Pit stop in the desert so Laura cold go potty. Brandon and I considered moving the car to trick her when she got back... but it was too hot and we couldn't be bothered.