headed down to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. We first checked out Ghirardelli Square and did a little shopping much to Katie's enjoyment followed by a visit to the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, much to Katie's dismay. After walking the pier, looking at all of the old historic ships, and getting a good view of Hyde Street, we began to walk down the street to Fisherman's Wharf. This place was almost too touristy for us. Since there was no way to entertain ourselves aside from spend large amounts of money, we didn't stay there long. We walked into a mechanical arcade which reminded us of Marvelous Marvin's back in Michigan, though not nearly as impressive, but didn't spend any money on machines. Walking between Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 we noticed a number of homeless people asking for change in various ways, some putting on elaborate shows. Disappointedly we did not run into the famous bushman who we were both looking forward to stiffing as he popped out in front of us. At Pier 39 we walked over to the water to view the famous sea lions, apparently celebrating their 20th 
anniversary of life at the pier this year. On the way to join the throngs of people Katie and I noticed 2 sea lions just sitting on a dock that normally houses boats, not sea lions. As we were about to leave them and move to the large pack, a man began to drag a hose toward them. We watched with anticipation and joy as the man proceeded to carry his hose closer then spray the
sea lions in an attempt to kick them off the dock. After the spraying did not work on the first sea lion he took the hose and beat it on the dock finally scaring the first one off then moved on to spraying the second. The water was enough to deter this one, but the first sea lion had come back for more. He was swimming around the dock eyeing it longingly when the man began to spray him while in the water. Eventually the sea
lion had enough and hopped back onto the dock and the man finally admitted defeat. It later occurred to Katie and I that this guys entire job was to
stand on the dock and ward off sea lions that ventured away from their designated area. What an occupation! After moving down the dock and enjoying the large mass of sea lions piled together, Katie and I decided that it was time for some lunch. We walked around the shops of Pier 39 and finally ended at Wipeout, where we dined outside on some surf themed pizza. After our meal, tempted with the endless options of Pier 39 in front of us, we decided to indulge in some desert. Katie opted for some ice cream while I got a frosting covered cookie. In true "fat American tourist" fashion we moved from desert back to Ghirardelli Square where we had a second desert. We decided to stay lean and both chose liquid deserts, Katie a hot chocolate and me an espresso drink. We were so full by the end of our food binge that halfway through our drinks we decided that we couldn't even finish and abandoned them. As we headed back to the car we saw a pile of bushes on the ground, evidence that the bushman was nearby, but again we missed him. From here we decided to pick up Angella from work and go exploit happy hour. We picked her up downtown and headed over to a place called The Ramp. This place has one of Angella's favorite outdoor patio's in the city. It is near AT&T Park, home of the Giants, and looks right out onto the bay. We had a drink enjoying the sun and beautiful weather while we caught Angella up on our northern excursion back into Oregon. Afterwards we headed back to the HHH where Angella made us some amazing taco's that Katie and I happily packed in to our already full stomachs. We spent the rest of the night relaxing at the Hotel making plans for the rest of the weekend.
Saturday, Angella was hosting a party for one of her friends birthday's, and Katie and I had volunteered our services as payment for room and board. We woke up early in the morning, at least early for Katie and I, and headed to Costco. Kyle had left before us to get his car worked on and called us just before we left informing us that the store hadn't opened yet. Deciding to
take advantage of our extra time, Angella volunteered to play tour guide for a bit and drove us to Alamo Square to see the Painted Ladies, a group of old-fashioned houses made famous, at least in Katie's mind, by being featured in the Full House opening montage. We arrived at the park, Katie's excitement brimming over, and walked up to the very spot that the Tanner family
supposedly used to enjoy afternoon picnics. After we took our photo's and Katie's 80's nostalgia subsided, we drove past San Francisco's beautiful city hall on the way to Costco. We got there just as the doors were opening, Kyle already waiting out front for our arrival. We had not planned to eat any real food before the party. Phil, the husband of the birthday girl, was having the party catered with Venezuelan cuisine and each guest was responsible for bringing appetizers, so we were trying not to spoil our meals. We had anticipated snacking on the Costco samples while shopping but our plan was foiled. Since we arrived so early the samples weren't even out by the time we left and we only got to enjoy a select few that didn't require cooking. Angella made an executive decision on the way out and bought a whole roasted chicken that we all proceeded to eat in the
Costco parking garage before we even got in the car. After enduring many stares from the other patrons, we parted ways with Kyle whose car was still in the shop, and headed for the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. This was both a practical stop as well as a stop on Angella's tour. She had wanted to share this market with us, which she described as a true San Francisco experience, and also needed to pick up some flowers and veggies for the party. We spent at least an hour at the market, this time able to take part in the many samples offered to us at nearly every booth. This market was more of what Katie expected the Portland Saturday Market to be, an actual farmers market, not a weekly craft show. We enjoyed ourselves greatly while wandering around and really appreciate Angella making time to show us around even while she had a party to prepare. Back at the Horton Hippie Hotel, we all began to get the house ready for the nights guests. I even got a chance to make some pepperoni rolls as an appetizer! The party went off without a hitch. We finished getting everything ready well before any guests showed up and we had a real fun night getting to know all of Angella and Kyle's friends. The next morning was devoted to laziness. 10 people had utilized the hotels accommodations the night before and
everyone woke slowly, not anxious to start the day.
Angella made an excellent breakfast and we all gathered around the TV to watch some NFL Sunday football. Midday, Angella, Katie, and I went to the neighborhood pumpkin patch and each picked out a pumpkin that we were planning on carving the next day. Angella also picked up loads of fresh vegetables and made an amazing chicken soup for dinner. We spent the night watching TV and planning tomorrows excursion, a trip to Alcatraz!
ah man i want to go to alcatraz!
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