Farewell to Oakdale & heading back to a city, San Francisco.  Again we ejoyed the countryside & guessing what was growing – the smells were tantalising.  Sooo many strawberries!  Green peas, lettuce, bell peppers, artichokes, more oranges & grapes.  We were soon back onto a freeway that popped us over the hills & down to SF.  My goodness, the temperature plummeted, we had to make a quick exit to don more clothes, brrr.  We had been warned but it was a very chilly welcome.

Sally, (our GPS  Gal Pal Sally, get it?) took us into a rather unsavoury neighbourhood.  We pulled up for hot drinks at a McDonalds with a large security guard at the door, big clue, but he was friendly & took special interest in our bikes as he been given a new Harley for his birthday. Back on track we rode over the Bay Bridge, an awesome double-decker bridge that was damaged previously in an earthquake, round the east side of the Bay & up Mt Tamalpia (highest point) for stunning views of the cloud & a wee thaw in the sun.  Rode over the Golden Gate; the top was hidden in cloud & it was so blinkin cold, we stoppedto view part of the massive cables, get another shot glass for Howard’s collection & of course, a hot drink.  We spent an awful lot of time trying to find accommodation here as a convention was in town.  We were admiring the gorgeous victorian homes & buildings, but getting weary, we rode 30mins south to Half Moon Bay for tasty Mexican dinner & bed.

Next morning, we rode back to San Francisco & spent time wandering the city.  First up,buy a warm hoody & jacket – very tourist wore one! Had fun In Ripley’s museum, found the Harley shop, cable car & Pier 39 where I just HAD to have a ride on the prettiest 2-storey Victorian carousel!  Met up with H&J for an afternoon cruise around the harbour, under the Golden Gate & around Alcatraz island.  Had seafood dinner by the crab stands on the wharf then back to our motel via the chilly coast road.