You may follow along in our journey by visiting Julie's Journal page. It will include photographs, suggestions, mishap adventures and our experiences on the road and back-country trails.

If you would like to know more about the history of our adventure click here for the history page. How we planned, saved money, chose our equipment and prepared for ten months on the road.

These are some other web sites we found useful and/or have recpical links with.

San Francisco, California
May 7, 1999 to May 12, 1999

Written by Julie Hackler and Dave Fink

There are several pull offs to view the coast and even a few free picnic areas. We found the prettiest to be in the Bixby Bridge Area. The bridge is a pretty spot for photographs, the best ones are on the northern end. We stopped and enjoyed it even though it was under construction. We hit San Francisco and followed Route 101 north. We decided to stay on the coast and drive into the city. We found a nice spot near the Point Reves National Seashore in Olema. We were hoping to fine a cheaper place but at least for $25 at this place we got water and electric hook-ups.

San Francisco, from what we saw, is an interesting place. Although they don't have the trolley like we thought they did. They have one, but it was motorized. I guess they got rid of the ones we always see in the movies. [Editors Note: we got an email from Greg Dodge that said "There are still two authentic cable lines running, on California Avenue and Powell Street. The Powell Street line has two branches -- Columbus, and Hyde, both of which wind up more-or-less at Fishermans' Wharf. What you saw was a 'motorized cable car', a picturesque contracption operated by local tour operators. The real cable cars are lots of fun to ride, be sure to check them out next time you're this way" We found an interesting web site describing the cable cars. It also had a route map.] We went to the famed Fisherman's Wharf to tempt our taste buds with some great seafood, we tried the CRAB HOUSE "Home of the World Famous Killer Crab" TM. The Dunguness Crabs were huge. We bought a 2.5 pounder to split, and we tore it up! Then we moved on to the clam chowder in the sourdough bread bowl. Yum-yum! As we sere enjoying our food we decided to watch a few of the street performers. There were a few bands and some guys dressed in all silver and gold acting mimes. There was painters and sketch artist, a women making balloon animals and a few girls tap dancing. But the most interesting were a group of young teenagers dressed up like punk rockers. They had spiked hair, colored green and red, black lips and fingernails, torn clothing and chains. They also held signs saying "Take picture with slut for donation." They were rude and angry when people weren't giving them money when they took their pictures. Dave and I laughed at what they were trying to do, I mean at least the other people were entertaining us or selling something for money, and these guys wanted it because they were weird. Come on, they can come up with a better gig than that to get money.

We also went to Pier 39. It has a lot of neat shops and restaurants along with a great view of the Sea Lions. The Sea Lions just lay up on the docks basking in the sunlight. They practically lay on top of one another to make room for themselves. They also have a Bubba Gump Shrimp Company restaurant. We walked around to the back of the restaurant and found a Tom Hanks (Forest Gump) look alike sitting on white bench with a box of chocolates. The menu wasn't that extensive, but it would be neat to eat there just because of the movie. We opted to eat at the Crab House, 'home of the killer crab.' Good food and a great view.

The Golden Gate Bridge was an awesome sight. They have a pedestrian and bicycle path across it so you can park and enjoy it out of your car. We walked about half way and saw dozens of sailboats and wind suffers out on the water. It was beautiful. You could also get a good view of Alcatraz. I never knew it was that close to land. I always thought it was out in the middle of nowhere. You could take a cruise out to the island of to the bridge. Prices began a $10 a person on al small fishing boat or you could get fancy and take a dinner cruise. It's all in your taste and price range. Since Dave and I already spent too much on food we decided Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge were best seen from land. Although it would of been neat to tour Alcatraz.

The Point Reves National Seashore was right around the corner from our campground so we thought we should give it a look. The beaches were pretty. The wildflowers were in full-bloom and brought out color in everything. The flowers reached right out to the beach and made a beautiful backdrop to the ocean. It was quite foggy on the day we visited the seashore, but we tried to listen for the call of the sea lions and drove up to the lighthouse. The lighthouse was closed on Mondays and Tuesdays so we missed taking a tour, but it was neat to see from the outside. We had a picnic on the beach and just enjoyed the scenery.

From here it's up the coast again toward Northern California. We hope the warm weather follows us.