Berkeley Day 21: Aug 26

Tearing down the Bay Bridge westbound towards San Francisco, we were driving over what we would kayak under later. City Kayak is located on Townsend Street off of the Embarcedero, adjacent to the At&T Ball Park. Suiting up is rather easy, as the worker was pretty helpful and friendly. The San Francisco Bay waters are choppy at some parts, especially towards the center and away from the harbor, so it is best to have some experience, and if not go into a double kayak with an experienced person. The Mc Cove route behind the At&T Park would be great during games to watch a little bit and maybe catch a home-run. Drawbridges are rather low on the McCove route, so caution should be exercised.

Other routes within the rental area are down south to another harbor, or up and around two poles of the bay bridge. Ask for a map, as the routes chosen are well picked and useful. If you have been on the bay a couple times, you can try to venture farther, even to Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island, which should take about 3 hours round trip. The water looked exceedingly rough near the islands, but it seems doable with some strength. Going under the bay bridge is especially beautiful, as you can see as far as Berkeley, San Francisco, Alcatraz, Hayward, and almost Fremont into the distance. Water is surprisingly salty, making the hands very crusty, so gloves are advisable.

No words can describe how pristine kayaking on the bay was. You just have to try it out. Low romantic fogs rolled in hovering around buildings and filling the maze of streets in San Francisco. Large tankers rolled up over the bay charging towards the kayaks at full speed, even though through illusion they look as if they are in a standstill. Riding the surf on a kayak is an awesome feeling, gliding effortlessly towards the sun with the current.

After a tiring kayak experience, we headed to Telegraph Hill where Coit Tower lays. Parking on Sansome and Green, one can easily walk up the stairs to a total 0.3 miles one way to the Coit Tower. The view is slightly obstructed by the trees, but it cannot be denied with views of all over. Hiking up is well worth it, giving you exercise and a good view.

Dining at San Francisco, especially seafood and clam chowder is supposedly renowned. A place where there is bound to be something to eat for everyone is Pier 39, next to the Bay Aquarium. An abundant amount of shops, dessert places, and restaurants line the pier, giving off vibes almost equivalent to Monterey. Even on a Wednesday, this place is relatively busy, giving off a festive feel. I had fish and chips which were really good, while my dad and sister had a chowder bowl and a strawberry crepe.

It has been a tiring day, with two physical activities packed into one. Going home to Seattle tomorrow. One month of traveling all over. Thanks for reading, can't wait to go again.