December 4, 2006 – San Diego, California – Oakland, California
Our friend Dam drove us to the airport, I paid the FOB charges, got some self service fuel and we loaded up Nang Fah for the trip north to Oakland and San Francisco. The weather was forecast to be “super” clear all the way with virtually no winds. We were looking forward to the flight in such ideal conditions.
San Diego, Ca. – Oakland, Ca.
Date
Departure Arpt.
Ident.
Arrival Arpt.
Ident.
Distance nm
Time ER.
Actual
Dec. 4
Montgomery Field
MYF
Oakland Metropolitan
OAK
423
2:22
The trip was uneventful at 10,000'. ATC did not give us our requested GPS direct routing this time. The airway routing was fine and it was kind of fun to fly airways and VOR's again; after being so spoiled with GPS during most of the trip.
Lec was busy taking lots of video's and digital pictures all the way north. Shortly after leaving San Diego we were overhead Los Angeles . The city and suburbs stretch for miles; a good view of LAX. Funny how the world's busiest airports don't look so intimidating from 10,000'. After LA we passed the mountains and over very flat-lands heading up toward San Francisco .
Actual time was 11:45……..but nobody’s worried
During our 3 day visit, we accepted an invitation to stay with Lec's son, Paul, and his 3 housemates. They all attend the University of San Francisco . After greetings, Lec was straight into the kitchen. Dishes were piled everywhere, the kitchen floor had seen better times and needed a good mopping, the largest kitchen trash can I've ever seen was stationed near the door - FULL. Lec got it all in order quickly and we headed off to Haight Street.
I found that the Haight/Ashbury district was not my choice of tourist attractions. I must admit being a little uncomfortable with the surroundings. However no-one bothered us, at all, as we walked around the streets window shopping.
The locals are quite “free spirited”. Unfortunately a lot of troubled and homeless people hang out here. Not my business, but I was still sorry to see so many young people living a period of their lives like this!!
We quickly found that San Francisco has a marvelous public transportation system. We did not rent a car as I was concerned about traffic and parking. Good decision……. The rapid transit from Oakland airport to downtown, local buses and trams are fast, inexpensive and efficient. I have never experienced public transit drivers that were consistently so courteous and helpful as those in San Francisco . A rather down and out looking lady boarded my bus with only 35 cents for the $1.50 ride. She told the driver it was all the money she had. He politely told her to “have a seat”. I'm not sure that would happen in most big cities……….
Of course a visit to San Francisco would not be complete without Fisherman's Warf and Alcatraz . You can get down to the warf by regular transit or take the well known cable cars. Once there, you can enjoy the best seafood, at stand up, casual food stands, located everywhere. Lots of shops around Pier 39 and many marine exhibits. A massive herd of sea lions live inside the pier; lots of food and shelter available for them. .
The tour to Alcatraz Island leaves from Pier 33 – a bit out of the way and we had trouble finding the ticket office. Like the USS Midway tour , I spend many hours exploring the prison. The capacity was surprisingly small – less than 300 cells. It did not appear to be the torturous place I've heard about. The cells were quite tiny except in Cell Block D (cells for serious offenders and problem prisoners) which were much larger… I don't understand why? .
Pier 39 Sea Lions…..you can hear them honking for miles
I did manage to get myself “locked up” in the solitary confinement cell. It was pitch black; although the guard did say they usually had one small light. Cell block D would not have been a nice place to spend your time……
Alcatraz – 1 ½ miles from San Fran.
I would imagine that one of the most difficult aspects of being on “The Rock” would be its closeness to San Francisco . You can see and hear the city life, echoing across the bay, from the prison…….listening to “freedom”, while being locked up, would be tough….
Cells were 5’x9’x7’…not too private either.
For our last night with Paul and his roommates “Mom” (Lec) had to cook a Thai styled dinner. Paul invited many of his friends who anxiously awaited Lec's home made meal. They were not disappointed!!!
It was an experience being around a large group of college students. Their enthusiasm, non stop, good natured, kidding and ideals were really refreshing. We enjoyed the evening very much and reluctantly went to bed around midnight while they carried on until “who knows when”……..
Update – December 2006 Part 1 
Actual time was 11:45……..but nobody’s worried
