Monday, July 20th – Wednesday, July 22nd: California‘s Highways and versatile San Francisco

Neskowin – Eureka – San Francisco

Hard to believe but I already reached the fourth State on my way south: California

Most of the time on Hwy. 101 I drive right through the sensational Redwoods, along the incredibly huge and very old Sequioa’s : up to 100m in hight, 6 meters in diameter and some more than 2000 years old. Absolutely breathtaking and I think about what these trees have seen, experienced (cold, heat, storms, stupid tourists) and suffered. To stand at the basement and look up into the treetop…. gives you a new understanding for dimensions. How small and fragile are we human beings in comparison!

     

Soon I leave Hwy. 101 and drive down to the famous Hwy. No.1 J

This part, the section along the coast (again quite cool with clouds and mist) as well as the part back to Hwy.101 a bit later (that would be Hwy. 20) is simply the best that you can expect driving a motorcycle : Kurve um Kurve with a (for me perfect) speed around 100kmh, almost no traffic – and the few that is on the road takes the next turn-out as soon as they realise the motorcycle behind and let you pass. And always a breathtaking scenery: either the coast or the redwoods. Finally I got rid of

the nippels on the side of my tyres ;-)

As I had planned to drive right through to San Francisco I go back to Hwy. 101, although quite some traffic the nearer th city no problems at all. And all of a sudden, one last curve and I am driving with my Suzy Blue over the Golden Gate Bridge. What a feeling, I am completely overwhelmed – hard to describe but an absolut great feeling!!

I found my hostel quite easily (thanks to the clear structure of the streets). My hostel was really a great spot to stay (a formely hotel and with all amenities you just could think of) but I also realised quite soon why it was that pricy: trash and garbage everywhere and many homeless people getting ready for the sleep on the street. I was really happy to be able to park my motorcycle in a guarded parking.

The next day I visited – together with a young Swiss guy I had met in the bar oft he hostel – all the famous „hotspots“ of San Francisco: Fishermen’s Wharf, Pier 39, Hardrock Cafe, Lombard-Street

and of course driving the cable cars up and down, always hanging on the outside. What a fun !

Unfortunately the weather still not good for a nice picture of the Golden Gate Bridge.

It was a great day – and still: I realise that I am defenitely not made for the city. I already look forward to the time that I will spend in the National Parks. 

 

 

The next day I listen to the Swiss guy's advice and leave the city at sunset. And hey, now I finally get the chance to make some nice pictures oft he Golden Gate Bridge – and meet by the way three Siwss PIlotes from Switzerland which are three days in San Francisco and hired Harelys fort he time. What a surprise fort hem to see a Motorcycle with registration plates from Luzern J