San Francisco
Trip Start
Sep 15, 2008
1
12
13
Trip End
Oct 03, 2008
San Francisco,
California,
United States
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
We worked out that one bus / tram / car / train would get use there - the "L" line, but we weren't exactly sure where it departed from. We wandered towards Market Street and had a quick bit to eat on the way (Omlette and Bacon & Eggs). The tram to Alcatraz departed from the street so we initially though this is where we should start. After a few minutes of our bus not going past we began to wonder what was happening - the transport is rather regular in the city and if you cant catch your chosen transport quickly you are prob in the wrong spot. We decided to have a look at the underground and "capow" - there it is. On we jumped for the trip to the Zoo.
The interesting part of this trip is that half of it was in the underground, and the rest of it was in the streets like a traditional Melbourne tram. We weren't exactly sure where to get off - the map we had did not go out that far, but I knew it was near the end of the line. A lady and 2 kids got on an we heard them talking about the zoo, so we knew if she got off, we were on a winner!
The Zoo stop was however the last stop of the trip so off we jumped. The Zoo was not signposted anywhere which was really bizarre, so we sort of just guessed (we couldn't follow the lady as she was held back a bit by the kids). Found it!
First impression was where are all the people, and it looks a bit run down. I wonder if the Tiger escape (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,318365,00.html or http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenoachs/2125339481) has anything to do with this, or perhaps the age of the zoo. It was a good, relaxed day however, the sun was out and the stroll around was good.
Highlights - the Polar Bears (aged 27, 27 & 29), the Grizzly bears and of course the big cats. 3 6 month old Tiger Cubs were still with their mum, but by crikey they put our little kitty cat to shame, but we still love him to bits.
The feeding of the Penguins was also good fun. When we first saw them, some of the looked really sick, but the keeper explained at feeding time. This is the time of year they shed their feathers. When they do this they are not waterproof anymore so they cant swim. Before they start to loose the feathers they eat enough fish to ad about 50% to their body weight so they don't have to eat during the feather lose.
The zoo is right on the pacific ocean so we also waved back home!
Back on the tram for the trek back in. Got back into the city about 5:30 for "peak" hour. We bought some salad and cakes for dinner and ventured upstairs to start to pack as we need to check out in the morning.
One sleep left until we jump on the place to come home. We both miss our puppy and kitty and are really looking forward to seeing progress on the house.
