Pier 39 in the morning

As I'm writing this I realize I'm going about this all backwards having not written about the amazing hotel we stayed at. But this is probably more realistic a story because I'm telling it completely out of order.

I do this to B all the time. I'll start somewhere in the middle and then remember a detail from the beginning and then add on why it ties into the end... which I haven't told him yet and then wonder why he can't follow what I'm saying. I mean, is he even paying attention to my story?



We took a taxi down to Pier 39 Sunday morning. I highly suggest going early as it was packed by the time we were leaving around 1:30 maybe? The shops were opening their doors and setting out their wares.



The air was crisp and cool with the scent of the ocean that I love so much. I love the way it clings to your hair. I love the way it feels damp and full of life.

I love the smell of the sea and.... wait... what is that I smell?



Do you remember the pretty picture of all the amazing fresh fruit I just showed you?
That was not what we had for breakfast.

Do you see the freshly made bits of fried dough rolling off this wonderful mechanism?



Fresh doughnuts coated in sugar. They were small. About 2 bites.

2 bites x 12 doughnuts = 4 happy ladies.



We strolled through the shops to the end of the pier and looked out at Alcatraz.

I made some purchases but they'll be given out as Christmas presents and will remain a secret.



To the left we watched the fog swirl around the Golden Gate Bridge.



Eat Chicken Nuggets! Its says so right here.



I believe they are on their way to Alcatraz. Its a very interesting tour.



Circling around the pier we can hear a VERY LOUD RAUCOUS!

Its the California Sea Lions.. .they are the celebrities of the pier.



Just look at the size of this man. Males can grow up to 850 lb and 7 feet long.



The ladies grow up to 300 lbs and 6 feet long (the dainty little things).

Just look at them all piled up and sleeping in the sun. Now is a good time to tell you its stinks here. This is not the smell of the ocean. This is cover your nose with your sleeve.

You cannot cover your nose with your sleeve and take 50 pictures of sea lions. Sacrifices must be made. Please eat your donuts before you come to this side of the pier.



Is that Sea Lion giving me the stink eye?

It is. Its totally glaring at me. When I took the picture I was thinking, Oh how cute! Its looking right at me!

I'm starting to feel like the evil paparazzi.



This was the best I could do but if you look closely you'll see this woman armed with a hose... and some very large sea lions off to the right.

She is very casually trying to spray them off her boat. Do you see the hint of a retreating mass behind the stairs?



We headed down the walk towards Fisherman's Warf and stopped to watch this street performer. Street performers are another part of the downtown area that never changes.

I've seen some of the same people for as long as I can remember.



This is a sneak preview of one of my favorite eats in San Fran.

(Its a Sourdough Bread Alligator!)