SFWater

*San Francisco Waterfront* (Click on any image to see an enlarged view.)
	Our launch site was this boat ramp located just south of China Basin. Good fortune was on our side this December 19th. Not only was the sky clear and the winds gentle, but at 74 degrees, the temperature was the warmest ever recorded on this day. The weather was absolutely gorgeous.
	You know you're on the waterfront when you see a warning sign like this.
	Our first task was to paddle around this large ship in order to reach the Bay and the current that would carry us along the waterfront. The Bay Bridge came into view as we cleard the bow.
	From down at water level, the shipped loomed above us like a giant fortress as we paddled close by.
	Once around the ship, we could see the new baseball stadium being built for the San Francisco Giants at China Basin. It looks like the sound of a long home run at this park is going to be "plunk!"
	The swift current quickly carried us to the Bay Bridge. Ruth, a Travelling Nurse from Wyoming, smiles as we draw near.
	The first tower of the Bay Bridge dwarfed us as we paddled under it. Once past the tower, the full spread of downtown San Francisco opened before us.
	Just past the tower is a large cove with calm waters where we could relax and enjoy the fabulous view.
	Raphael's friend Toni was working in her office in the near tower, so we all waved to her as we passed by. Hi, Toni! Did you see us?
	The wind and waves picked up a bit as we rounded the corner and headed west toward the Golden Gate. Beyond Sally and Raphael is Bird Island, aka Alcatraz.
	Our biggest hazard wasn't the cold waters of San Francisco Bay, or the tide, or the wind, or the choppy waters once the wind began to blow. It was the ferry boats! They were everywhere and we had to paddle out of their way a number of times.
	Gunter coasts by a large group of California Sea Lions. They have staked out an entire boat dock next to Pier 39, a popular tourist attraction.
	Historic ships line the pier inside Aquatic Park, a protected area where we put in for lunch. Note the Christmas tree atop the mainmast, and a second one on the bowsprit above and to the right of Ruth's head.
	There was a little bit of surf along the beach in Aquatic Park, so we hauled out one at a time with someone at hand to prevent what's known as a face plant.
	Lunch and relaxation at Aquatic Park. Alcatraz lies in the distance beyond the breakwater.
	The fake antlers on this horse pulling his carriage along the promenade at Aquatic Park reminded us that, despite the warm weather, Christmas was only six days away.
	As we approached the Golden Gate Bridge, the water grew choppy as the outgoing tide met the incoming sea swells.
	Our waterfront trip ended on this lovely beach at Crissy Field, just a short distance from the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a beautiful sight at the end of a great day.