Missing the piccies?  Yes annoying but we can't find anywhere to download them in the USA so we are down to diary entries only I am afraid....until we can find the technology!!!

So San Fran....first homage to the Green Tortoise hostel which, considering the amount of hostels we have stayed in, is the best hostel we have stayed in.  Free meals three times a week - which Caroline helped to prepare and will never eat mexican again apparently after cooking for 150 people!!  The room was lovely and peaceful despite the fact that the area the hostel is in is a red light district with all the peace and quiet on the street that usually comes with it!!

The place is so much better (and yes that is the correct word) than LA it should be in a different state cos it is definitely in a different class.  There is sooooo much to do and see that you need a fortnight to do just the basics really.  Anyway, here are some of the highlights of our stay....

Golden Gate bridge where Pete got extremely trigger happy with the old camera and the arty shots!!

The sea lions at pier 39 were simply adorable (I think Caroline may have fallen in love) the surrounding shops and museums were all awesome too.

Coyt tower views of the bay were outstanding with Alcatraz being the main attraction on the skyline.

Golden Gate park - which is absolutely massive - which we walked 20 miles in one day just trying to see as much of it as possible.  Stuuf there includes an art museum and a Japanese tea garden and bisens (which hid from us).

China Town is pretty cool for shopping if you like swords (as Pete does although he didn't buy any just drooled a lot).  The place smells a bit like Hong Kong in parts - get past that and you're laughing.

Merced Lake - not exactly a highlight but the walk down the beach that it led on to was worth the disappointment at the lake itself.

The beach - say no more - it's massive, windy and empty.

The Palace of fine Art - WOW!!  Like walking round a bit of acient Greece - pretty and gothicy at night too.

The cannery - posh shops and nice coffee.

Haight Street - lots of bohemian hippy throw back s***.

So there you go.  We really liked San Francisco.  There is so much you can do and see whatever your budget.  Caroline's feet really hurt now too cos we walked sooooomuch!

Ah well next stop Death Valley and the thrills of Las Vegas - BABY!