We didn't head off from our Pacific Heights Inn till about 930am - down Lombard Street and over the Golden Gate Bridge. No surprise that it was still engulfed in fog but worth the stop at the vista point on the northern side to view back over the bay and city. Only a short drive down to the touristy town of Sausalito - although not that small still quaint and evidently very popular. About another half hour or so on a windy, sometimes hairy though scenic journey t...

After a very basic continental brekkie, caught the No 47 bus just up the road on Van Ness down to Fishermans Wharf and walked the short distance to Pier 33 for our departure on our pre-booked Alcatraz tour. What an incredible day! Quite mind boggling - informative and fascinating. The 45 minute audio tour was brilliant. Despite plenty of fog and chilly - this is a spectacular city. Fog lifted somewhat during morning so even the Golden Gate Bridge was partially v...

OMG what a massive day! After a quick breakie in our room, headed off about 830am in time for our 920am Hearst Castle tour, only a few miles up the highway. Day started with thick fog, drizzly rain and quite chilly but following the bus ride up the windy steep ascent to the castle, we were greeted by brilliant sunshine! The grandeur and opulence created by Randolph W. Hearst were evidently results of both wealth and eccentricity! Really amazing! Loved the Neptune...

This morning after a much needed sleep in wandered along Stearns Pier and had an amazing Santa Barbara omelette at Moby d*** .Our first bit of sightseeing included the courthouse building and the iconic Santa Barbara Mission.Feeling the heat - constantly looking for bottled water.Got away from Santa Barbara about midday - on highway 101 - to Solvang. Vaguely how I remembered it - but so much more!! Everywhere you turn there are more gorgeous Danish buildings, mor...

We have arrived! Great flight with Virgin Australia - 12 1/2 hours to Los Angeles! Movies, bit of reading, food and few drinks- not much sleeping! Raym did an amazing job driving our Ford Fusion from LAX to Santa Barbara! Unbelievable 6 lanes of freeway in both directions with horrendous traffic! Hadn't factored in labour day weekend! Some slight angst finding accommodation but all sorted! Refreshed from 30 degree heat and lack of sleep with a swim and beer! Ver...