Monkeys Cruise To Alaska 2013: Around the City and Under the Gate

San Francisco - Monday July 29

Breakfast at Regency Club was a very light one because we were still full from our dinner at Boulevard. We caught the Cable Car right outside the Hyatt Regency and sat on the side for our first ride of the day.

We got off at Powell and California and walked "DOWN HILL" to Lefty O'Douls we took a few pictures and made our way "DOWN HILL" again to Powell and Market where we got in line for another line.

We waited in line 45 minutes and had the nicest conversation with a family from New York that were in the city for 4 days. Sun made friends with their daughter and fell in love with her Pink Tennis Shoes!

The car we caught was for the Powell Hyde Line which is the one that goes nearly straight up to the stars! They packed the car and we were lucky enough to stand on the rail outside and HANG ON!!! Every once in a while the Grip Man would yell, "SUCK IT IN !! " as another cable car or a vehicle with mirrors sticking out would whiz by. It was exciting and very fun as we were crammed in tight and those on the rail were almost sitting on the laps of those on the bench.

Sun met several nice travelers from Germany and took a picture with their traveling Gnome.

We got off at the Marina Green and stood in line again but Vince suggested we walk back "UP HILL" a couple blocks to catch the same car for a return trip to Powell and California. Up and over the hills we had great views of the bay and it reminded us of all the movies that have been made over the years with car chases literally flying over the hills.

Coming up to the beginning of one of the hills the Grip Man had to come to a stop because there was a car parked halfway in the street blocking the track.

There are always two Grip Men and one of them got out to have a "Little Chat" with the driver.

Hey S&L...the license plate frame was from Brad's Chevrolet in Cottage Grove. A true "grover"

A few minutes later we were off again "UP HILL" We got on the California Line for our 4th trip of the morning back to Embarcadero right outside the hotel.

Three of the four rides we were on the rails!! LOVED IT!!!!

After we picked up our luggage we went to find some Boudin's Sourdough French Bread and walked to the cruise ship dock.

The terminal is very old and we have heard tales of long waits but when we arrived at 1:15 there were many people standing in long lines inside, but within 20 minutes of walking into the terminal we were on the ship! They really know how to move people through.

Positioned on deck 15 forward we were ready for sail away at 4 pm but the Captain waited for nearly an hour for 4 remaining passengers to be aboard. As soon as the gangways were stowed the horn sounded in one long blast....we were off!

Sailing past Alcatraz toward the Golden Gate Bridge was typical San Francisco, with fog and blasting cold wind. As we got closer to the bridge we could see dozens of people on the bridge waiting for us to sail under.

As they were waving and passengers were waving back the Captain blew the horn as we went under. It was really great fun and it looked like we would barely make it but all was ok as we sailed off into the early evening.

After braving the cold we decided to change and use the Aft Hot Tubs. What a good choice and our timing was excellent because while everyone was somewhere else we had the entire back of the ship to ourselves. With 2,600 people we only saw about 12 walk past all bundled up while we were warm, wet and cozy.

A wrinkled hour later we changed and went to Alfredo's Pizza where we had the vegetarian with yummy crispy crust, a light amount of cheese and the sauce was rich and delicious. We will be going back for another!

After dinner we stopped by the International Cafe to pick up a desert and decided on Mikan Tapioca. It was really called Orange, but we miss Steve and Lisa so we called it Mikan!! Vince chose the Pistachio Pudding. They were both lovely, light and full of flavor.

We took our pudding to Crooner's Lounge and ordered a Key Lime Martini in honor of Joyce and Malcolm.

While there we were told that the pianist "Funch" would be playing Barry White, George Benson and others from before and after those era's. He has been a professional musician for 50 years and has played bass with George Benson. Mr. Funch was phenomenal and we stayed for his two sets and enjoyed every minute.

This will be our hangout for our evenings as the possibilities for people watching are endless and every time a crew would walk by they would wink, wave and high five him. It is obvious they all love him!

The first couple of days people are wandering around the ship like lost little sheep. Saying........"Is this the elevator we want"? "I thought it was that way"! "Do you know where it is"? Kind of like the first week at the University.

Here are some more photos of our day in San Francisco and Sail Away.