After 6 nights of camping, it sure was nice to sleep in a hotel, our bed in the trailer is pretty comfy, but having a real shower, rather than a quick outdoor tent shower, was wonderful. We had a full day to spend in the city exploring. We decided to park in the Presidio, and ride bikes around. So after a yummy hotel breakfast, we headed the 25 mins into the city. Our first ride would be to the Golden Gate Bridge. One side of the bridge has a dedicated bike path, barricaded from traffic, it was perfect to ride across. I was glad that we got a semi early start, as after we made it across the bridge, and started to head back, the bridge was much more crowded with tourist rental bikes, stopping far too often. Matthew enjoyed this expedition, as he had been talking about the Golden Gate bridge since we started our trip and told him we would be going to see it.
From the GG bridge, we biked down to Fisherman’s wharf for Lunch. Boudin sourdough bread bowls filled with clam chowder. YUM! From there we biked along the piers to 39, then to 17 to the San Francisco Exploratorium, which has moved locations since David was a kid, and the exhibits, he declared, were not as good. But the kids still had fun exploring, which was good considering the cost to get in there!
After that, it was time to start heading back to the car. We had to stop and see the Otters, and we detoured up a few SF hills to Lombard St., and then over to Ghirardelli Square for some yummy ice cream sundaes. By the time we reached the van we had biked 15 miles. That’s a good amount for the kids! They did great! There were a few bouts of whining, but those were solved with rest stops and food.
