Golden Gate Exhaustion

Today was my last day in this great city. I just had to walk across Golden Gate Bridge but clearly I did not realise how much walking this would involve.

I have been keeping up my 5-mile runs 3-4 times a week but the 10+ mile walk today has left me exhausted! I started with a cable car ride to Mason Street and then a long walk to the harbour. Once you get to the harbour you are greeted with large numbers of joggers and cyclists and now I realise why... It is one of the flattest parts of San Francisco! It is about 3.5 miles to the start of the bridge and 1.7 miles across the bridge to Sausalito. I made the return journey with a small picnic one the way back.

I preferred this part of the coast compared to yesterday at Fisherman's Wharf. The houses were some of the most beautiful victorian examples I had seen. There was also 'Crissy Field', a mixture of sand, mosses and heather on your path towards the magnificent structure of Golden Gate Bridge.

Walking the bridge is an amzing feeling. You feel every vibration of crossing traffic and the view is outstanding...I could see all of the city and Alcatraz island before me.

There are a huge number of dog owners in San Francisco. A dog is both a fashion item and an excuse to talk to other dog owners. There are many shops selling pet food, collars and coats! Many of these poor creatures get their lead tied to their owners running belt and set off to run the 10 miles with them. Some of the dogs looked more exhausted than the owners. There were also lots of skateboarders and people on roller skates.

I have been doing a lot of 'people watching' recently and find some of the characters in San Francisco of real interest. One of the roller skaters was a woman in her late forties, skin tight black leotard and singing at the top of her voice to a favourite track as she attempted to skate and boogie to the music. I found it amusing but I was also pleased she could feel free to do what she wanted without too many opinionated people around.

In conclusion, I feel parts of San Francisco are comparable to NY, if not better.... San Francisco has the diversity in landscape and people and 'laid back' approach and charm that attracts and entices any visitor... NY is definately bigger and therefore, it takes longer to explore.. NY has a romance epitomised in Woody Allen's 'Manhatten' but San Francisco does not take itself as seriously and I would not say there is any romance but there is definately humour and great heaps of character for good measure.

I would definately return.....but for now, I am ready for my flight to Toronto tomorrow.