Mountains are disastrous, but the Ocean is gorgeous - San Fran to Ventura

"I left my heart in San Francisco," ....as the saying goes. Except, since San Francisco, my heart has stayed with me. But San Fran did steal a piece of my heart.

San Francisco was an incredible experience. Our morning began trekking to Union Square, where we were told would lead us to the cable cars and out to Fisherman's Wharf. One wrong turn later, we were in Oakland! I just kept saying that "Hey, it's another city I can cross off my list, now!" This allowed us to drive over BOTH bridges of the San Fran area (The Bay Bridge being the one we crossed passing into and out of Oakland.)
Past the Bay Bridge, and one 4-dollar toll later, we were able to get back to San Francisco. Union Square was all that and more. With huge stores such as Macy's, Tiffany's & Co., Saks Fifth Ave, etc, it left nothing unturned for top-end shopping. Except Chelsea and I were not there to shop high-end clothes or jewelry...and yes, even the shoes were left alone.

Instead, we meandered a few blocks down (PS. I should mention it is almost impossible to find a restroom available for public use anywhere downtown). We waited in line for the cable car, where eventually a couple tappers set up and tapped away. I truly believe that watching street performers are a part of every city's culture. After all, the street performers give the street a beat and a sound that the racket of honking horns and crowds passing by can't offer.

After waiting just a short while longer, Chelz and I were onto the Cable Car. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves here.


We made it down to Fisherman's Wharf, where the hustle and bustle truly was. Filled with mostly tourists and some locals, it offered a sense an exciting sea-side experience (or bay side, if I'm being particular). We quick caught a view of Alcatraz before meandering our way over to Pier 39.
Chelsea and I both grabbed some to-go seafood. After I finished with my mango-glazed shrimp from "WIPEOUT (to go)" I tried some of Chelsea's Calamari. (If you know me at all...BIG deal. I don't try awkward foods. Except this was quite good!)

We were given the hint by Chelsea's great aunt & uncle to find the seals. So we found the seals...and boy did we ever! With easily over 100 of them filling the docks, they were hilarious to watch. Barking, yapping, yelping filled the air...although most of them just laid upon the dock (or on top of one another) soaking up the warmth of the sun.

So it was then that we made our way back to Union Square and "out of" San Francisco. (After of course, we drove across the Golden Gate Bridge). I drove some of the crazy hills of San Fransico, and let me just say...I am ever so grateful I A) don't have a manual shifting car... and B) have excellent brakes.
And onto HWY 1 we went. Highway 1 was gorgeous. Absolutely stunningly gorgeous.
But also completely and utterly nervewracking. With so many curves and hairpin turns and the ocean about 5 feet away and a long way down, I was just thankful that God kept us safe with all those crazy turns. Then nightfall hit. And my nerves shot up another 100 notches. My hands gripped that wheel like it was my life or death...almost literally. Were the views incredible? By far, yes. Was it worth it? maybe. But after night fell, I was regretting taking Hwy 1..alot.
Yet God's hand was upon us, because we came out of those mountains completely unscathed...all except for my nerves, of course.
Another two hours and we rolled into Oxnard.