.Once we'd arrived on the Embarcadero we slowly meandered towards Fishermans Wharf and the infamous Piers stopping to take a few photographs along the way.
We didn't actually take a cruise out to Alcatraz as they were all booked and we had not made prior reservations. One of the night time tours is what we were most interested in and would have been quite the thing I think. Next time we visit we'll book ahead. We could see Alcatraz from along the Embarcadero.
We noticed a large vessel cruising through the water and took a few pictures.
The S.S. Jeremiah O'Brian was out for a tour. It later docked at it's berth on Fisherman's Wharf where we took more pictures. According to their website: "The Jeremiah O'Brian is one of two remaining fully functional Liberty Ships of the 2,710 that were built and launched during WWII. The O'Brian has the distinction of being the last unaltered Liberty Ship and remains historically accurate."
There were a lot of other vessels in the water. These two caught my eye.
Before long we arrived at Pier 39.
We wandered and saw some sights. We were early enough it wasn't too busy when we arrived.
We wandered into a store that was supposed to have goodies for dogs and cats. It was about 95% for dogs though. It did have this awesome sign posted on the door. For some reason we both thought it was something we could see Geoff posting at his house. Must be because of his great sense of humor. 
We walked though the Pier and then to avoid the growing crowds walked outside the main thoroughfare and along the backside with a view of Forbes Island Restaurant, where they have underwater dining rooms. 
At this point we couldn't help but hear the sea lions. They sure were small compared to the ones we see in Newport. Must be a different species or there is more competition for food in California.
(All those who need a nap raise your flipper)
We decided we were getting a little hungry, but not enough for a big meal. We happened upon the Crepe Cafe.
We went in and took a look at the menu.
We decided to share a Veggie Crepe full of avocado, roma tomatoes, alfalfa sprouts and feta cheese. Troubadour proceeded outside to watch it being made while I waited for it inside. 
(Still missing avocado at this point)
Very tasty. Two thumbs up. With our bellies sufficiently full we wandered some more. What's that over there? A chocolate shop? Mmm dessert. At Chocolate Heaven we saw many kinds of things covered in chocolate. These were two of the oddest. 
(Chocolate covered potato chips)
(Chocolate covered licorice)
Most things were quite expensive at $5.25 per quarter pound. Yes, that is right, the chocolates were $21 per pound. We did purchase 6 pieces: two pecan turtles, 2 chocolate covered English toffee and 2 chocolate covered sponge toffee (like a Crunchie bar for those of you that know what that is). Those 6 pieces cost $7.98. Ouch, but oh so tasty.
Now that we were experiencing a sugar rush we pressed on. A little further we passed the Boudin Museum and Bakery. Making sourdough bread since 1849. 
The windows to the sidewalk gave us a view of the bakers doing their artistry with dough.
Inside they had baskets of bread going around a track through the bakery overhead.
If it wasn't midday we would have bought a loaf to take with us to eat later. Neither one of us wanted to carry it all afternoon though. Little did we know at the time, there was sourdough in our future.
A little further and we finally made it to Fisherman's Wharf. Or so said the sign.
I will leave the sights of the wharf for the next post. I am trying to keep these from getting too long, but at the same time give an accurate depiction of our adventures.
Here is a teaser for the next post.
- Au Revoir
" Too much work, and no vacation, Deserves at least a small libation. So hail! My friends, and raise your glasses, Work's the curse of the drinking classes." ~ Oscar Wilde.
