Grand redwoods north of San Francisco
North of San Francisco, old military batteries give clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
I parked somewhat illegally, and walked up as the bridge came into view.
This is Battery Spencer, one of the several ~preserved gun emplacements on the
headlands. Some of the graffiti was topical in ways I only noticed only after
the trip.
The bridge, bay, and mountains are enormous. The waves far below here hint at
the sheer scale, but still no photo captures the impression of being there in
person.
Golden hour offered little drama on account of it being overcast. Even as the sun was setting the lighting was flat and a dull. Just a couple hours earlier the whole Bay Area was in blazing sun as I slogged through the traffic of 19th avenue to cross the bridge myself. The Bay area’s reputation for mercurial weather bears out.
After sightseeing at the bridge, I walked from my motel to Hook Fish Co for dinner and to get myself on the outside of some authentic West Coast IPAs. The staff, food, and beers where sensational. I had a local fish burrito, ate fresh oysters shucked right in front of me, became fast mates with the staff, and got myself an awesome jumper. I never expected or will forget how this became the most enjoyable night of the trip.
