We arrived in San Francisco, CA a little later than originally planned. Having spent most of the afternoon of our first day with the bus outside of Reno, NV making some additions and changes. Mostly, I needed to install a 12v plug so I can power up my Navigation and keep my Smart Phone charged. I also added some sound deadening/insulation to the floor under the front and floor under the rear.
The mountain pass between Reno, NV and San Francisco, CA on I-80 was spectacular,
But seeing the Welcome to California sign was my milestone…my trip has truly begun. 14 years earlier I had traveled up the Pacific Coast highway on my Honda ST1100, but did not venture into San Francisco. I was homesick after 30 days on the road and out of money so I picked up the I-80 Interstate just outside of San Francisco and had headed East to home. Now here I was, picking up where that trip left off.
I had wanted to stop to see a former client of mine in Walnut Creek, but my late start forced me to miss that stop and continue onto to my destination. I’d be spending the next few days camping in the driveway of my friends house Tony and Thim.
I had not known it at the time, but I crossed over the new San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge. It had just opened up just around a month previous. I was quite take back by its beauty and architecture even though I was in rush hour traffic and every lane was packed. That is the same Bay Bridge that had collapsed back during the earthquake of 1989. ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco%E2%80%93Oakland_Bay_Bridge
After crossing the bridge and exiting the highway I was in San Francisco and my very first though as one of the steepest roads I have seen lay before me was…I’m in San Francisco!
I was a bt concerned as to how this 4 speed bus would handle the steep grade, not so much getting up, but having to stop on that hill at the numerous stop signs and take off. I must say…I was impressed with Sandy (my Bus). She took them on with no problem. Parking was another issue…I think we need to adjust that emergency brake cable for this kind of terrain.
I arrived at Tony and Thim’s house and pulled into the driveway. My home for the next few days. I awoke to this view of Sunrise.
Picture Link: https://goo.gl/photos/1ZGwmi1acJRv24PD9
Glad you made it through the pass to San Francisco. Years ago I took a dumb route…started in LA, drove through the desert to Las Vegas, then after a long weekend, drove back through the desert to San Francisco. Completely ignored the most scenic leg…the pacific Coast Highway. I recall when we left Vegas it was 115 and when we hit SF it was 55. All this in an un-air conditioned Ford Pinto. The left side of my face and arm were 3 shades redder than my right! Take plenty of pics and enjoy the ride!
Yes San Francisco is quite unique with its weather. I understand they actually give weather reports by street there as a few blocks can be the difference between Cold and Foggy and Hot and Sunny.