This morning dawned early for me, what with the time change and the early bedtime yesterday. I woke up initially at 5:30 and by 7 I gave up and headed outside to find some coffee and a place to people watch.

Remembering something I’d read in a guide book I headed up to North Beach and spent the morning in Washington Square. The exercise routines and martial arts going on were highly entertaining and between that, the coffee and all the dogs running around, it was an ideal way to start the day.

Once Ellen was up and ready we hopped on the bus to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 36 to see Seals! Alcatraz tours were sold out or unavailable until the weekend so we opted to get as close as we could by taking a cheesy Bay Tour Ferry with one of the most ridiculous narrations (by ‘Captain Nemo’) that I’ve heard since the days of Orlando. Nevertheless, that ride yielded some fabulous photos and the “killer birds” episode.

After the cruise we wandered around the Wharf and I had some crab while Ellen made faces of disgust and fascination. We did a quick dive into Ghirardelli for a sample before heading over to the Number 1 Cost Plus/World Market store so Ellen could criticize their up-stock and be jealous over how much space they have to work with. It’s hard to leave work at work.

After that was a hike up to Lombard to see the Crookedest Street and begin the haul up to Coit Tower. And that–was just about all we could handle on foot for the day.

After a quick breather back at the hotel we checked out the wine bar next door before cabbing it to Delancey Street for dinner. Delancey was a recommendation from co-worker Jessica, and the interesting thing about this restaurant is that it is part of a Foundation that works to create new beginnings for homeless and drug-addicted folks, many of whom are ex-convicts. The atmosphere was lovely, the service was great, but the food was unremarkable. But we’re both really glad we went and the prices were really reasonable.

And now? We’re watching television in our pajamas and I’m trying to figure out where tomorrow morning’s coffee should be, since I’m sure I’ll be up early again.

More pictures up on Flickr.