I should be able to get off work early on that Friday, and I took Monday off so I will be around to visit. I'm woefully behind in keeping track of what's happening when because work has kept me away from the board for the past couple of weeks.

If the weather is good, and people find themselves with some time and a touristy feeling, I'd recommend a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, or a bicycle if you're feeling a little more daring (it can be scary if the wind is blowing or the serious bikers are out and yelling at you to get out of the way).

There is indeed a ferry ride to Alcatraz and you get a lovely view of the entire bay that way. It's gorgeous out there.

If you just want to get out on the water, there's a circle tour that goes out into the bay, tours around Alcatraz and under the GG Bridge and then returns. I'd recommend that because it's about an hour, and that's about perfect for being on the water. If you want to go to Sausalito or Jack London Square in Oakland, then those would be desirable ferry rides too.

But I prefer the little circle tour, or the ferry to Alcatraz.

Nice thing about the ferry to somewhere is that is actually leaves you somewhere, that you don't have to pay to get into. Sausalito for southern Marin - my old stomping ground - Larkspur, for more toward the middle, or the east bay. You can get out, wander, eat, shop, peer in windows, and then get a ferry back.

Hey, all. I am slowly getting my act together for what is going on when. Other than Alcatraz, which I shall miss, what plans are up for Friday?

Basically, having to plan either Thursday or Friday as a working day down the peninsula, and having worky people who are free-er on Friday, what can I say as an excuse not to have to spend Friday night dinner in Santa Clara with people I don't know very well?

(They have the most torturous schedules in the world. I'm trying to twist tehir arms back to Thursday, but they are remarkably untwistable.)

I don't think there's anything else formal, but IME, Friday night is a fabulous meet/re-meet-dress up-drink-and-giggle fest.

Nutty, your profile email addy is coming back undeliverable. Got another one I can use? Wishful to insend.

If you just want to get out on the water, there's a circle tour that goes out into the bay, tours around Alcatraz and under the GG Bridge and then returns. I'd recommend that because it's about an hour, and that's about perfect for being on the water.

I did that tour last summer with family. It was very enjoyable. You can't have enough layers on, by the way. Quite cold out on the bay (says the Canadian).

Actually, I got an email from you just now, Deb. Must have figured itself out. Thanks.

Kewl!

JohnS, yes indeed. Out on the water gets not only chilly, but choppy.

Oh! While I think of it, and particularly for Kristin and ND, my American visit is taking shape. I'll arrive in LA on August 19, and I'd expect to leave around the 24th (Saturday to Thursday). I've had to trim my US travel plans so I can spend a week with the Wallybee at Alice Springs when I get back, so it looks like only major stops this time around.

Meanwhile, it seems I've accumulated enough frequent flyer points that I could fly first class across the Pacific for the princely sum of $800. Hmmm...