Day 13
It's another cold, overcast day in San Francisco. The Tower Tours bus picked us up from our hotel at 8.30am, and took us to their office. We then paid for our tickets, but unfortunately we were one of the last on the bus, so we had one of the worst seats, at the back with a column partially blocking our view. The funny (or tragic) thing was that the office was about two blocks away, so we could of walked, paid for a ticket, and had our pick of seats. (The Joy of Travel).
Larry, our driver looked like Ned Flanders, from the Simpsons, he spoke like Ned Flanders, and had the personality of Ned Flanders. However he was a fantastic tour guide, probably the best we’ve ever had, and obviously takes great pride in his job. America has the best customer service I've ever experienced. Although, I was originally sceptical of the tipping system, it does seem to work in providing consistently good customer service, in direct comparison to Australia where you pay the same even if you have poor service.
It's another cold, overcast day in San Francisco. The Tower Tours bus picked us up from our hotel at 8.30am, and took us to their office. We then paid for our tickets, but unfortunately we were one of the last on the bus, so we had one of the worst seats, at the back with a column partially blocking our view. The funny (or tragic) thing was that the office was about two blocks away, so we could of walked, paid for a ticket, and had our pick of seats. (The Joy of Travel).
Larry, our driver looked like Ned Flanders, from the Simpsons, he spoke like Ned Flanders, and had the personality of Ned Flanders. However he was a fantastic tour guide, probably the best we’ve ever had, and obviously takes great pride in his job. America has the best customer service I've ever experienced. Although, I was originally sceptical of the tipping system, it does seem to work in providing consistently good customer service, in direct comparison to Australia where you pay the same even if you have poor service.
Soon we're driving on Highway 1, following the coastline. A rest stop at Davenport, and then the fog starts to lift, and we catch a glimpse of blue sky.
We drive past Santa Cruz to Monterey (pictured below), where we visited Cannery road, the subject of John Steinbeck's novel.
After lunch we were loaded on the bus and on our way. At 230pm we reach the toll gates at Pebble beach, for the famous 17 mile drive is all private property owned by the Pebble Beach Corporation. The most famous member of course is Clint Eastwood. He is also one of the owners of Cypress Point golf club. There are only 78 members who each pay $500,000 per annum.
Just a little past the golf club, is The Lone Cypress, which has prevailed on its Rocky perch for over 250 years (pictured below).
At 3.30pm we reach Golf's Mecca, Pebble Beach Golf Links (pictured below). Just in case you ever whine about Sydney's green fees; to play a round here will cost you $495. My golf is so bad it would probably take me a week to finish 18 holes.
After leaving 17 mile drive we reach the picturesque town of Carmel by the sea, where Clint Eastwood was once the mayor. The town has some peculiarities: no street lights, no fast food restaurants, you have to attend the Post Office to pick up your mail.
This is the historic Carmel Mission (Pictured below).
We took the highway back to San Francisco through Silicon Valley. Google is a nice company to work for; they gave all their employees shares, and now most are millionaires.
Finally back at Fisherman's wharf, we went to Boudin Bakery for dinner. I kept it simple and had their special; clam chowder in a bread roll, where you use the bread to mop up the chowder. It was not bad. That's the secret to eating in America - keep it real simple.
Tomorrow where off to Alcatraz. (Unless, of course our dodgy tour operator has ripped us off)
