Day 11 Rest Day in San Francisco
A leisurely morning reading then phoning home. As a one – time resident of the city (back in
the 1980s) I took a stroll up Columbus Avenue through the area once inhabited
by an Italian community – whose influence in terms of restaurants and churches
still prevails.
My first stop was the Beat Museum – dedicated to Jack Kerouac
and kindred spirits of the ‘Beat Generation’.
His book ‘On the Road’ was a sensation when published and inspired Bob
Dylan, Van Morrison, Tom Waits and many others.
Certainly an interesting shrine to the first serious post-war
counter-cultural movement but couldn't help thinking that it was all too soon
eclipsed by flower power. Anyway –
dutifully bought a copy of ‘On the Road and persuaded the museum curator to sign
it for me – why not?
The car used in the film 'On the Road'
Re-emerging into the bright but sea breeze fresh early
afternoon, I wandered into China Town in search of an authentic Dim Sum lunch
snack. The place I chose was so
authentic that communication in English was not an option – however pointing to
the pork dumplings in the steamer and some noodles did the job for the very
reasonable sum of $6.35.
I have always has a childlike fascination for the San Francisco cable cars and saw no reason to hold back indulging this. It’s a bit like Thomas the Tank Engine on a skiing black run given the gradients on the route.
As luck would have it the cable car went past the cable car museum to I
hopped off for a quick gawp. The most
interesting sight was the pit in which the electric motors turn the wheels
which move the cables of the four separate San Francisco cable car routes.
Hopping onto another car I returned to Fisherman’s wharf
where our hotel is located and had a wander round.
I chanced upon a ‘walk in’ Chinese massage
place and enjoyed a vigorous pounding of the back and neck which after a week
or so clutching the handlebars of a Harley at 70 mph was very welcome.
In prospect this evening – an early supper and bed in
anticipation of the ride to Monterey tomorrow.
Video Links:
Video Links:
Steve McQueen Bullitt Chase:
Clint: 'Do you feel lucky?'
Clint: Fortune Cookie
Bikers on 'Every Which Way You Can'
Right Turn Clyde
Ma vs bikers
Bikers tar
We Don’t enforce those laws
Music Links:
10,000 Maniacs
Blondie
Fleetwood Mac
Santana
Santana
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