April 29, 2011 - Downtown San Francisco and the Embarcadero

I visited Ayme's work one day just to see the views of downtown San Francisco. She works on the 33rd floor. Afterwards i took some photos of some of the attractions on the Embarcadero near the Bay Bridge. I drive by these things all the time, but since parking can be a real hassle there, i never took the time to walk around. But today i took the ferry and had plenty of time to play tourist.

Looking out towards Treasure Island

The TransAmerica Pyramid Building

A cute rocket that i've always wanted to check more closely

The Bay Bridge

Didn't know this was there. You can only see so much driving by!

OK! Enough of this... gotta catch my ferry back to Oakland :P

April 22, 2011 - Traffic at the Port of Oakland

Living next to the Port of Oakland offers some interesting viewings of commercial and private boat traffic. These tankers are the most amazing of all. They are literally floating cities! They seem to be about 2 city blocks long and carry thousands of containers. The logistics for parking and loading/unloading are fascinating. Combined with the sailboats, the ferry system, the tugs, dredgers and paddle boarders, there is always a plethora of activity. Can't forget the amusing pelicans, gulls, grebes, coots, herons and other wildlife common here. But these are pics of the container ship.

April 9, 2011 - Hiking near Glen Ellen, CA with Tonia, Kevin and kids

My friends Tonia and Kevin live in lovely Sonoma, CA with their two kids Blake and Lucas. They are avid outdoor lovers and i try to go with them when i have the chance. This day they showed me their secret  hiking place near Glen Ellen, CA.

Lucas cooperating with the cameraman.

Blake showing off his architectural talents with Tonia lending a hand.

Blake

Tonia, Kevin, Blake and Lucas