Day 1- 4

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Day 5

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Day 6 – Monday 28 – Monterey / San Francisco

Woke to a drizzly overcast day.

Either we were blind or there is nowhere near Cannery Row to get a breakfast. Ended up with Cherry Pie and a coffee! Went to the aquarium in the morning which was superb. Bought the tickets online (valid for a year) prior to going to avoid some lengthy queues. $25 each.

It is split into a number of areas and is well deserving of all the accolades it receives. If you have young children you would spend even longer here due to the large amount of interactive stuff aimed at the kids.

Drove down to Fisherman’s Wharf which was as expected – restaurants and souvenir shops. All had first taste of clam chowder which was ok but sourdough bread only got a thumbs up from the wife (which is probably something to do with her Irish roots and taste for Soda bread)

Was unsure after reading various postings on the merits of 17 mile drive but decided to go for it particularly as both myself and my son like our golf. First few miles was not very inspiring but soon became very scenic nearer the sea, the golf courses and of course, as the value of land increased. One plot of land was for sale at $17.5 million. Stopped at all the various sights and had a look around the golf courses. Although Pebble Beach has the name I think that I would love to play at the Links at Spanish Bay if ever given a choice. Without doubt definitely worth the $5 entrance.

Then drove up the 101 to San Francisco. Especially like the idea of a lane on the road for cars with more than one passenger as we seemed to be in a big minority in this which meant the 110 mile journey was relatively straight forward.

As soon as we reached the outskirts of SF the weather changed from what had been a bright sunny afternoon to a dark cold outlook. Those posts about taking fleeces (which we had ignored) to SF looked like they may have some merit.

We were staying at the King George but had changed (thanks to a post on here) to the Fairmont where we got deal for a couple of hundred dollars more but included breakfast. We found hotel fine but had decided that the car park parking at $50 was too much and parked at the Grace Cathedral car park (few minutes walk) for $30 a night.

As we walked towards the hotel heaving all our luggage along (8pm at this time) I was suddenly aware of a huge police presence, barriers everywhere and a number of men all in dark suits. Front Desk said that they were under instructions not to inform guests why there had been a disturbance which was not exactly comforting but apart from that check in was quick and efficient. Rooms overlooked central roof area but I don’t understand the desire to pay a large amount extra to get a room with a view unless looking out the window for any great deal of time is your thing.

Hotel was a very grand place but not really our cup of tea. At the price we paid $179 a night you would be mad not to stay but at double that (normal rate) I would go elsewhere. It is a lovely hotel with good attention to detail but has a very old fashioned feel to its décor etc. Elegant is the word and it is right that hotels like this exist for customers who like the feel of hotels like it whereas I would perhaps prefer a more contemporary cutting edge boutique hotel if the same money.

I prefer a barman I can have a chat with rather than one who keeps calling me sir all the time. We were given a $40 breakfast allowance each which seems a lot but is really the cost of their breakfast buffet ($27 + tax + gratuity (for a buffet!)

Needed somewhere local and cheap to eat so asked concierge (really helpful) and he recommended Loris diner near Union Square. 10 minute walk and we were inside a themed 50s diner which was very busy with good atmosphere. Dinner $72. Then realised for the first time that what goes down in SF has to go up and takes considerably longer.

Found out that police presence was due to John Mcain giving an election rally in the hotel that day.

Another great report.

I've heard that the parking is expensive but my word....$50!! Ouch!

Looking forward to the next installment.

Day 7-9

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Day 10-13

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Day 14-20 (Vegas)

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