SF - Hyde St. Pier - May 14, '12

Walking Distance: 1.5 miles
Walking Time: 2 hrs. (2:20 - 4:20 p.m.)
Start and End Point: metered parking spot on Jefferson Street, San Francisco, CA

Today I continued my start-and-stop transit along the waterfront sidewalks of San Francisco, at a snail's pace. There were too many interesting spots to see and people to meet and photograph in this city. Despite the fact that I have walked through this (Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery) area between Pier 39 and Hyde Street Pier several times before, and that it has a reputation as a tourist trap, I still find it interesting.

The Fisherman's Wharf area was relatively crowded for a Monday. Many people were out-of-town visitors. A group on segways zipped by on a tour, all slanting slightly forward.

I had already eaten, so I didn't stop for a crab lunch this time around. I did dawdle, however, to look at the crabs in tanks, piles of crabs, and crab dishes packaged up and ready to go. And I paused in front of Boudin's bakery window to look at a large loaf of baked bread in the shape of an alligator/crocodile.

Street performers abound here. One man, spray painted from head-to-foot with silver paint, was perched atop a milk crate, moving robot-like; and the man who disguises himself as a bush and pops out to scare people periodically, was in the area. You'll also pass a Ripley's believe-it-or-not museum, where I saw a horse (or a donkey?) made entirely of bottle corks.
I turned around after I passed the Hyde Street Pier, an old ferry pier with several large historic ships moored there now. I walked down the this pier to look at some of these older ships/boats, but did not continue all the way to the end (admission required).

Despite the activity in the area, I did see a great blue heron taking a snooze out on the rocks near the pier. If you stand on the pier and look west toward Aquatic Park, you'll see a beach area, and may catch a glimpse of some bay swimmers from one of the swim clubs stationed nearby.

I also stopped at Rosie's Roses, a shop on Jefferson Street, at the Cannery, a large brick building now occupied by shops and offices. I was looking for chocolate (for my other blog, Chocolate Banquet). In addition to flowers, plants and other items, she also carried chocolates. I passed many interesting small businesses like this along my walk. I always enjoy talking with small business owners.

Wildlife Sightings:
10 sea gulls; 5 pigeons; 1 great blue heron; 4 little brown jobs (LBJs)