Day 2

Well hello again, so I'm about a day behind at the moment, forgive me it's all a bit of a blur as you can imagine. We started the day by going to down to get a ferry to Alcatraz, great idea but when the travel guides tell you to book in advance, listen to them!! could not get a trip till Thursday, not much use when 700 miles away! Anyhow all not lost, had the most amazing breakfast at Boudin where they make the best sourdough bread in San Francisco.
Took a drive over the Golden Gate bridge and up to the Napa valley, now this is prime wine country, stunning scenery, past endless vineyards and winery's. our destination was Domaine Caneros the California branch of Taittinger Champagne. Arrived early, before the masses, had a private Tour with Al our guide. Tasted a few, bought a few. Was slightly bemused by the opposite filed which appeared to have extremely large n0n-moving sheep! (thought we'd tried one too many until we were told it was an art museum!!..(when fake sheep became art I don't know!!, Apparently if the sheep are talking to each other that's 0k, when they started talking to you then it's time to go home!).
Off to the freeway and on to Oakland, now this is for me, my two favourite Oakland teams, the Raiders and A's at McAffee stadium, hold on though, it was closed! and no amount of sneaking in was going to help. So, back on the freeway and down to San Jose, yes we do know the way, hmm. This was more like it, home of the Sharks and the shop was open, are you listening Oakland. Back to S.F. had a peaceful walk along the bay, stopping to stand on the beach just to say we started at the pacific ocean. Then took a classic S.F. mode of transport, the tram, this was pretty cool and much easier to climb those hills. Wandered around Chinatown, then had a Chinese, now I'm not one to complain, but let me explain, we ordered food and drink, not cheep, no rice included, very pushy staff, felt quite rushed, then the bill, $61 this included 20% gratuity, thanks for asking! it was like being back in old Nottingham, thought we had encountered Robin Hood.
...to be continued...