Day three started off with us leaving the confines of Thane's abode in El Cerrito...
and heading into the city across the bay...
Lucky for us, like last time, our FastPass Transponder was a life saver. The farthest left lane was for carpoolers (which in the Bay Area means THREE or more) and since we were three...well then, SO LONG SUCKERS!
The photo above looks like the rightmost lane, but it was actually the farthest left lane on the 580 which LED to the 80 (the bridge)...It curved over and deposited us on to the bridge where yes, there was traffic, but we at least bypassed at least 15-20 minutes worth of craptastic idling and crawling at a snails pass.
This was our second time on the new Eastern span replacement of the Oakland Bay Bridge, which opened in September 2013. Currently, it is the widest bridge in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records.
Traffic looked horrid but it moved faster than I thought it would.
We could see Coit Tower and the iconic red span of the Golden Gate Bridge from afar...
I noticed this new skyscraper being built. We found out later that it was the Sales Force Tower and that my cousin's husband, a construction project manager was assigned to this building. He told us that there are two buildings, and the taller one would be the second highest in California (the highest is currently being built in Los Angeles.
This full on purple house is on the corner of Octavia and Haight; it is the LGBTQ Center.
Our first stop of the day was chosen by TC - The Sutro Baths and Lands End Park. As we drove through familiar neighborhoods (the Sunset District), the Great Highway led up to Point Lobos Ave. We could see Cliff House in the distance as well as Seal Rocks.
There was still lots of parking near the beach but we didn't want to have to walk up the hill later. Luckily since it was still early enough, we found parking at the Lands End Lookout parking lot.
Majestic Monterey pines lined the start of the trail. The Visitor Center below was fairly new (opened summer 2012). A good thing about this place is that they have a clean bathroom, thank goodness.
There are great views to be had at the top of the hill and more as you descend the steps and venture near the ocean. Below you can see the ruins of the Sutro Baths and walk through a nearby cave (there is an iron grate at the end so you won't slip and fall into the ocean below)...
There were folks out and about walking along the stone perimeters. I was not one of them. I didn't want to slip and fall and since I can't swim or much less float, that was a big old no thank you. There were little graffiti filled "rooms" in the ruins along with overgrown weeds in some. We saw people climbing into the openings to take photos inside those rooms.
TC was able to take some cool photos with her her (but used) DSLR...
We did a portion of the Lands End trail two summers ago. TC was keen on trying to find the labyrinth last time which we didn't go far enough into the trail to do. We did not seek out the labyrinth this time as well. Our plan was just to walk about 30-40 minutes, enjoy the views along the way and then head back.
Views such as this...
Seeing this sign months later made me think of a recent tragedy in which a local high school girl was recently killed as she stepped over a closed off area and fell to her death.
Bert's caffeine fix was procured here at the visitor center cafe. I think he got an Americano in a to-go cup.
We would be having better coffee later this particular day.
Previous visit to Sutro Baths & Lands End:
August 2016 (the post detailed the day of our 20 Year Anniversary during our Summer 2015 Road Trip)
Forthcoming posts to include snacks, food, coffee and more!
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