More Photos from the Presidio

 From its vantage point overlooking the
spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point
protected San Francisco Harbor from
Confederate & foreign attack during &
after the U.S. Civil War. Its beautiful
arched casemates display the art of the
master brick mason from the Civil War
period.

Presidio - San Francisco

Intrepid Traveler is on the road again!!!
Visiting Mary in San Francisco --

Some photos from the Presidio -- Crissy Field (top); Golden
Gate - celebrating 75 years!! (right). The presidio was established in 1776 when the Spanish arrived to establish the northernmost outpost of their empire in western North America...it then fell under Mexican
rule for 24 years before the U.S. Army took control of it in 1846. For
over 148 years, the Army transformed the Presidio grounds from
empty windswept dunes and scrub to a verdant, preeminent
military post.  Since 1994, the Presidio has been under the care of
the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area.

Lunch at Presidio Social Club; when this was an operating Army base this building was the enlisted men's barracks.

View from upstairs bedroom of an open house;
A lot of the housing is being updated &
modernized and available for rental -- this
particular home had three floors + full basement
(5 bedrooms; 3 baths; kitchen; dining room and
living room)...bidding for rent begins at $12,300
per month plus extra for parking!!!

Crosses

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8_P5e9PLlo&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Sent from my iPad

European Discoveries....Post Script

No pictures today....up at 4:00am and off the ship by 5:00....fairly easy transfer to the airport and only an hour flight to Munich for our connection to JFK...very heavy security in Munich -- had to go through whole security check even though we never left the terminal...better safe than sorry....arrived in NYC 40 minutes ahead of schedule; spending two nights in the city before Mary heads to San Francisco and I head back to Florida!! Thoroughly enjoyed the trip...loved all the places we visited;met some interesting people and made new friends!! Ta, Ta for now...til we hit the road or high seas again!!!!

Final Day....Hamburg, Germany

Street Scene 

Located on the River Elbe, Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany...It is a major transportation hub in Northern Germany
and is one of the most affluent cities in Europe.

Crooked Chimneys -- Built like this to prevent  fires!

Old Warehouse District

Boat ride on the Alster

Lunch time for the Swans

Hamburg, Germany

Hamburger, yes it did come from here, sort of!

American Cemetery, Omaha Beach

American Cemetery -- Normandy

 Memorial Day plus one....In the early morning of June 6, 1944 Allied troops landed on the shores of Normandy; many of the soldiers were killed on the beaches....let us never forget the sacrifices made that day!!!

Normandy D Day Beaches

Somber reminder the toll of war.

Today - Honfleur

 Nestled at the mouth of the Seine River, Honfleur's unique character of narrow jetty houses, museums and monuments has inspired painters, writers and musicians over the ages. This small fishing port is renowned for the glorious voyages of discovery by its 17th century mariners and has become one of Normandy's most appealing harbors. Preserved from World War II's destruction, this quaint old Norman town has managed to retain its charm.

Enjoyed a two hour lunch; just like the French do!!

Honfleur

Day One......
Morning sightseeing, taking break for lunch.

Extreme Tides in St. Malo

 The ship had to time its arrival in St. Malo according to how the tide was running...as you can see by the pictures; as the tide goes out, the boats are left high & dry!!!

St. Malo

 St. Malo is a walled port city in Brittany in northwestern France on the English Channel. St. Malo traces its origins to a monastic settlement founded early in the 6th century. It became notorious as the home of the corsair, French pirates who forced English ships passing up the Channel to pay tribute!! Jacque Cartier, who is credited with discovering Canada, lived in and sailed from St. Malo

Crepe & cider for Lunch

Seems like mussels with Frites + a Glass of Wine is also
a favorite for lunch!!!

St Malo

Walled city, with a history of pirates, corsairs, and fighting between the French and British! All providing trade and wealth! The city was mostly destroyed in WWll by American bombs and rebuilt. The ramparts escaped damage and date back to 13th century. Lovely warm day and yummy crepes for lunch.

Lazy Day at Sea

At sea today....in transit to St. Malo, France....should arrive there by 8:00am tomorrow!

Swell Time we're having!

Biarritz Market

Anne eating raw snail :-0!