Corinne decided Lee should also now about Moe's, another hamburger joint not too far from her place of work. Corinne works just a block from Pier 39. Lee and I arrived early last Friday, so decided first to see what the sea lions were up to, the ones that have claimed several docks at Pier 39. A sign says the sea lions have now been there for 22 years.
I remember when they first showed up. Boats had to fight for dock space, and finally gave up. Now the sea lions "own" the space, but they attract a good number of tourists so earn their keep. The day we arrived there weren't as many as we have seen in the past, but perhaps it has to do with time of year?
We watched long enough to notice some interesting behaviors. First off, most of the sea lions were pretty laid back, and were content to soak in the sun without much movement. But there were a couple of belligerent sea lions who insisted on having a full platform to themselves. It was these few that caused all the noise, which was frequent. Any time another sea lion encroached upon their territory, they would push them off! They would actually pull themselves over to the usually smaller sea lion, and push it overboard. One of these bullies went so far as to push everyone off his platform, then made his way to a full platform, and starting pushing everyone off that one!! Ornery fellow. There were plenty of empty platforms, so there was no sensible reason for this obnoxious behavior. I guess sea lions are like people - some are good natured, some not so much! Of course, as I stated, the bullies tended to be larger, so they probably felt their place in the hierarchy had to be protected. Nonetheless, I think the biggest bully went a little too far.
By the way, sea lions look a little bit like slugs out there on those docks, if you ask me.
After the entertainment provided by the sea lions, Lee and I made our way through the crowd towards Corinne's office. It was a gorgeous day, and the tulips and daffodils were in full bloom, in mid-February. Unusual, even for San Francisco. The next three shots were taken near Pier 39.
I love San Francisco. I think it is one of the prettiest cities on the planet. The weather and hills make it so, but also, I think, the pride that inhabitants take in their city.
We met Corinne, then walked uphill for four or five blocks, passing Washington Square and the Saints Peter and Paul Church:
I love the detail in the spires:
People were out enjoying the weather and Washington Square:
San Francisco streets:
We walked by Coit Tower, and I didn't take a photo of it. My bad. My sister runs up it's steps every work day morning for exercise! Way to go, I say.
