Let’s face it : views are expensive. People are always willing to spend so much more for a place with a view. Rooms that have the best views always cost far more than rooms with no views. There is something about looking out of your window and seeing a gorgeous view. For 5 years we lived in the country with a stunning view of hills. When we wake up to a view we have a strong sense of peace come over us. We can see Gods fingerprints and can’t help but smile. All our worries and problems seem to be insignificant.
Blue and Gold Fleet
On our way to Angel Island we used the Blue and Gold Fleet ferry service. We left on Sunday in the morning so it wasn’t completely full so there was plenty of choice in seating when we went. On the way back we happened to be one of the few people on the ferry. We left from the San Francisco location which is on Pier 39 and Pier 41. This ferry service travels to Angel Island, Tiburon, and Sausalito. They have been running from Pier 39 since 1979 and have grown in their operation since then.
Ridge Site #4
Ridge Site #4 has the best views on Angel Island. During the two previous times we have backpacked on this island we have noticed just how great the view is from Ridge Site #4. What makes the view so great here is the view of San San Francisco. Preparing food, getting out of the tent, and many other actions are rarely met with such a fabulous view. While all of the ridge sites have a view of San Francisco, the Ridge Site #4 simply has the least amount of things blocking the view which also causes less protection from majority of the wind.
Battery Drew
Battery Drew was once a place with a cannon. The cannon was installed in 1892 and was mounted in this location until it was removed before World War l. This cannon weighed about 32,000 pounds and even after being taken away from this site still operated until decommissioned in 1915. Lieutenant Alfred W. Drew was the one this cannon was named after. Now that the cannon is gone this location is a pretty awesome concrete structure. There are plenty of spaces to explore and look at. Sadly there is a lot of graffiti but outside of that everything about being in the concrete structure which the cannon was once over is enjoyable. While the history is fascinating to think about the structure is amazing to look at.
Fort McDowell ( East Garrison) and Quarry Beach
Fort McDowell East Garrison began housing troops who got smallpox and other diseases overseas on the year of 1899. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers passed through Fort McDowell leaving healthy. It was originally named Camp Reynolds and until in 1900 it was renamed to what it is called now. In 1909 prisoners from Alcatraz were used to build more buildings on this site. There are so many buildings on this site now. They could definitely keep a lot of people who were sick here and help treat them. There is also a Quarry near this building which was here before the camp and there is also a beach called Quarry Beach.
Pier 39 & Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
In 1978, Pier 39 was built. Here you will find plenty of stores, activities, and places to eat at. We went on the two story carousel which has a lot of interestingly designed seats. We also went to Bubba Gump Shrimp Company where Esther and I had shrimp and we also got a clam chowder and a macaroni with cheese and shrimp. There are also a whole bunch of a sea lions sitting on floating platforms to the side of the pier which seem to always be there and make a lot of noise.
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