Day 7 Fort Bragg to San Francisco

Sunshine split the skys from the start, what a difference. At breakfast the routes for the gps were updated and we were more or less ready to go at 0900. First stop the gas station and today it was only $15 to top up. Its only $4.30 or so a gallon (6pts) which works out to £4 in uk.
I was last to leave the station behind Alan and Chris. We stopped at the red light waiting to turn left. The green lit and alan engaged gear and just as he moved a car shot through the red across his bow. That was close. Just shows you have to keep your wits about you. Steve the minibus driver says he always counts to 3 before moving off at lights, even if folk honk you for being slow.
That done we set off down highway 1, the scenery was fantastic. The rocky western coast looking magical with waves crashing over semi-submerged reefs. The road too was wonderful, a twisting turning ribbon hugging the clifftops. We passed through lovely small villages perched on cliff tops, Elk being one which the residents had outstanding views over the ocean. At on place the sea has reclaimed some land and houses are mid tumble into the sea. Shame.
One car in a hurry overtook Alan and I on a solid yellow, thats number 2 of the day.
Further on a 'kodak' moment was taken at a Vista point. There are large forests here and buzzards were soaring effortlessly on the onshore breeze coming up the cliffs.

1130 and its coffee time and a lovely hotel, Alexanders, where we have an early lunch instead. Not far south from here there is an option on the route - H1 or H101. Andy Hamilton and I choose H1, the rest go the straighter road.

Well H1 is a beauty from here to SF. A bikers dream, this is biking heaven. Halfway to the Golden Gate Andy and partner Candy, and I stop at a small place for a caffeine topup. Across the road is a barbers and andy decides to get his haircut. I go to find a bank and on returning to the barbers spot the old cash register. Don the barber says thats just old junk, go see the one in the western bar next door. Wow, two very old machines are still in place behind the bar, and as for the bar, straight out of 1890's or so.
We haven't seen too many other bikers on these roads. The weekends is when they all come out but today there have been 3 small groups on H1. Also not many are sport bikes, usually bigger Harleys but here is a Ducati, first I've seen.
After the bank I go to another hardware store. Not as good as the one in Napa but similar in size and an excellent stock of tools - handyman heaven;-)
We continue down H1 passing a couple of rundown restaurants that are decaying at the beachside. These must have been lovely places in their time.
Next we are twisting and turning around the shoreline. Maybe two miles later the road gains height and we are leaving the sea for now. A set of roadworks delays things but we get a wave from 4 bikes heading north.

Off again and its the freeway on-ramp next, but the traffic is soon slowing. We trickle through a tunnel and its stationary just at the exit. 4 into 2 is why but soon its over the bridge and the impressive skyline ahead. Slight confusion with the gps but we do get to the bridge vista point for some photos and then back onto the 101 into the city centre.
Very busy but the traffic is flowing and in no time we are at the hotel.

The hotel has its own underground parking which is very handy. Checkin and then quick change and head to pier 39 at fishermans wharf.

We go to Neptunes and arguably get the best table with a view of the bridge and the sun going down behind it - what and end to a perfect day.

G'night y'all.