After another nice Sunday breakfast (Belgium waffles with fresh fruit) at Frederick's at the Clift Hotel, we walked around the corner to the AVIS office, very conveniently located. Surprisingly, they offered a sporty, rather new Toyota Prius Hybrid, and, I have to admit, I have never driven a Hybrid, but the person at the counter told us that it is much more economical in re to gas (which is $ 5 per gallon - 3,8 l - here).
What was requiring getting used to, was all the blinking and beeping and the monitors, the quiet engine, the different gear shift - more like buttons to push -, but what was most confusing, esp. at the beginning, were all the alarms and assistance systems - for everything, for breaking, parking, staying in lane, keeping distance, etc. I told Peter that he almost doesn't need a driver anymore,,, all done by the car itself.
First stop this morning: Lands' End with the historic Cliff House, formerly a nice restaurant, standing empty now, and, the famous historic Sutro Baths (pic above, top). These ruins still bear a fascinating story, having been built by Adolph Sutro, a self-made millionaire in 1894. It was a massive public bathhouse in a monumental architectonical style, with pools, slides, springboards and educational features like history exhibits or art galleries. Also, there were concerts, shows and restaurants. When Sutro died in 1898 the Baths declined and were demolished in the 1960ies. At adjecent Ocean Beach (above) people were surfing and enjoying the beach, though the water was probably pretty cold.
Driving out of SF, we were stuck in the traffic, first because of a half-marathon taking place, then because of lots of families enjoying the nice weather at the beaches further South and driving like us on Hwy. 1, the coastal route. It improved after Santa Cruz. Sight was hazy, looked like sand was in the air. Stopped at Pigeon Point Lighthouse on the way, for a pit stop and to see the exhibition there.
Keine Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen