Today we took an impromptu ferry ride to Sausalito, and walked around for a few before having dinner in San Francisco then returning home

The ferry building at the foot of Market Street. In the early 1900s this building was the center of the bay area's transportation as there was a vibrant ferry service at the time.

The facade of what used to be the headquarters of the Southern Pacific Railroad company. It now houses the telecommunications offices of the City of San Francisco, with a well-rated restaurant on the ground floor.

The rear of the ferry building as we leave San Francisco. Recently renovated, it will be fully restored to use at the end of summer. There are several stores on the ground floor now getting their final face-lifts before opening day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, there's a farmer's market in the afternoon. The ferry was berthed on the left.

The sweep of the waterfront, from the San Francisco side of the Bay Bridge to the ferry terminal.

The Transamerica pyramid takes center stage in this shot, with the buildings of Gateway Commons - an upscale apartment complex - in the foreground. The ship at the right is a historical stern-wheeler from the late 19th century.

The Vallejo Baylink ferry cutting across our wake as it heads to the pier. A portion of the suspension part of the Bay Bridge is in the background. The freighters in the distance are likely awaiting berthing spots at the San Francisco piers.

Sweeping view of the downtown San Francisco skyline, bracketed by the Bay Bridge and the Transamerica pyramid.

Coit Tower, a tribute to the firefighters, was erected after the 1906 San Francsicso earthquake and resulting fire. It's a popular tourist site because of the spectacular views of the surrounding city.

The cantilever section of the Bay Bridge, which is connected to Yerba Buena island on the right. A tunnel through the island connects with the suspension portion of the bridge. The island to the left of the bridge is the southern end of Treasure Island, a WW II staging post for the Pacific fleet. The Oakland hills are in the background.

Treasure Island, agains the hazy Oakland hills.

Another view of the San Francisco skyline, with Coit Tower in the corner to the right.

The almost-full span of the Bay Bridge, with Yerba Buena Island to the left.

Alcatraz Island, The Rock, a former penitentiary in the middle of San Francisco Bay, site of the famous Eastwood film "Escape from Alcatraz". This is the eastern end of the island.

Another, hazy view of San Francisco's skyline, with Pier 39, a popular tourist stop, in the lower right.

Another shot of Alcatraz. The tower on the left is a lighthouse, which flashes about 4 times a minutes. One of the tour ships is moored to the left. The summer fog is clearly visible, as it streams in over the Golden Gate.

Barely visible in the fog, the main span of the Golden Gate covers a tour ship.

The San Francisco skyline, showing the central part of the city and the low-hanging fog. The white-capped waves testify to the windy conditions.

Angel Island, another of the islands in the bay. This is a national park, with miles of walking and bicycling trails.

A closer shot of the Golden Gate, with the Marin Headlands on the right.

Another shot of Angel Island, with a submerged harbor seal in the foregroung on the right.

The eastern end of San Francisco. The sudden end to building marks the start of Golden Gate Park, which stretches all the way to the ocean.

The western side of Alcatraz, with the water tower and cell blocks clearly visible in the surprising late afternoon sunshine.

The cormorants of Alcatraz. All the black dots are cormorants, which make a living in the waters of the bay.

A last picture of the south-western side of Alcatraz as we stream back to San Francisco.

The Pier 39 area is right where the archway is, just to the right of the tour ferry putting out into the bay. The Transamerica pyramid and Coit Tower are in the middle of the picture.