Mariner Sail Away Day (Part One)

This morning Andy and Terry will pack up and drive down to the ship, The Mariner of the Seas, in San Pedro Harbor.

They board at noon, and set out to explore this large new ship.

It is HUGE inside. Right down the center of the ship is a four story mall which resembles a European street lined with cafes, shops, and taverns.

The street is called "The Promenade."

Above the Promenade are 3 floors of cabins with a view of the shops below.

At each end of the Promenade is a huge open centrum where the elevators run.

On a lower deck is an ICE SKATING RINK, and on the top decks are a miniature golf course and a huge rock climbing wall.

Andy and Terry soon realize that this is the largest ship they have ever seen!

And it will be their home for the next seven days.

After the Life Boat Safety Drill the ship sets out for San Francisco.

Very few cruise ships travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco, but, thanks to the Swine Flu scare in Mexico, they are headed north, instead of south to Mexico.

The following afternoon, the Mariner approaches San Francisco Harbor.

Everybody is out on deck to see our approach toward the Golden Gate Bridge. Not many people get to view the bridge from this angle.

Passing under the bridge was a unique experience.

The Mariner finally docks right next to Fisherman's Wharf.

Having been to San Francisco a number of times, Andy and Terry have no need to rush out to see the regular tourist attractions.

After unsuccessfully trying to contact Grandson, Aaron (who has been working and going to school here for the last four years) Terry and Andy decide to accompany their friends, Gary and Nanette, on a hike up the steepest hill they can find.

(They later found that Aaron is working full time and going to summer school, so that is why they could not get in touch with him.

COIT TOWER is located on top of a very high hill.

To get to the top, all you have to do is climb stair, after stair, after stair...

There are lots of beautiful private gardens all along this steep hill.

FINALLY you get to the top... where you can see a lot of OTHER hills, and the famous Lombard Street (upper right).

Climbing to Coit Tower saps everyone's strength, so they begin their return to the ship.

This diner is a local landmark. It is said to be the location for several movies.