Monday 27th July 2009 – Clocks forward another hour – makes the morning seem particularly short. A quiet day at sea and cold out on the decks so no swim or gym either for that matter! Winners of the first segment of the photo contest announced and out of 42 entries I got 7th – I was very pleased. Already thinking of what I might enter in the next segment – people, family or friends. Went to bingo today (my second time) as the jackpot had to be won – no luck – some people must spend heaps going every day. After dinner a production show by the Dawn Princess group of singers and dancers and after that we went to the passenger talent show which was very good. One elderly man did a very good imitation of Victor Borga. Mason paid compensation today and bought me a lovely gold chain!!

Tuesday 28th July – Passed under the Golden Gate bridge early this morning and docked in San Francisco at 7am. Had breakfast early and off the ship by 9am. Intended to use the Hop on - Hop off bus around the city but, by mistake, got on the wrong one and ended up going over the bridge and out via Sausalito to Muir Woods, which is a lovely 550 acre National Park, home to some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world, the Coastal Redwoods. Back to town and on to the right Double Decker bus, for a tour of the city that lasted around 90 minutes and was narrated by a guide. We got off at China Town and spent some time looking around then, on again and finally off at Fishermans Wharf. I had missed a ride on the cable car last time we were here so was determined to do it this time. Glen and Alice decided not to so they went off to do their own thing while Mason and I waited in the queue to board. It was fantastic and coming back we hung onto the side – this would never be allowed in NZ and given how Americans sue at the drop of a hat, we were surprised it was allowed here. Spent some time at Fishermans Wharf and in particular Pier 39 where we saw the Sea Lions – there are hundreds of them and do they smell!! Have some great photos (I think) so will post them for you to see. We were surprised by the number of people begging and some that were obviously homeless. Heard tonight, that one of the passengers from New Plymouth, had a heart attack, was taken to hospital in San Francisco and was on life support and probably would be taken off – felt sad for his partner.