Game Four, Bowling and Carrie Prejean....Can You Keep Up?

Ok, this is probably going to be the most off the wall post, to date, but I have a LOT of ground to cover from the last 2 days, so I am gonna tackle it ALL in this edition. For those that know me, I am certain none will be offended...for those who do not...I'll warn you that I am not a liberal, by ANY means, so you are likely to come away offended at some point. Fair enough? Good.

I want to begin by Congratulating the 2008 Defending Stanley Cup Champs, da Red Wings, for closing out their series against Columbus Thursday night. Our boys played tough and make no mistake, the Blue Jackets knew what was on the line and they came to play, as well. In fact, after suffering a decimating 12-2 score (through the first three games), Columbus simply had to figure out Chris Osgood and Ozzie was clearly not in his best form Thursday, appearing to me to be hurting. It was a recipe for one whale of a game!

Detroit opened up an early lead, but Columbus answered back....then it was Detroit again, adding two to their tally and the Blue Jackets were on the ropes as the first period came to a close. It wasn't until the second period began that we got a good look at Chris Osgood, because the Wings dominated so fully in the first....but once the puck started flying toward our veteran net-minder, it was clear that something was wrong.

Columbus peppered Ozzie with a flurry of shots in the opening minutes of the 2nd period, scoring twice within two minutes and ultimately scoring four goals, letting the Red Wings know they were here to play. But Osgood was clearly having trouble moving left to right and word has it, he was dealing with some knee issues.

The outcome, at least for us Wings' Fans, was good. Detroit closed out the series with a 6-5 win, eliminating Columbus from the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 4-0 sweep. The boys will have some well-earned time off, to prepare for Round Two and either Vancouver, or The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Both present challenges for Detroit, but let's hope Ozzie can overcome his pain issues and be ready to help defend.

Saturday presented a couple firsts for this new year in my hometown. Fellow Ham Radio Operators and I got our first look at SKYWARN Nets for 2009, as a series of storms blew through the area. We had several outtages in the first batch, as well as some downed wires and trees early in the afternoon. I didn't have to go out in the field to spot, but we did see the power flicker a few times....never a good thing!

The second round of storms seemed a bit stronger and pushed into the Lansing Area about 5pm, shortly after my daughters and I arrived for Daddy/Daughter bowling in Mason. Lots of wind, heavy rain and frequent lightning accompanied this line and about half way through our bowling event, the power went out, putting an abrupt end to the festivities.

As we prepared to leave the bowling center, the owner announced that when we get our photos of the event, tickets for two free games of bowling would accompany them. The crowd on hand erupted into cheers and it was nice to learn that this was a good guy, because he clearly did not have to do this....he did it out of kindness. Hat's off to the Mason Bowling Center!

Finally this morning, have you followed the catfight between Miss California, Carrie Prejean and Perez Hilton? It seems that Prejean, a woman of obvious Christian roots, gave the 'wrong answer', when asked about her stance on marriage. Prejean said that, 'marriage should be between a man and a woman' at the Miss USA pagaent last Sunday....apparently blowing Hilton's wig back and causing a stir in the Hollywood elite. So much so that Miss California State Director, Shanna Moakler, has ditched Prejean. Something smells funny here, doesn't it?

FROM FOXNEWS.COM's Pop Tarts...

Meanwhile the Miss California State Director, Shanna Moakler (who has come under fire this week for reportedly ditching Prejean over her controversial answer) wants the 21-year-old to stop talking to the media and talk to Perez’s people instead.

"I know Carrie is very religious and God is a huge part of her life, but I was just surprised she went down that road and answered the question the way she did. I think it’s very necessary at this point (that she talk to Hilton or the Equality group) as we have a lot of openly gay sponsors who supported her and were not aware of her opinions on their lives and are now deeply hurt," Moakler said. "Carrie is going to have to stop doing the press circuit about how great it is she used the First Amendment and her First Right, and really sit down with these people that she’s hurt."

Since when does anyone have to answer to anyone else, let alone a group of people, for his or her BELIEFS? I hope that Carrie tells these one-sided biggots to take a flyin' leap and then to take their liberal pagaent and shove em both right up their noses!

I'll leave you with this and please forgive me for straying from my Family and Friends theme in this posting....but the time has come to STOP the double standard! One set of rules for me and another for you. NO, I am not gonna stand for it any longer. The far left wing has cried foul far too long. The homosexual community wants freedom to speak and equal treatment and yet they won't allow the same anyone who holds a view different from theirs.

Hey, Perez, go whine somewhere else and GET OVER YOURSELF! If Carrie Prejean folds up now and gives them what they want, we ALL lose. Hilton is little more than a punch line to a really bad joke and I hope Carrie holds the line.

It's ALL About the Cup....Game Three

The Detroit Red Wings, led by goalie, Chris Osgood were stellar once again on Tuesday night, shutting Nash and Company down for a third straight game-and winning game three by a 4-1 score. Ozzie looked great as his shutout time reached over 143 minutes, before someone from Columbus finally found the way past Osgood and to the back of the net.

Let's be clear; the Columbus Blue Jackets are a mismatch for the Wings. They have little if any experience in playoff hockey, individually and they simply can't keep up with European Puck Possession-style teams! No, I'm not being cocky, but the boys from Detroit and points east are battle-tested and proven. That's a tall order for anyone facing them, least of all the Columbus Blue Jackets.

For now, the Detroit Red Wings and Chris Osgood are the talk of Hockeytown. Their play is solid and they really do look impressive against the Bluejackets. But with the Pistons on the verge of their playoff exit, and the Lions planning for yet another loss-filled season.....not to mention the Tigers, who are playing just above .500 right now (give them time, they will fall apart!) the Wings are about the only thing going in the Motor City these days. Don't even get me started on GM!

I don't know about you, but this Family is enjoying the playoffs. It's something we have done together for the past couple years and Josh even got his picture taken with Lord Stanley's Cup last summer.

GO WINGS!!!

The Ozzman Rules in Game 2 of the WC Playoffs

Veteran Red Wing Netminder, (30) Chris Osgood made a statement this evening, as the Defending Stanley Cup Champions defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-0. It was Osgood's 61st playoff victory and his 14th playoff shutout, which ties him for fourth on the NHL's career postseason shutout list, along with teammate Dominik Hasek, Ed Belfour and Jacques Plante. The Detroit Red Wings now hold a commanding 2-0 lead in the first-round Western Conference series as the teams head south, to Columbus, Ohio for a Tuesday meeting.

I have to be honest, it wasn't always this positive in Hockeytown-or even in my own home. Osgood has had the worst season of his 15 years in the NHL and his Goals Against Avg. and Save Percentage were considered mediocre, at best. But through it all...Ozzie has maintained that we, "Wait until the playoffs." I've never been a bandwagon fan of Chris Osgood, that is to say I have always been a fan of this man....at his best, as well as his worst.

At the conclusion of last season's Stanley Cup Championship battle, Osgood should have silenced his detractors, but that has never been the case. For as long as Ozzie has been in goal, he has had an uphill battle to prove himself worthy....to be named among the sport's best....and somehow, it has eluded him. Truth be told, however, he did not help himself with lackluster performances throughout the 08-09 Season.

As we head into Game 3 of the first round, you can bet I'll be watching, along with my entire Hockeytown-Crazy Family members....Wife and Kids included. GO WINGS!!!

Stanley Cup Playoffs Return to Detroit

At long last the Stanley Cup Playoffs are under way. It was a long, hard road to get to this point and everyone (including myself) wondered if Chris Osgood (aka Ozzie) would be able to do the job for our beloved Winged Wheelers....well, he looked GREAT last night in a 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. In fact, the entire team looked like they are hungry for another Cup...and that was my concern as the season came to a close.

Now, since I am NOT affiliated with the Detroit Red Wings (but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night), The NHL needs to take a serious look at its stance on the Wing's Al Sobotka and his 'swingin of the octopie'. The League has said it will not tolerate Al's past practice of swinging the octo over his head, as he leaves the ice. It ALWAYS brings the fans to their feet and everyone loves the show. Well, everyone but the NHL and peta.

Think of it this way....would the League feel the same way if Al swung a pork chop over his head? How about a steak? A hot dog? Sounds ridiculous, but it is no more ridiculous than the League having issues with Al's antics with the octopie! IT'S FOOD, PEOPLE!!! And so, from all of us in Hockeytown....GET A LIFE NHL! Stop bowing to peta and other nuts, who whine and then ruin it for the rest of us.

And yes, I DID search for this photo on the Internet, just to salute Al Sobotka for all of his great years of Octo-Swingin! GO WINGS!

Easter Sunday at Home

See the pics from Easter Sunday here.

It's already Easter Sunday and warmer weather has returned to Mid-Michigan. After last week's nasty little 'joke', we're glad to see a warmer weather pattern return to the area and we are now looking for that 70 degree stuff!

The kids had a blast this morning, searching for hidden Easter Eggs in the house. One year, I would like to see it be nice enough to have the "Easter Bunny" hide the eggs outside, so the kids could really have fun hunting for them!

We enjoyed a semi-traditional meal of Ham, with mashed potatoes and corn, plus some really good, soft dinner rolls. Mmmmmm. But with my Mom in California this year, we missed the creamed peas, french onion green beans and that awesome fruit salad she always made in the past. Well, that's the price we pay for not having Mom at home with us. I guess I am greedy that way....LOL

I'm going to enjoy one more week at home, then it's back to the grind on next Monday. With all the questions, drama and rumors, I don't know that I look forward to going anymore, I just appreciate the fact that I have a job and can pay my bills. There are hundreds of my fellow drivers who are not so lucky...for them it's a far tougher battle.

As April draws into the final two weeks, what happens with my Company and its drivers is anybody's guess, but as I said, at least we are working. Until something else happens, we head to our job in the morning and do what we need to do to meet the needs of our Company. And, with warm weather just around the corner, perhaps a little more time home isn't so bad after all. ;-)

Easter Season and Spring

Well, after a nasty surprise last Sunday and Monday, the snow has gone (for the most part) and Spring-like weather is once again with us. Temps have been in the low 50's for a few days now, which is a good sign and I'm fairly certain that the last of Ol' Man Winter has been seen until next Fall/Winter. I might upload a few photos later on of the scene outside our window from last week, but the snow flocked trees were anything but a pleasant surprise, I can assure you.

We want warm weather, doggone it!

Blowin' Off Some Steam At the Range

It's springtime here in Michigan and that usually means rain...and lots of it in April and early May. So when the sun shines and it's a semi-warm day, you get outta the house and do whatever you want to do...quickly. Why? Well, because in Michigan, we don't get seasons, we get samples!

My Yahoo IM activated this afternoon and it was my friend and fellow Ham Radio Op, Ben (WX8BEN), asking if I wanted to go shooting with him. "Why not?" I replied and we met up for a bit of fun at the local shooting range. Ben's weapon of choice is an impressive .40 cal. (Springfield XD40) and I have to say, he's doggone good at hitting the 25yd. target. I don't think I would choose to visit his home, if I had ill plans!

And so, we blew off a couple hundred rounds (rounds, by the way, which are abnormally hard to come by these days), shot some video for You Tube, took some digis of the event and headed for home, satisfied that we had laid that plywood backstop to waste! Yeah.....we're men and we can blow things up! Or at least put lots of holes in it.

To see pics of our shoot em' up, Click Here

Another Generation of Red Wings Fans!

Wanna see the photos from this entry? Look here

Finally, the time had arrived! For most of the past 3 weeks, my younger two children were drooling at the sight of the four tickets, which were tucked neatly into the cupboard door, sitting there like a chocolate Easter Bunny tempting the little ones daily. The 'Family Four Pack' kept them watching the calendar. The tickets, a gift from one of our local Hams' sons (Tim Wilson) were welcomed with open arms...that is a story all its own! How do you say 'Thank You' for a gift like that? I don't think he really understood just how thankful my entire Family of Red Wing fans were, but I hope to return the kindness somehow.

"How many days now?", Josh asked.

"Oh, let's see.....seven....seven more days and we go to the Joe Louis Arena!" I replied.

Josh has been 'indoctrinated' into Red Wing traditions since his early years, so when it comes to the Wings, he's into whatever it might be. Even at 15-18 months of age, we taught him the 'Let's go Red Wings' chant, complete with claps. By age two, Joshy was clappin' right along with us. But it goes beyond even that!

When our little man was born into this world, Dad was wearing a Red Wings sweater (jersey). It was 2002 and I had a Center Ice version of the Home Jersey. Nothing special and no number, or name, just the jersey. Well, when we won the Stanley Cup that year, I went out and bought a brand new away jersey, found and purchased an official 2002 Stanley Cup patch and added my nephew's number and name, because he also played in the youth hockey league in town. That sweater is Johy's now, once he can fit into it, but until then, I wear it (and I had it on last night).

And so, we head out Friday afternoon about 4pm, well ahead of time, in case of traffic. I wasn't going to be late for my kids' first Red Wings' game....and we weren't. But it was fun, watching Josh and Mick looking in awe at the Joe Louis Arena in the distance. We walked about 3 blocks to the raised tunnel that would take us into the JLA and got there about 30 minutes before the doors opened.

Once inside, we got the important stuff....the Red Wings #1 sponge finger, a puck, a book on the Wings' 2008 Stanley Cup Season and various other goodies. We also stopped for a Little Caesar's pizza and some Coke, before heading to our seats. Sec. 217C, row 20....a bit near the top, but if you have ever been to the Joe, there really aren't that many bad seats in the house and I have not seen the few that exist!

The magic of your first professional sporting event is something you never forget. Mine was going to see the Detroit Tigers, back when Mark 'The Bird' Fidrych was pitching for them. I will never forget 'The Bird' manicuring the mound, or talking to the ball.....or the animated way he did his job. And as we walked around the Joe, snapping pictures and watching the warm-ups at ice level, I was witnessing Josh marking this date in his life. Mick was enjoying herself, too, but this was a boy-thing. A Father-Son thing....something we will both remember for the rest of our lives.

Well, the Wings were shutout tonight...falling to the New York Islanders 2-0. The Islanders are the worst team in the NHL, but I was afraid this might happen. The neat thing was that we got to see Chris Osgood in goal for Detroit and my wife loves Ozzie! But the Wings tried...boy did they try. There were so many flurries in front of New York's goalie, Joey MacDonald (a former Wing, by the way), we should have won that game 8-2! LOL But it was not to be.

Walking out of the Joe Louis, Josh and I were walkin' hand in hand, chatting about the game. I felt I needed to see how he enjoyed the time.

"So what did you think, bud?", I asked. "Sorry you didn't get to see the Wings win tonight."

"That was fun, Dad.....", he said. "And don't worry, you can bring me back to see them win a different game!"

Yep, my little Winger enjoyed his first NHL Hockey Game....a new chapter begins!

The Frailty of Us Humans

Just over a week ago, I lost a friend. The details are unimportant, because Norm is no longer with us....but his death has caused me a great mix of thoughts and emotions, primarily because we had not spoken in some time. Again, the details are unimportant. But in the course of the last eight days, I have come to understand something about us, as a race.

It is easy to forgive and move on......when it's too late to correct the broken path we've left behind us. But no matter what WE, the living d0, it is already past the time of opportunity to repair a lost friendship, a broken marriage, or a relationship on any level. The deceased have found their rest, but the living must learn to cope with not only the loss, but the fact that they will never again have a chance to mend that fence in their lifetime.

Now, understand that I can differentiate between the loss of a 'real' friend and someone who only pretended to be one...and that happened to me only recently, too! And there is a period of mourning for both. One, because you know that friend is gone and you didn't mend the fence and the other, because you have 'wasted' a period of months....or in my case....YEARS on building what you thought was iron clad! Yet, in both instances, the blame for the breakdown is on the same person's shoulders-your own.

Hey, it's my blogspace to ramble in, so I am going to continue.

I've learned a great deal about loss these last few years. I've lost my Grandfather, a man whom I loved and held in high esteem, in 2005. He was an old man, quiet and unassuming, but who would have thought that he was a real, live hero? And yet he was....assisting in the rescue of many men, from a ship that had run aground in the UP's Sac Bay. Cecil H. Shawl was a good man, a decent man and more 'Christ-like' than a lot of so called 'Christians' I have known. He didn't talk much about his Faith, he just lived his Faith...day by day....year by year.

And then there is another Family member I cannot yet talk about. Nuff said.

Add to this a 'friend' I entrusted for more than 14 years, before finding he was not the person he claimed to be.....and then Norm, a good man who had some really tough cards dealt to him. Yep, life has taught me a lot about losing. And there are lessons in each loss, which I can and will pass on to my children as they grow.

The only lesson I want to talk about today, other than avoiding missed opportunities, is to cherish the aged. Within their still fertile minds lie a wealth of history. Stories untold can pour from their lips at will and if you give them a chance.....they will! I wish I had taken far more opportunities to sit with Bpa and talk to him about the olden days. We talked once, on tape, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. We should have talked far more often than that....and on my last trip to see him, just days before his death, I looked back at my video camera and said, "Ah, next time". 19 days later, next time came, but Bpa was no longer able to tell me stories.

If you have a Grandfather, Grandmother, or Great Grama, or Grampa, sit down with them TODAY and talk to them. Ask them what it was like growing up in their early years....what it was like when they worked....what it was like in everyday America. You'd be surprised how much it has changed.

As for my neighbor and friend, Norm.....all I can say is "Thank You" for being a friend, for offering help in time of need and for teaching me to watch more closely, so I can avoid future mistakes.

2009 SKYWARN Training in Lansing, Michgan

The 2009 Storm Season is upon us and it was time to refresh our memories at our annual SKYWARN Training Day, held at the West Campus of Lansing Community College. This venue has been VERY good to us, allowing us to hold our training here each year and even feeding us lunch!

On hand for this year's event was our NEW Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Jamie R. Bielinski and WLNS TV-6 Meteorologist, Rob Dale (N8GSK). Jamie provided the training we get each year from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and it took the better part of two hours to complete. But anyone in attendance can tell you, it was far from boring! Jamie seemed a natural at her task, mixing in a little personal humor and some stories of her own Storm Chasing.

At the conclusion of Bielinski's program, the good folks at LCC West showed us tremendous hospitality, with lunch for each attendee. The feast consisted of Kettle Cooked chips, shaved Roast Beef, Ham or Turkey for sandwiches, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad and fresh cookies for dessert. Talk about a nice meal!

With full bellies and great anticipation, we welcomed Rob Dale to the podium. Most of the local folks know Rob, but it didn't take long for those who did not know Rob to warm up to him. He's one of those speakers that captivate your attention, because they are real. Rob doesn't put on airs and he doesn't pretend to know something if he doesn't fully understand it. It's one more reason we applauded Rob, as he announced his new position in Eaton County. It's great to know that while he's leaving local TV, he is not leaving us!

Another special guest in attendance for the event was Kaz Fujita, son of the late Ted Fujita (creator of the F-Scale). Kaz and I have been friends since 1998, when we first met at 'Science Day at the Mall', held at Meridian Mall in Okemos.

Our heartfelt thanks to LCC-West, Tom Shaver (KC8NJK), Trent Atkins, Rob, Jamie, Kaz and especially to Ben Holcomb (WX8BEN) for getting things together for us. There were many others (far too many to list here) who deserve recognition and we appreciate all YOU have done, as well. THANKS TEAM! To see more photos of our SKYWARN Training, please visit Our SKYWARN Photo Album

Science Night in Mason

Tonight was special for those who came out to our annual Science Night at the school. Josh and Michelle were excited to show us all the fun things they were planning for the event, including a life petting zoo, science programs, fingerprinting and other things.

We got there early and our oldest, Amanda even came with her man, Jimmy. It was great fun for all of us and the pictures tell the story....so here they are

My Daughter's FIRST Red Wings' Game

See photos for this blog entry here.

There are few things in life more fulfilling than taking part in a number of different firsts in the lives of your children. Maybe it's getting baptized, or meeting someone of importance in their lives (an idol, perhaps...or a dignitary), attending their first dance....you get the idea. Well, on Friday, February 20th of this year, my daughter Amanda and I attended her first NHL Hockey Game at Joe Louis Arena, in Detroit.

We went as guests of a good friend of mine and I was determined to make this first a special one, because we are HUGE Wings' fans at my home. From our early years together, my wife Laurie and I have always watched the Wings, listened to the Wings and been a part of everything Wings that we can. As a result, our kids knew the 'Let's Go Red Wings' chant as early as they learned 'Let's Go Blue'. (Unfortunately, Amanda went Green on us back in third grade, but we are holding out hope for Mick and Josh).

So we arrive at the Joe about 6pm on game night. It's bitterly cold and since the Joe is on the waterfront, it was that much colder! Amanda was soaking in the sights and sounds of downtown Detroit, as we made our way to the arena. Hart Plaza, the RenCen, Cobo....Windsor (just across the water from us). She reminded me of......well......ME, at an early age. Just takin it all in. It was fun to watch, actually.

Puck to ice is 7:30 on this particular evening, so we had a bit of time to walk around. I wanted to find out where some of 'Red Wings Live' was shot, so we made our way along the concourse, picking up our program and getting a photo taken near one of the many hockey posters and statues inside The JLA. Immediately after getting our picture taken, my eyes were drawn to a red banner, just down the way from where we were standing. There was a small group forming near it and the people seated at the table below it. It was Hall of Fame Winger, #9, "Mr. Hockey", Gordie Howe!

Mr. Howe was signing copies of his book, "9" that evening and to me, price was no issue. I had a small wad of spendin' cash with me and I knew that Laurie would be thrilled to know I got to meet him, despite the fact she could not...but bringing home an autograph would be a plus. So, I got in line, patiently waiting my turn to meet this incredible Hockey legend. As my turn comes, I completely forget to have him sign to the Family and just give him my name. I knew, at that moment, there would be problems for me......LOL. We shook hands, I thanked him and we made our way to the seats.

The game was awesome and Amanda REALLY wanted to see a fight. I explained to her that fights are not as common these days, due to the NHL's tighter reign on players and coaches. Fines are expensive and no team wants to lose players this close to the playoffs. No sooner had I uttered these words and 'The Mule', Johan Franzen was scrappin' with someone at the other end of the ice. Amanda was on her feet cheering and laughing at me.....for even thinking a fight would not happen at her first Hockey Game.

It was a Great experience for both of us. The Wings soundly defeated the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, 5-2 and Amanda was an even bigger Red Wings' fan at the end of the night. Mission Accomplished!

January Trip To California

Everyone in the Midwest appreciates a break from old man Winter, agreed? So, when my Mom decided that she was relocating to Sacramento (and I had time off, due to the flagging economy anyway), the choice was simple. I would offer to drive her and her belongings myself...and then enjoy a small vacation while I was at it.

The weather was nearly perfect, with the exception of that potent arctic blast that reached from Canada into Old Mexico! On our second day out, we experienced sustained winds of 45mph for more than three hours between Oklahoma City and Amarillo, TX. We ended our day just shy of the Texas border, in a little town called Erick, OK. I can't tell you how nice it was to get into a hot shower and loosen my tired muscles.....LOL.

We got on the road, bright and early the third day, aiming for the California border, but we made it as far as Flagstaff, AZ before I had had my fill of the road. Even being a truck driver by trade, it was a long day and the remnants of the previous days' winds were crossing our path regularly. It was far from the 45mph stuff, but it was still gusty and things never really did warm up, until we crossed into California on the 4th day. Which leads me to a funny story.

Picture this: It's 7:30am (Eastern Time) and we are in Flagstaff, starting our day. Knowing that we would soon be in California, I opted to wear my trademark shorts and Michigan pullover. It's a balmy 19 degrees outside! Mom thought I was ready for the looney bin, but I was firm in my conviction to start off the day like this, so she just rolled her eyes and tolerated me....for one more LONG day on the road.

We stopped for breakfast in Kingman, AZ and finally got into Needles, CA about 10:30am. WOW! 73 degrees and Sunny! Whata great day....and well worth the frosty start I had a few hours earlier.

Well, the day WAS long and we finally rolled into Sacramento about 10:30pm (EST), just in time to pick up my Sister-In-Law from work! We did all the necessary stuff, like undecking Mom's car from the tow dolly and getting only the necessities off the truck, prior to retiring to my Sister and Brother-In-Law's home for the night.

Now, Mom promised my that my work was done and the remainder of my time in California would be spent RELAXING....she fibbed. I ended up as part of the unloading crew at her new digs in Sacto, but between my Nephew, Jeffery and I, we got it done in just over an hour. Now I can relax, cus Mom is settling in and has all the time in the world to do so. This is Thursday.

On Saturday, My Brother-In-Law, Chris took me for a day at San Francisco. Now, call me strange, but I just love heading to Pier 39, getting some Clam Chowder in a bread bowl from Fisherman's Grotto and eating it, as I look out over San Francisco Bay, near the Submarine. There is something special about the salt air, Alcatraz and Angel Island in the distance and the sights n sounds of the city. I could go there solely for this treat and I do that every chance I get. But no trip to San Francisco is complete without crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, to catch sunset at Battery Spencer. See my photos here and you will see just what I am talking about!