SF Bay Races

Sail boats of all types peppered the Bay today as America's Cup host, Golden Gate Yacht Club hosted another event off Crissy Field.  Winds were clocked in excess of 25 knots as the boats rounded the marker near the old pier east of Fort Point.
   The afternoon winds did not deter locals and out of towners from enjoying this late summer saturday.  Picnickers were clustered about tables in sheltered sites as bikers, runners, skaters, strollers, and ramblers took advantage of great weather.  The Mayor chatted with visitors from Healdsburg, CA, in town for a change of scenery.  They took photos and watched as wind surfers challenged the Bay tides.  Crab fishermen were casting their traps off the pier, and a few casters were looking for stripers.
   A stroll past the Sports Basement store yielded two pairs of walking shoes, both will perform soon as a delegation heads to the Continent to discuss the Euro and business in general as it affects Tahoma.
    A visit to the Farmers' Market at the Ferry Building was in order because the Minister of Horticulture wanted to lok at some of the flowers being offered by vendors.  The Minister of Agriculture was also on scene, volunteering with Green Gulch Organic Farms from Marin County.  The foot traffic was tremendous, the foodies were out in force, and there was little evidence of recessionary hesitation.  Street musicians were scattered among the visitors, all with big hearts if not great voices.  One gentleman played a Japanese stringed instrument with great gusto; another folk singer/guitar player did a fair Bob Dylan rendition(or was it Arlo Guthrie?).  The variety of offerings is staggering; but this is summer and stone fruit, orchard crops, etc. are readily available across California.  A great lunch was had at Gott's- timing is important here and ours was perfect: only a 10 minute wait for the order!
   Traffic going north across the Bridge was moving well, and it was a great day, except the Giants dropped one to the Dodgers.