Post #781052 by Hamo on Thu, Nov 2, 2017 6:50 PM

I hope nobody was holding their breath waiting for me to continue (but also I hope someone's still interested in hearing about the rest of my trip...).

DAY 3: 8/6

Got on BART, crossed the Bay and headed to the de Young Museum, primarily to see the Oceanic art exhibit. The authentic
Papua New Guinea and Maori shields and tikis were very interesting.

I made a quick swing through a few other galleries before leaving and walking to Star of the Sea Church for Latin Mass. Afterward I headed to Lincoln Park to see the Legion of Honor, since same-day admission there was included with de Young admission. Enjoyed the classical art and Rodin sculpture in the museum, views of Golden Gate Bridge and the hills of the city, and a surprise—the western terminus of the Lincoln Highway.

After a bite to eat, I jumped on an eastbound bus and got to Smuggler’s Cove just after it opened at 5. It’s much smaller than I expected, but it certainly was dark and atmospheric; it took a few minutes for my eyes to adjust, and even then I couldn’t see and take in everything. Sorry; I guess I was so immersed that I forgot to take any pictures. Besides, you'll have to go to there yourself to really appreciate it anyway.

It was a Sunday afternoon and still early, so things were pretty subdued. I went downstairs (below deck?) and sat at the bar, where Steven was tending, and struck up conversation with Deborah, a local who considers the Cove her neighborhood bar. We talked tiki and Disneyland, mostly. I had the Rum Barrel (and took home the mug), Three Dots and a Dash, Demerara Dry Float (on Deborah’s suggestion), and Steven listened to my flavor preferences and made a Port au Prince. I enjoyed all the drinks, the company, the whole experience.

I spent much longer at the Cove than I’d expected, so by the time I left it was too late to get back to Oakland and then Alameda to Forbidden Island. Couldn’t make it to Pagan Idol, since it’s closed Sundays. I also forgot a pilgrimage to see Tiki Bob. So I guess I have good reasons to go back.

DAY 4: 8/7

The train ride from Jack London Square in Oakland to LA’s Union Station occupied most of the day. I really enjoyed the stretch of track along the coastline, but honestly, I preferred my overall experience on the California Zephyr to the Coast Starlight trip.

From Union Station I took the Metro to Hollywood and checked in to the hotel for the night.