San Francisco, CA Friday September 16, 2011

Wow! It is finally here the day we start or 40th wedding anniversary celebratory cruise.  We were up at 5:30 AM so we could be at the airport at 7 for a 9 o'clock flight.

Back up a little.  We got home from our motor home trip on the 1st.  Since then we have been occupied with taking care of financial matters and doctor appointments.  Actually our two plus weeks at the house were more enjoyable than that.  We got a chance to catch up on and visit with the Las Vegas grandchildren.  We also were able to worship in person with our Church family at Oakey Boulevard.

After supper with Curtis and his family at the Lindo Michoacan  Mexican Restaurant, Gerri picked up Barbara Smith who is staying with Glenna while we are on the cruise.  Barbara is Gerri's brother's sister-in-law, she has stayed with Glenna in the past when we went to Mexico.

I digress.   We had finished most of our packing last night.    We were loaded up and ready for Barbara to take us to the airport by 6:30.  Barbara got her first shot at driving the Lincoln by driving us to McCarran Int. Airport.  A challenge for someone familiar with the airport and the car they are driving.  We did the curb side check in and stopped before going to the gate to finish our coffee.  We proceeded to the D gates and were quickly reminded of why we like motor home traveling.  The line to go through security was very long.  Off with belt, shoes, empty pockets and lay out lap tops.  Then put it all back.   We may have been late for the flight except for a weather delay in San Francisco, imagine there was fog in the bay area.  The flight was uneventful, smooth take off, flight and landing.  After landing we were deplaned at the international terminal instead of the domestic terminal.  We waited until people trying to make connections were off the airplane.  We got to the baggage area and were met by an agent of Princess Cruises.  She had arraigned our transportation to the Mark Hopkins International Hotel.  After checking in we were shown to our room.  I don't think we have ever stayed in a hotel room with a doorbell.  The doorbell could be turned off and lights up a do not disturb light by the door.  We relaxed for awhile and then went for lunch at the famous Top of the Mark. 

After lunch Gerri took a nap and I fired up the Geomate Jr. and went to look for a nearby cache.  As it turns out I should have used Gerri's phone.  I didn't find the cache, these tall buildings play havoc with GPS receivers.  I walked over a mile and a half and never found the cache.  Gerri's phone showed a cache within .12 miles of the hotel.  I may try it in the morning.

Since we had a big lunch we waited until about 9 and ordered a pizza from room service.

Tomorrow we board the ship.