Yesterday I returned from a trip to San Francisco, where I attended a users group conference for the catalog software my library uses. I was able to take some free time in between the conference programs to see some of the sights.

I did some of the obvious touristy things, like riding the cable cars and going to Chinatown.

The few times I was at the bay, it was pretty hazy so a clear picture of the Golden Gate Bridge eluded me.

My favorite thing about Fisherman’s Wharf were the sea lions hanging out at Pier 39.

One morning, I rented a car and drove about 20 miles north to Muir Woods National Monument. Muir Woods is home to the tallest living things on the planet, coast redwood trees. Pictures cannot convey what an awesome sight these were. I saw trees that were over 300 feet tall, 20 feet in diameter at the base and estimated to be up to two thousand years old.

The hiking path at the bottom of the above picture is probably 12 feet wide, giving you an idea of how big the trees are.