San Francisco-Bay Bridge will be closed over Labor Day Weekend

In most cases, this means that repairs are going to happen over a weekend, when the disruption to commuters is minimized.  Okay, that makes sense.

But why, I am asking myself, would anyone schedule repairs to the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge over Labor Day Weekend?

The repairs are necessary bring the bridge into compliance with current earthquake standards.  It’s necessary and important, of course, but why close the bridge over Labor Day weekend?

Sure, there won’t be people commuting into the city.  But this is one of the chief driving holiday weekends, and these repairs mean that the Bay Bridge will be closed down over Labor Day Weekend.  Offering up alternatives like “allow extra time for travel” and “use the other bridges” (Golden Gate Bridge, Richmond-San Rafael Bridge, San Mateo-Hayward Bridge and the Dumbarton Bridge) just don’t seem like they’re going to be terribly helpful or practical.

If you’re going to be traveling in the Bay Area, you’ll want to keep up-to-date with information provided by the Bay Bridge Public Information Office.  And I’d start making other plans straight away.

I’m thinking that lots of car trips are going to be cancelled or changed.

Photo credit: yanec @flickr

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

FDR hated to fly, preferring to travel by ship or train, and the USS Potomac was outfitted to accommodate his mobility issues.  It could cruise along at speeds of 10-13 knots, and FDR would often hold informal strategy meetings aboard, enjoying the privacy and seclusion the yacht provided.  Visiting dignitaries were entertained on the yacht, and at least one of FDR’s famed radio broadcasts originated from onboard.  There were many “secret” meetings held aboard, only some of which have been made public.

The yacht was also used for recreational activities, at least up until the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Following the death of FDR, the Potomac went through a series of owners.  Elvis Presley owned her for awhile!  Eventually, though, she was used in more infamous endeavors, and was seized in 1980 as a front for drug smugglers.  Her hull was pierced one night and she sank — the once proud and majestic yacht had fallen.

After being refloated by the Navy, the Potomac was sold to the Port of Oakland (for a mere $15,000) and a $5 million restoration campaign was launched.  It took a cooperative effort between organized labor, maritime corporations, and a bunch of dedicated volunteers, to finally complete the restoration.

The task complete, the yacht was berthed at Jack London Square, 540 Water Street, in Oakland (California), and opened to the public in 1995.  It has been declared a National Historic Landmark, and is a Coast Guard certified, fully seaworthy vessel.

It sounds impressive and beautiful — where can I see it?

The Potomac is now a floating museum, with a nearby Visitor Center.

Dockside tours of the Potomac are conducted on Wednesday and Friday at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, and Sunday at noon and 3:30 pm..  The tour includes a 15-minute video, and then a 45-minute guided tour.  Tour prices are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors (60+), and FREE for youth ages 12 and under.  Reservations are not required.

History cruises onboard the Potomac are offered (May through November) on alternating Thursdays and Saturdays.  (Check the schedule for details.)  After watching the video, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour cruise around the San Francisco Bay, learning about surrounding landmarks and the historical connection between the FDR presidency and the area.  You can choose a guide or self-guided tour onboard.  Tickets prices are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors (60+), $20 for youth (ages 6-12), and FREE for children ages 6 and under.  You can purchase your tickets online.

Special event cruises are also offered on the Potomac, including a Father’s Day cruise and a Veterans’ Day Cruise.  I think the Fourth of July Cruise would be a wonderful way to celebrate our country’s independence!  Offerings and prices vary, so check the schedule of special events for details and ticketing information.  These events sell out, so plan in advance.

The grandeur and 1940’s ambiance of the Potomac is perfect for special events, and it is available for private charters.  It’s been used for weddings, anniversary parties, reunions, and a variety of special events.

Parking at Jack London Square is available at the Washington Street Garage (between 2nd and Embarcadero Streets), one block from the Potomac.

Photo Credit: wikimedia

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Operating year round, Gondola Servizio offers private tours (meaning you are not thrown together with strangers) on a reservation only basis.  Come as a couple for a romantic sunset rid, or put together a party of up to six for a more festive occasion. 

Available cruise packages include:

• Marco Polo:  30 minute tour, $45 for two people, additional guests $10 per person.
• Casanova:  55 minute tour, $75 for two people, additional guests $10 per person.
• Promessi Sposi:  A photographers delight, and a popular choice for special occasions.  Gondola Servizio will work with your photographer to create a photo-worthy event.  This is a popular package for engagement and wedding photos, and family portraits.  $225 for two people, additional guests $10.

Group tours are also offered, and customized requests are always considered

From September through May cruises are offered Wednesday through Sunday, from 5 pm – midnight.  During the Summer (June through August), cruises are offered daily.

Use the Fairyland entrance of Lake Merritt, and park in the Gondola Servizio parking lot.  You’ll meet your gondolier out on the dock.

I’m still holding out for a ride in Venice, but till then, this will be the next best thing.

Photo credit:  FreeFoto

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After the Tower was damaged in the 1989 Loma Pieta earthquake, the newspaper moved to new digs and the building sat empty for years.  The Tower was eventually renovated and today it houses offices and residential condos. 

The clock tower and tower top are a city beacon that can be seen from miles away, and are one of the most recognizable buildings in the Oakland skyline.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

For those of you who travel to and from the airport on a frequent basis, I’m sure that’s an all too familiar scenario.  While there may be no getting around the traffic, if you are traveling in the New England or San Francisco Bay area, there are ways to commute to the airport without polluting the environment.

Now, thanks to PlanetTran, there’s a way to get to and from the airport in a socially responsible, environmentally friendly way ““ even when there is no viable public transportation option.

What is PlanetTran?  It’s the first public auto service to exclusively utilize environmentally friendly hybrid cars (currently, the Toyota Prius) for its livery fleet.  Primarily serving airports in the greater Boston and Bay Area, they can be schedule for car service nearly anywhere.  You make a reservation by creating a profile in the online reservation system, enter your to and from locations, and schedule your pick up time and location.  Alternatively, you can call PlanetTran at 1-877-ECO-TAXI.

The Prius can seat four passengers with light luggage, three passengers with more extensive luggage, and two passengers with luggage that includes golf clubs, skis, or large bags that require folding down the back seat.

PlanetTran quotes you a flat charge for your car service, and bills waiting time at $60/hour in increments of 10 minutes, with a 10-minute grace period.  They keep on top of arriving flights (and delays), and wait time is not charged for commercial airline delays, or for the time it takes you to get from plane to car.  They’ll wait for you as long as it takes, so you won’t have to worry about the time it takes to get your check bags, clear customs, or anything like that.

Looking at some sample prices, PlanetTran is pretty comparable to taxis, and cheaper than most limo and other car services.  They accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express, but not cash (security reasons).  A receipt is emailed to you, continuing the quest for “green” technology, with a paperless operation.

Using PlanetTran looks like an efficient, reliable, and environmentally savvy way to get to the airport, proving that you can be both cost conscious and green.

Note:  I read that PlanetTran offers wifi in its vehicles, but have been unable to confirm this information.  Anyone have any first hand experience to report back?

Photo credit:  wikipedia

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

There is a vibrant Chinatown, a great place for people watching.

It is also an uncomfortable dichotomy of ramshackle apartments adjacent to modern office buildings.  The perpetual difference between the “haves” and the “have nots.”

This photo is part of my Projet 365, a year long commitment to take one photo a day for the entire year.

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

All those lovely fall fruits and vegetables.  But perhaps most importantly, it’s harvest time in the vineyards.  Aaaaaaaaah, for a little taste of the grape!

Last month is was Grapefest, and this month it’s the Sonoma County Harvest Fair, running October 6-8th at the Fairgrounds.

Like most harvest festivals you’ll see the traditional vendors, arts and crafts, food booths, and a variety of entertainment.  And like most grape harvest festivals, you’ll also have educational sessions, auctions, plenty of time to learn more about and purchase wine, and, of course, lots of wine tastings.

Sonoma’s Harvest Fair also boasts of the World Championship Grape Stomp.  Teams of two (a stomper and a swabbie) compete against one another to see which team can produce and collect the most juice.   This is just like you’ve seen in the movies, bare feet and all, and is 3-minute stomp to the finish!  The Fair is quick to point out, however, that stomping has not been used in the production of wine for generations.

You can find the full schedule of events, along with ticket information, and information on participating wineries on the website.  I spotted a couple of wineries that are making me thirsty already!

I’m a big red wine lover, but have never been able to make it to this event.  This year, however, I am trying to rearrange my schedule to make it there. 

Cheers!

Post from: Fly Away Cafe

I haven’t been here for a number of months, and it’s never been one of my favorite layovers.  What I noticed this afternoon, however, is how much the city has changed.  It seems there’s a new sense of vibrancy, and it just feels like a fun place to be.  Oakland?  Yep, Oakland.

Lots of things are going on in Oakland this summer, and you may want to check some of them out if you are in the area.

On Wednesday at noon, throughout the summer, there are free outdoor concerts at the Oakland City Center (13th & Broadway) as part of the Summer Sounds series. 

Third Thursday is a evening of art held, yes, you guessed it, on the third Thursday of every month.  The galleries and exhibition spaces stay open late, usually till 8 pm, to allow additional time for browsing and learning about art.  A couple dozen galleries, from Jack London Square to beyond Rockridge are involved.  Check out the map and listing of the galleries here.

On weekends, Friday-Sunday, you can check out the Oakland Artisan Marketplace.  Bay Area artists show their wares in various loctions throughout the weekend.  On Friday, its at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (14th & Broadway), and Saturdayand Sunday at Jack London Square.

Now, it’s just too bad that I’m here on a Tuesday, and am missing all these fun opportunities.  I need someone to check them out and let me know!

Post from: Fly Away Cafe