Cable workings

As promised, here is the guff about the workings of the cable trams.

Cables for the tram run continuously underground. The 'grip man' uses a lever to engage with the cable. At intersections, where cables cross, he has to release and regrip. He also has brakes.

The cables come into the cable house from the various routes and wind about these powered wheels. 

These sheaves in the wheel house are not powered but guide the cable to where it needs to go, including around corners. 

Other underground sheaves are located as required to guide the cable and make it available for the trams, throughout the route. 

The cable tram network was much more extensive but much of it was destroyed by fire and earthquake at different times. The remnant routes are used by a few locals as transport but their main purpose is tourism.

Trolley busses powered by overhead electricity run on rails in other parts of the city. These restored examples can be caught at Fisherman's Wharf. Other more modern trolley busses operate elsewhere.

Fog City

Yesterday, San Francisco lived up to its title of Fog City. There were clouds and then there was the fog, rolling in from the ocean.

A slice of the deck of the Golden Gate Bridge.

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco and wish to tour Alcatraz. Book on line before you come.

View of the city from the ferry on the way to Sausalito.

But the real business of Fisherman's Wharf goes on, unaffected by visibility.

Right on the footpath, these steaming crabs had been cooked in a boiling vat and were cooling in ice.

These guys were taped but alive, waiting for their fate.

It was fun to watch this Japanese family haggling over their crab.  Which one? How much? The vendor, gave a price for
the live crab (based on weight), and agreed to serve it with salad and chips. He clinched the deal by also offering  seafood  chowder. Deal!

And, like Disneyland, the cleanup crew wear spotless white uniforms.