Sunday, September 27th
One of the reasons I made this trip was a desperate need for a change in scenery and routine. But, some of my routines I wanted to keep in place, such as trying to eat healthy - when possible. So, the skim milk and Kashi soy protein cereal purchased at Trader Joe's is my way of trying to not eat a greasy breakfast at a local cafe. The sunrise view of the City on the other hand was certainly a break from the usual scenery I am used to at home: one of lush views of the lush woods with no other habitation in sight.
So, this, the morning of my first full day in San Fran started out quiet enough, but it was not to be that way for long. Today was the day for the Folsom Street Festival which is billed thusly:
The world's largest leather event, the Folsom Street FairŪ, will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. We are sure to see the fairgrounds filled with people in their most outrageous leather/rubber/fetish attire enjoying the worlds largest and best loved Leather fair.
Source: Folsom Street Fair
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Some of the photos below contain nudity and adult material. If this might offend you, then go no further.
Click on the photos below for a larger image.
A quiet Sunday sunrise view of downtown San Francisco.
Breakfast of Champions. No local paper to read but I found a substitute.
My coffee and breakfast spot. From here I can see into the adjacent neighbor's yards and the downtown area.
My mid-morning snack from Trader Joe's - sushi made with brown rice!
A little post sushi sweetness.
The wall-to-wall rear window of the apartment I am staying in faces west and on sunny days the place heats up fast. I image the temp probably peaked in the high 80's. I was glad to get out side, where it was still warm, but a nice breeze was blowing.
As I made my way down to Folsom and 7th I could see the throng of people gathered from over a block away. When I got to the site the area was barricaded off so as to herd everyone through the donation station - $7 suggested.
Well, I wanted to make sure I got my money's worth first so I slipped through a break in the fence and joined the party.
Not sure who this group was but there were sure rockin' the crowd. The fella in the middle is the lead singer.
The lead guitarist was burnin' up the place!
These two gals were demonstrating the fine art of boot licking and spanking.
There were lot's of people enjoying the music.
I never knew what I would see next.
These guys were selling dog collars and all manner of things.
Everyone seemed to be represented here.
As always, there were lots of posers.
A purveyor of "specialty clothing".
A domination demo.
This demo had drawn a huge and fascinated crowd. I had to get a little pushy to get these shots.
Another bondage demo area which was still being set up.
Now, here is something you don't see everyday.
I could not resist so I walked up and stood next to this guy and asked "What is the point?" He replied with a grin "It feels great!" To which I replied: "I'm glad it does!". Takes all kinds...
Ton's of fun for everyone!
The two ladies were thrilled I wanted to take their picture and thanked me profusely.
I have to say, I have no idea what this guy's trip was. I should have asked. But, he did not seem like the talkative type.
After paying my donation at the 12th street station I exited the fair and started walking towards downtown. I spotted these two walking up the block and when I caught up with them I asked them if I could take a photo. They gladly obliged.
A very common sight in the SOMA and Tenderloin areas of San Fran.
My next stop was the Flood Building on the last block of Ellis Street. I was to meet Don Herron at John's Grill which is adjacent to the Flood Building. Don leads walking tours which explore the locales for the Hammett books which took place in San Francisco.
I was early for my meet up with Don so I amused myself by watching the throngs of tourists darting in and out of all the stores and clamoring to get aboard one of the cable cars.
At one point I decided to sit down in a recessed doorway to take a load off my feet. I took a couple of snaps of passers by and kept this one.
It was interesting watching some of the peoples reactions as they walked by me. Most did not even notice me, but some looked at me with furtive glances. Perhaps they mistook me for a homeless person setting up shop for the nite?
This is looking down Ellis and across Market Street. I have no idea what the buildings are, but they are quite striking.
About 4:30 Don, in the trench coat and snap brim fedora, showed up with his tour group in tow. John's Grill is the last stop on his tour. It is here the famous Maltese Falcon is located.
We left John's Grill along with two of the folks who had been on the tour. Our destination was 891 Post Street #401. Hammett lived in the building during the period he wrote his first three novels and he put Spade in the same building in The Maltese Falcon. Don knew Bill Arney who was living there and he was vacating after 17 years. The new tenant, who is wealthy fan of Hammetts', plans to restore it to it's 1920s decor in order to preserve the site.
The building shown here was one of several on the block which had that style.
This is where we stopped for take out - Osha Thai Noodle Cafe. The food was Ok, but not remarkable. We then stopped for a couple of 6 packs of Pacifico beer and headed up to the apartment for interesting stories to go along with our brews and take-out.
Afterwards, Don and I trekked back to his car and he then dropped me off at my digs on Mississippi Street.
