Random Thoughts from my trip to San Francisco

Just got back from a mostly vacation in San Francisco/Northern California (one really good day of business in the middle visiting George Mark Children's House). The following are some random thoughts from the trip.

1. Rental Car: Dodge Caliber - I no longer have any questions about why Chrysler went bankrupt.
2. Always wash your fresh fruit - It is strawberry picking season in Northern California. I was amazed to watch the field workers pick the fruit right off the vine into the little plastic containers you find in the supermarket. The only processing involved was their hand touching the fruit.
3. Pacific Coast Highway from San Francisco to Santa Cruz - I LOVE the Jersey Shore but in terms of raw beauty it doesn't even come close.
4. Napa Valley - Enjoyable day but overall it did not live up to the hype. Granted I've been spoiled by Tuscany but it was very touristy and very expensive.
5. Biodynamic Farming - Very informative tour at Benziger Family Winery. If you are interested in sustainable/organic/green issues and are ever in the area (Sonoma not Napa) I recommend it.
   
6. 4th of July Fireworks - Sitting in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge watching fireworks from three different cities around the bay at the same time will be a hard 4th of July experience to top.
7. San Francisco is a great coffee town (especially the North Beach area).
8. Driving around (up and down really) San Francisco is like riding an amusement park ride. I have not been in another city that is more fun to drive in.
9. Carmel is one of the quaintest towns I have ever been in, right out of a story book.
   
10. Red Eye flight home: I may be getting to old for that.