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Sausalito (Saucito originally)
means
Little Willow, a name given by the Spaniards
in reflection of the little willow trees they found growing
along the stream banks (although we can't figure out where
the streams are)
Fred's
Coffee Shop
A local favorite
Breakfast is
a priority, and turning onto a side street, we immediately find a parking
spot with no time limit.
Across
the street is Fred’s Coffee Shop.
A line of hungry people is forming outside, and we sense
this is a local hangout, so we want to eat there.
The place is
tiny, tiny, but they are making the best of it.
It’s a 30 minute wait but the tables are big and the seating
is European style so there are no empty chairs.
Spotting two empty seats at the counter, we head for them.
We like all the activity behind the counter and there is
usually someone willing to chat.
In this case, it’s the owner.
Our lucky day. We comment on his success and he tells us there are two
elements for a successful breakfast place —
quality ingredients, and quality ingredients properly cooked.
The Visitor's Center is in the
middle of town near the ferries, but doesn't open early so we
stroll over to the dock and watch the commuters and vacationers scurry
onto the boat which waits just five minutes before heading
back to the city, just a few miles south. Now is
a great time to check out the rest of the town.
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Sausalito is a walking
town,
just a few blocks long with lots of boutiques, and wonderful
restaurants with fabulous views of Richardson's Bay, The Bay Bridge
and San Francisco. (See a 360º)
It's gorgeous anytime; even with the
many days drenched in fog. The nights are often
clear and show off the glittering lights of San Francisco. |
In the Visitor's Center we find stories and pictures of colorful characters of the
past — Jack London, the writer, Baby Face Nelson, the mobster from
Chicago, Sally
Stafford, the Madame turned Mayor. We learn how the ferry
service and railroads brought new life to this once sagging community.
Prosperity, however, triggered not only growth, but divide
among the residents. Wealthy
San Franciscans and Europeans built summer mansions in the hills while
the working-class developed their own culture along the waterfront.
But the story has new twists...
Let's take a trip over
to the Houseboats — more
appropriately, Floating Homes —
and see for ourselves.
Back
on the road... |
