I spend most of my time at home these days, and I’m really lucky to be able to do that.  Aside from walking along the American River, I don’t get out too much.  But sometimes you need to shake things up a little — hit the road.  And don’t forget your camera!

Actually, I’m a huge train fanatic, so I took the Capital Corridor from downtown Sacramento to Emeryville, and then switched over to the Amtrak bus, which dropped me off at San Francisco’s Pier 39.

There were some great views along the way.

I love riding the train, even if it’s just the commuter route.  Comfy seats, big windows, electrical outlet so I could recharge my mp3 player, plenty of room to walk around, a snack bar in the next car, and stairs!

(Yes, I’m easily amused.)

I’d sorta planned to spend 90 minutes on the Red and White Fleet’s Bridge to Bridge bay cruise.  And I was already standing in line, ready to board when… well, I got a little distracted.

When I got a little closer, I was even more intrigued.  I’d caught glimpses of these vessels — or else ones very much like them — on previous trips, but this time I was the one in charge of my schedule.  I could do whatever I wanted!

That’s the ferry boat I walked away from.  Oh well, maybe next time…

Instead I climbed all over the Liberty Ship Jeremiah O’Brien.  There’s a pretty cool museum in her forward cargo hold.  One amazing piece there is a model of the Omaha Beach landing site, complete with sand from the beach near Pointe du Hoc, France.

An officer’s room, the hospital, radio room, chart room, galley, engine room — and  the wheelhouse:

Maybe the best part was the awesome views from the deck.  I even climbed the slightly scary ladder up to the 3-inch gun in the bow — completely worth it.

I’m quite sorry I didn’t have time to visit the sub Pampanito on this day, but I’m not ruling out a few more trips back here in the future.  And hopefully a few other spots as well…

But now it was time to head on home.