It's a Ferry, not a Fairy!

Tuesday morning, bright and early, I left to catch the Jack London Ferry, destination -- Ferry building in San Francisco.

Monkey did not get to go on this outing, which bummed him out. But my daughter, Megan, and her boyfriend, Cameron, accompanied me and I annoyed them as only a mother can do with lots of pictures.

I was so excited by our trip that I accidentally posted my Facebook update that we were aboard a fairy to take us to The City.

Oh yes, the responses were funny and before you say that fairies are not real, just read up on Peter Pan. Every time you say that, Peter says one dies. <gasp>

The ferry proved to be the best way to get across that pesky bridge early on a weekday morning. It took exactly half an hour and we were treated to stunning views of the Bay from all angles. When The City came into view and we could see it was going to be a rare, sunny day in San Francisco.

I wanted to stand on the bow and throw my arms wide like Rose in "Titanic" for a picture, but luckily Megan, being a responsible grown up, told me this was frowned upon and to sit back down. Gosh, that meant I had to take more pictures then – of her.

The purpose of our trip and all the pictures was a big birthday surprise for Cameron.  Megan found out that Alton Brown, Cameron’s absolute favorite TV chef was to be at the Passage Bookstore in the Ferry Building.

She already had purchased Alton’s books (he has published three volumes) and we successfully smuggled the books and a Beatles Yellow Submarine cooking apron with us. Cameron did not even see -- we were so sneaky!

As a matter of fact, Cameron didn’t have a clue until I stopped and asked where the bookstore was and, even then, he had no clue that he was about to meet his favorite TV chef.

We rounded the corner and there was a large poster with a picture of Alton Brown and his cooking sock puppets, which vaguely reminded me of Monkey. Oh, he would have loved to see that! When Cameron saw the yellow note that stated “Today at 12:00,” he exclaimed, “Ohhhhhh!”

Cameron kept saying over and over again, “I knew you two were up to something. I just knew it.” Really, I don’t think he did.

He thought Megan was forced to come with me, so I could check out the local produce stand and all the little shops in the Ferry building (remember no fairies are sold here).

I also wanted to ride the ferry, once again, not the kind with wings, but the one with a propeller, and check it out for a transportation option into The City, where it just doesn’t pay to bring a car and try and find parking.

Alton Brown made his appearance, much to the amusement of the crowded little bookstore. He teased and told stories of the making of his TV shows and the writing of his books.

Alton demonstrates his cooking techniques and recipes on his show with humor and science and, I might add, his recipes turn out divine! I know, my live-in Chef Megan, regularly treats me to many yummy concoctions, all from Alton’s books.

We stood in a long line, that moved quite quickly and Alton, true to his word, signed the books and even the apron. The only thing he won’t ever sign is a living thing. So, no body parts or your ferret, unless, you know, it’s dead and then he would. Gross, Mr. Brown!

I have become a fan of book signings and will definitely keep my eye out for more authors. Bay Books has book signings often. I signed up for their email newsletter, so I can see when the next one is. They’re free, too!

The price to ride the ferry, comparable to a round trip BART ticket from the Dublin station to the stadium exit, was just $12.50. We had a quiet ride, lots of seats, and stunning views of the Bay. The best thing was the parking was FREE. The downside was the ride into Oakland in rush hour traffic was a little nerve wracking.

If you want an adventure and a trip to The City with some beautiful views and relaxation, consider the ferry. If you want to keep a surprise from your friend though, well, that’s trickier. I’m just glad a fairy wasn’t waiting to take us into The City. Cameron might have frowned upon that one!