New Year's Day

The second part of New Year's Day, after the revelling, was a time for many San Franciscan's to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.

Temperatures were in the low 50s, the air was cool but it was sunny.

The Bike Trail between Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Gate Bridge was full of walkers and cyclists. There were also a couple of hardy swimmers in the water.

We walked from the Wharf, climbed up the coastal path into Battery Park and down to Crissy Field leading to below the bridge. Crissy Field is part of the Golden Gate National Parks with conservation and picnic areas. As you walk, the Golden Gate Bridge towers above and there is a steep wooded path to the bridge itself.

There are also marinas. On top of a boat sat Father Christmas with two of his reindeer, enjoying the sight of the bridge and perhaps hoping for some fresh fish before returning to Lapland.

Throughout the city Christmas decorations are still very much in evidence.

Returning home through town we saw that China Town was bustling and many of the stores and restaurants were open. Shopping is the favoured way for some to start the New Year but whilst it's easy to jibe, there is another side.

A moving TV report interviewed minimum-pay workers in restaurants who are grateful for an opportunity to work on a day that pays time-and-a-half.