The Only Floating National Historical Park

2019-12-28
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and Hyde Street Pier, CA

The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park claims to be the country’s only floating national park. Note that I use "national park" vs. "National Park" because there are currently 62 of the latter but 419 of the former (inclusive of the latter), including Muir Woods National Monument, Point Reyes National Seashore, etc. which are National Monuments, National Lakeshores, National Forests, National Grasslands, National Historical Parks, and, well, you get the idea. If you’ve read my blogs you know that I aim to visit the National Parks, but I will happily visit any national park in the area.

Hyde Street Pier is where they keep the ships that you get to clamber on. They have two sailing ships, a pair of tugs, and one of the ferries that used to commute to Oakland before the bridge. I had a great time early in the morning before the crowds poking around. I like rigging pictures and cool nautical gear so it was particularly fun for me.

Balcutha was a fuel-efficient cargo ship before green was cool
Balcutha was a fuel-efficient cargo ship before green was cool
Independently driven paddle wheels on the Eppleton Hall made it maneuverable
Independently driven paddle wheels on the Eppleton Hall made it maneuverable
This is how one used to get to Oakland
This is how one used to get to Oakland
A blue sky makes for great rigging pictures
A blue sky makes for great rigging pictures
Now which line was I supposed to haul?
Now which line was I supposed to haul?

I also visited the Maritime Museum. The 1930's bathhouse building was pretty cool, but the display was pretty limited. There was, however, a small exhibit about early photographers on the waterfront that was interesting for me. In case you’re wondering: No; I do not plan to start shooting on glass plates.

There is a WWII diesel sub not far from the national park, the USS Pampanito. It served well in the Pacific theater, sinking six Japanese ships.

For you, boats
For you, boats

The evening was devoted to a very exciting Clemson game where they triumphed over Ohio State to move to the National Championship again. I’m positive that wearing my Clemson garb is what sent them to victory. (Future Chuck notes that his Clemson attire was insufficient to gain them the national title. Perhaps I need a different hat.)

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