A Cable Car Ride In The City

If you're going to San Francisco... not only do you have to wear some flowers in your hair, but you also have to take a cable car ride.

Staying at the Huntington Hotel in San Francisco on California Street.

When I attended the Contraceptive Technology medical conference in San Francisco, I stayed at the Huntington Hotel which is perched on top of California Street, just across from Grace Cathedral.

The California Street cable car runs right in front of the hotel.

To My Conference via The Cable Car

On the first morning of the conference I bounded out the door of my hotel, late as usual, and spied the cable car paused on its tracks. A gesture from the cable car gripman indicated it was okay to come aboard, so I hopped on to profit from a ride, instead of a long walk, to my conference that was being held in the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero.

Of course, this was after a quick check for traffic since you must take care to not be mowed down by a car or truck as you run into the street to climb aboard.

Riding the cable car up California Street. Taking in the view.

The Rhythms Of A Cable Car

Once on board, I was immediately overtaken by the familiar sounds and sensations of the cable car. The constant humming of the cable running below the tracks was almost a palpable vibration. Like a musical instrument, the grip handle ratcheted back and then released as if playing a rhythmic song.

The gripman applied the brakes and expertly clung to the cable that pulled us along. Sitting on the outer part of the car, l happily inhaled the fresh Pacific Ocean air, rich and full of life. Our departure from a stop was signaled by a tap-tap of the cable car bell, like a sweet cherry placed on top of this feast for the senses.

I couldn't get enough. I gulped in the sounds of whirring cables that pulled us up and down the great hill of California Street. In a video created with only my iPhone 5, I captured this noisy symphony.

Cable cars are not just for the tourists. To quote one travel writer, Kathryn Vercillo:

“This is a form of transportation, not a ride, and you should treat it with that respect and safety in mind.”

This working activity of the cable cars gives them a real substance, a depth to their purpose.

Everyday office workers utilize the cable cars for their commute and to attend business meetings. Native San Franciscans can be seen catching a cable car for shopping or running errands. With a Muni pass, it's easy to hop on and off.

Take a look how this gripman, Val Luiz, describes working on the California cable car line in his blog "Tales from the Grip." May 2005, "California Here I Come".

California street evening view from the cable car

Good Night, San Francisco

Many secrets and sparkling gems are tucked among the hills of our beloved City by the Bay.

The San Francisco cable cars are just one of many reasons to fall in love with The City.

And you? Is there something special in San Francisco that speaks to your heart?

*video and all photos taken with an iPhone 5

Hearts in the Wind