Negative, Ghost Rider, the pattern is full

It's Fleet Week in San Francisco, when the navy sails into town and, I imagine, several waterfront bars have record-breaking nights.  But during the day it's all about keeping the crowds entertained with boat tours, military bands, and three days of aerial stunts and shenanigans from a whole assortment of aircraft.

We joined the Schwimmers in the city and got a clam chowder lunch at what turned out to be a fantastic spot on Pier 39 to see the fighter aces wheel and spin overhead.  First up were the Canadian Air Force's display team - the Snowbirds - followed by (identified by ex-military Evan) an F-18 Hornet and an F-15 Eagle.  In between a 747, yes, a jumbo jet, flew over the Golden Gate bridge and pulled a few moves above the crowd.  That was a little scary.

The highlight of the afternoon was the US display team, the Blue Angels.  Evan's office is in the financial district, looking out towards the piers, the perfect place to watch the display on (and above) the level of the planes.  We arrived to witness two things: the Angels begin flying around in formation, and the fog roll in.  About ten minutes into their hour of aerobatics they pulled their last loop and flew off.  Still in formation, of course.  A quick check online confirmed that they couldn't continue because of the low visibility.  Fog in SF, who'd have thought?!  Military planning remains as effective as ever.

They go up-diddly-up-up.

They go down-diddly-down-down.

Whoosh!

It was even more crowded than usual.

Ahhh.  See?  The Canadians do love you.

Zoom!

This is Logan winking (a new trick) and saying "cheese" at the same time.

"Our cruising altitude today will be 500 feet."

Closer to a moving 747 than I ever really want to be, unless I'm seated inside with a G&T of course.

I hope the pilot warned the passengers before he did this.

The F-18.  The sound arrived around three seconds after it did.

Full afterburners, just like in Top Gun!

Requesting fly-by.

This is my shot of it passing directly overhead.  Hey, it was moving fast!

The military is in town!

Oh, and of course there's a demonstration going on.  This one is Occupy Wall Street.  No one's had the heart to tell them they're on the wrong side of the country.

Hannah and Lauren admire the view from Evan's boss's office.

The financial district.

And Coit Tower.

Here come the Blue Angels!

Scorching past the tower (and the fog).

And there they go.  Oh well.