From Donna and Clyde: We are now sitting at San Francisco airport waiting for our flight to Auckland. The last two months have flown by too quickly, but Molly and Toby are ready to go home now and excited about seeing their friends again and getting back to school, rugby, netball etc.

We have had a great few days wandering around San Francisco, riding the cable car, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and walking to Sausalito before catching a ferry back across the Bay. San Francisco has been a nice pit stop before heading home, as it has so many similarities to Wellington, being a windy harbour city built on a hill and prone to earthquakes. It was also nice to see Powhutakawa and Cabbage Trees lining some of the streets.

We decided to give Alcatraz a miss this time, as Clyde and I have both done it before. We took a bus tour around the city, which was relaxing and interesting. The weather has been much colder than Orlando, but the last couple of days have been more summery and we have been able to sit out in the sun enjoying some local seafood and wine! San Fran seems to have a much greater number of homeless people begging on the streets than we saw anywhere else on our travels, which was also something Clyde and I had noticed when we were last here (over 12 years ago). Probably the most eye-opening for all of us was the proudly naked old couple we wandered across begging on the Embarcadero today.

We will have a bit of a final wrap up blog and video when we have arrived home, but for now, it is back to life, back to reality (and back to work) so thanks for following our travels.

From Molly: Leaving San Francisco today and heading home. As much as I hate leaving America, I can't wait to get back and see my friends. Have had an amazing experience on this trip. My favourite places would have to be Washington and London. I have especially enjoyed SHOPPING! I also enjoyed The Making of Harry Potter Tour. I can't wait to see you all at home:)

From Toby: I am too busy and will write when I get home.

Highlights of San Francisco:

Donna: The bus trip - sitting back and taking in the sites.

Clyde: Wandering the streets

Molly: The bus ride and funny stories about San Francisco

Toby: Hearing the story of Emperor Norton (Self-proclaimed Emperor of San Francisco and Protector of the Mexican Border) who was a character around San Fran who lost all of his money and went a bit crazy. He issued his own currency, which was accepted by some businesses and fined people for referring to the city as "Frisco".