Steam Paddle Tug Eppleton Hall |
Buoy Scout tugboat enthusiast Mitch Allen of Seattle traveled to the Hyde Street Pier, operated by the National Park Service in San Francisco, on March 20th, 2009. |
He introduced himself to a ticket collector (five dollars allows you to board a few of the boats on the dock) who apologized for the somewhat rusty state of the Eppleton Hall, but assured him that the engine parts were being greased on a regular schedule. The boiler, however, "has issues", and may not stand up to snuff. |
The National Parks System has been under increasing duress in recent years due to cut-backs in funding. The Balclutha floats next to the E.H., and across the pier is a car ferry full of antique cars. |
Nearby views include Alcatraz Island, which is no longer an operating penitentiary, and the Golden Gate Bridge. |
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Alcatraz Island, seen here just above the spy-glass... |