Notes from San Francisco before Game 1 of the NLDS

SAN FRANCISCO - San Francisco is a long ways away for Cincinnati residents. Many won’t ever have a chance to go, and it’s obvious this weekend in the Bay Area that most didn’t attempt a trip this far to cheer on their Redlegs.

Walking around the city Friday night and Saturday morning, there is a very Giants aura in the air just hours before first pitch (which for toddlers and seniors starts far too late to watch all the way through from back in the Queen City at 9:37 p.m. local time).

One could expect that, but usually in these high-profile games, at least some visiting team fans show up. Not the case for this especially long trip from Cincy (7 hours total air travel time due to the fact that no flight goes direct to San Fran out of CVG).

The fan you see in the photo above has been the only color Red we’ve seen that wasn’t actually a 49ers supporter.

It’s unfortunate for Reds fans that these first two games are so far away. With attendance up 5 percent this year, it would be expected that were the game a bit closer, many Redlegs supporters would have made the trek, especially with the games falling conveniently on a weekend.

If you’ve never been to San Francisco, and never plan on going, think of it like Mt. Adams stretched over six miles, packed with 80 percent tourists, with a lot more water at the bottom of the hill, and an added cable car that can conveniently take you up the steep 45 degree hills that will do a number on your calves and heels should you attempt to walk, and leave your car dangling should you attempt to park.

It’s even more unfortunate because so much is happening in San Fran this weekend, there has been so much more to enjoy surrounding the games.

In just a few hours this morning, I caught the famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf, but supplemental to the stationary tourist spots, it’s Fleet Week 2012 in the Bay, which consists of hundreds of boats, several Navy warships and an air show featuring some of the Navy’s finest and the famous Blue Angels that will cover the necessity of a "fly-over" for the beginning of the Reds-Giants game.

In addition to Fleet Week, it’s also the celebration of the National Republic of China, which a quick stroll through San Fran’s famous Chinatown transported you to the East, complete with dragon costumed-parades.

Add in a bluegrass music festival, the West Coast’s version of Oktoberfest, a Japanese Culture Festival and a 49ers football game, all surrounding the actual postseason games in the evening, and you’ve got an endless amount of things to do.

I only wish I was here on vacation so I could enjoy it all, instead of just here to cover the Reds.

Shhh, don’t tell my boss…