Kate's Bellybutton Lint Collection: Brews on the Bay

This past weekend we decided to hang out on a big ship and drink grog! It was the second annual "Brews on the Bay" fest hosted by the San Francisco Brewers guild. Beers from several city breweries were served aboard a historic WWII vessel, the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brian. I sampled plenty of tasty beers--Beach Chalet's Riptide Red was quite snappy, and Bear Republic served up a Vanilla ale I could not resist! Hmmm, vanilla flavors are much better in wine than in beer, I think, but glad I gave it a try. The Watermelon Ale from 21st Amendment made an appearance, and though it may sound repulsive, this is a mighty refreshing and popular beer!

After getting thoroughly soused you could take a tour of the ship's engine room. Even though the boat stayed anchored, the propellers were turning and the furnaces were stoked down below. No fat sailors aboard this vessel! The walkways that meandered through the engine room were extremely narrow. Also, huge ponderous cranks and pistons within arms reach made me think yikes, no loose clothing or you're hamburger meat! Interestingly, the ship is powered by a triple-chambered steam engine just like the Titanic--in fact, the O'Brian's engine room was filmed for that (in)famous movie.