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Parking is always a hassle in San Francisco. First one has to find the location of the place you really plan to visit, and then a cruise of the general surrounding area will usually yield a place to park the car.

It is a good idea to look for a landmark to remember the location.

This Saturday morning venture to a Nicaraguan restaurant on Mission Street was no different. I dropped Yvonne off at the door of the eatery to get us a table. Several blocks away I found a spot on the corner of an alley to leave the auto. Looking around for the memorable landmark I saw the sign for Clarion Street.

Behind the sign was a lane of adjoined two story buildings covered with graffiti art. It looked interesting and after eating breakfast we returned to explore the artwork. It was one of those times when I was very glad to be toting my camera gear with me. The lane was filled on both sides with murals and it was all relatively unaltered from its' original state. The images speak of strife and a hard life in these harsh city back places, and yet there is a hopefulness in the colors and images that is irresistible. The feeling I left with was one of wonder and I carried away a renewed awareness of our world's cultural differences.

The following week I returned to Clarion Street to add to my collection of photos of the lane. The graffiti vandals and gang members had painted turf tags all over the walls really damaging the original images. The life of any street art is very finite and this was a prime example of it.

I am pleased to be able to share these pictures with you.