NOTE:This walk is scheduled for Mothers' Day.
The Presidio is a wonderful national park, smack dab in the middle of the city. The artist Andrew Goldsworthy, who also created the sculpture outside the De Young museum, has created four site-specific pieces for the Presidio. The pandemic and vandals have impacted our ability to see all of them up close, but we'll get to experience 1 and get a glimpse of another 2 for sure.
WE START WALKING AT 11:00 AM SHARP. We'll meet at the Presidio Fire Department (restrooms at the Transit Center) near the Main Post. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and use the facilities.
Our route will take us past the installation TREE FALL. It's been closed for the duration, but if there's a docent there, they will let us take a peek (no promises). Otherwise, we'll look at the photos.
The Officers's Club is only open 5 hours per week, but if we time it right, we'll go in to see the latest piece, EARTH WALL. A half-sphere of tree branches on the exterior wall covered by a rammed earth and then chiseled to reveal the sphere. We can also see it from outside, just not as well.
Taking a detour from The Goldsworthy's we'll pass the lovely Inn at The Presidio, and follow a series of small paths up towards El Polin Spring, home to many birds and butterflies. From there it's pathways to the Broadway entry where we'll experience the latest vista point, still being developed. Then we'll cross over to meet up with the WOOD LINE piece. This installation is completely interactive, and by walking along it we become part of the artwork.
The next part of our walk takes us along Lovers' Lane, to West Pacific, and up to Paul Goode Field (restrooms).
We'll cross The Bay Trail and head over to SPIRE, the first installation created in the park, using 38 Cypress trunks and reaching over 90 feet tall. Vandals attacked this installation a while back, so we'll see the still-standing burned out shell of Goldsworthy's vision.
After we finish at Spire, we'll stop for a moment at Inspiration Point. It lives up to its name. Then we'll head along the extremely beautiful and peaceful Ecology Trail. This path of pristine wilderness is one of my favorite parts of the Presidio. The Ecology Trail will take us back to the Main Post.
This is an easy to moderate walk, with a few small uphills and staircases. Most of the walk is along paths, but we go through some dirt sections and one short make-your-own-path hillside. The walk should take under 3 hours, depending on how much we dilly-dally. We have a restroom break, and we stop to oooh-and-aaah at the views and the art, but not for lunch.
Dogs are always welcome on these walks. Presidio rules require they be on leash. It's still pupping season, and they close some trails to dogs during this time. If we come across a closure, you'll have to detour. The indoor installations do not allow dogs, but it's possible to peek our heads in from outside.
AFTER THE WALK: On Sundays The Main Post offers a selection of about a dozen food/drink trucks with a variety of cuisine. In going to make a picnic of it at one of the tables there or at Tunnel Tops. You're welcome to join me.
GETTING THERE: Muni Line#43 (Masonic) runs from the Excelsior to lower Fort Mason and has a stop at The Transit Center. Bus #45 (Union) stops just outside the Presidio at Union and Lyon. Bus #28 (19th Avenue) takes you to Richardson/Lombard, and bus #30 (Stockton) goes to Chestnut and Divisadero just a few blocks from the Lombard Gate.
The FREE Presidigo Downtown Shuttle leaves the Transbay Terminal at 10:30, stops at Embarcadeo BART then Van Ness /Union and arrives at the Main Post around 10:55 AM. This is probably the best option for BART users. http://www.presidio.gov/transportation/presidigo/downtown-shuttle-schedule
Parking is plentiful, and although free parking can be difficult to find, we'll be early enough that you should be able to get parking at the Main Post for a reasonable fee (all-day maxes at $15.00).
ATTENDANCE POLICY--This group does not accommodate no-shows or crashers. Don't do it. City Steppers who no-show or late cancel can be removed from the group without warning. This walk is only available to City Steps members. It is not possible to bring a friend or +1.
LIABILITY & SAFETY-- You are responsible for your own safety on all City Steps walks. Your yes RSVP confirms that you have read and agree to our Meetup's Liability policy which can be found at the bottom of every Meetup page.
WHAT TO BRING; ●Dress for the weather (the walk is in a combination of sun and shade) and wear comfortable shoes
Water. You can refill at Paul Goode.
●Hand sanitizer
●Your camera to capture the memories
●The tables might be damp, so bring a towel if you'll be joining us for a picnic. Otherwise a snack you can eat while walking.
●Your sense of camaraderie and adventure.
We walk in a drizzle or mist, but rain cancels this walk.
