Around Lake Merced—End of the Long Walk
Around Lake Merced—End of the Long Walk
Sunday, 19 June 2011
We’ve sadly reached the last walking segment—a stroll around Lake Merced.
It was sunny this morning, so off we went. As we approached the parking lot with the statue of Juan Bautista de Anza, the temperature started to plunge. The thermometer said it was 57F. There was fog, but it looked like it might burn off.
The first half mile was a repeat from last time; a good warm up, anyway.
The wild flowers were in full bloom. It was a damp winter, and the flowers should have all died off by now in most years. A comparison with the same views from last month shows both fog and sun conditions.
On the left is Harding Park Golf Course, which we covered last time.
Here is the unimpressive entrance to Parkmerced, a large residential development. It’s been in the news lately, as the owner has expansion plans.
From a distance over tree tops we could see what looked like a giant bird’s beak, and sure enough, it was. This is by Bufano. “Praying Penguins” is the title. The surrounding landscaping could use some tender care.
Last December (Forest Hill Station) we saw two other statues, probably also by Bufano.
A little more tender care also could be applied to the Broderick Terry Duel sign. The link has a lot of information about the duel, which took place nearby.
The sun came out about this time, and we could get a better look at the iconic roof lines of the Parkmerced buildings.
A little further on is another golf course, this one belonging to the members–only Olympic Club.
Continuing on, we could hear the sound of shotguns coming from the Pacific Rod and Gun Club. This place doesn’t seem to fit with the surroundings! Lots of sounds, “pull” and the booms of the shotguns.
And then we were at the spot where we began many months ago—Fort Funston. On the lake side, there is a nice sidewalk. Just not on the Fort Funston side (which led to an initial hiccup when we started back in November 2009.
Here is today’s route, 3.5 miles as a part of the Long Walk, and about another mile beyond to get back to the car. We walked about 47 miles.
It does not seem to be possible to link up all of the segments with Google Maps. Sorry!
When we got home, it was 82F. We’re going to take a few days and figure out what it all meant and talk about what’s next.
Update June 23 2011. The Chronicle has published a short article on Lake Merced. Note the walking direction is the reverse of our own walk.
We parked the car at the top of Lake Merced, and walked all the way around the lake.
Next—Not Sure!
