The Presidio, Part Two
The Presidio, Part Two
Saturday, 17 April 2010
It’s been over two months since our last segment. Today it isn’t raining—it’s been a wet spring—so we decided to give it a try. Sunny and 62 degrees.
We parked our car at Fort Mason and took the #28 bus to where we stopped last time, the Golden Gate Bridge. Unlike February, the bridge was visible.
We ran into a small problem right at the start, which is how to walk away from the bridge along the 49 mile drive. Doyle Drive is undergoing construction and, while we had wanted to walk through the Presidio, it didn’t seem like a pleasant idea. So instead we walked down to the Bay along trails that cars cannot take.
It is Earth Day today, and the park was crowded with walkers, joggers and families picnicking. The temperature was just warm enough so that summer clothes were in use.
This is Fort Point, which dates back to the Civil War. It’s very difficult to see from a car.
Right on the shoreline is a large picnic area. This is a part of it. Today it is being used by alumni of Tulane University in New Orleans.
The area here not along ago was an old airport for the Army and the Navy, Crissy Field. The airport has been ripped up and restoration with native plants is underway. Alcatraz is the island on the right.
The area also has several beaches that always seem to be well used. Yes, you can swim here, but the water isn’t warm.
Not long after, we turned and went south two blocks (back now on the 49 mile drive) and visited the Palace of Fine Arts, designed by Maybeck for the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, a celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal.
The Exploratorium is here, too. We didn’t visit it, but intend to sometime soon. Read all about this unique museum by clicking the link.
There are interesting decorative elements on the structure, including groups of weeping figures at the tops of columns.
From the Palace of Fine Arts, we sort of followed the 49 mile drive, and stayed on Beach Street.
After a few blocks, we crossed back to the Bay to Fort Mason, with its interesting grouping of businesses, such as the Long Now Foundation, and a set of fun outdoor science exhibits.
Today’s walk covered 3 miles. So far, 12.4 miles overall from our start last year at Fort Funston.
Last year, we walked most of the route that goes through the Presidio. There are lots of military buildings, officers’ houses and the park’s headquarters. There is also a fabulous Lucas Digital Arts Center near the eastern gate on Lombard Street. When Doyle Drive reconstruction is over, this would be a pleasant walk.
From out last stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, we proceeded east along the Bay to Fort Mason. Next, we’ll continue east towards Coit Tower.
