Wandered through the new Lands End Lookout today. Since it was packed on opening day, went back to explore. It's got lots of souvenirs, shirts, books, one of Sutro's statues, and some archaeological artifacts under glass. Especially liked the pic of some Ohlone descendants and their examples of crafts produced by these first settlers.
Outside was another Sutro statue and another thing I really liked: some native plants with their names and what the Native Americans used them for.
Headed up the first stairway that's near the SE entrance to the park, 42 steps, the top of which is across from the "El Camino del Mar" street sign. Up another 20 of these newer wood westside steps to the vehicle street that dead-ends at the upper parking lot overlook. A third set of stairs that's longer is near the USS San Francisco Memorial.
However, this time crossed to the paved trail that leads up to the Fort Miley ruins and picnic area. Up the first stairway from the ruins (first pic, 22 steps) and left on the trail (second pic) to the sandy trail I like (third pic) that zigs down to the El Camino del Mar Trail to see if I could find any earlyberries. Found a few here but nowhere else. Mainly lots of white blackberry blossoms right now.
Continued on the El Camino in the good company of birds, bumblebees, a butterfly, and a dragonfly, warm and sunny up here with whitecaps far below. Passed the connector stairway (fourth pic) that descends to the main Coastal Trail and the footbridge (fifth pic). Ascended the uppermost stairway to the west edge of the Legion of Honor parking lot, then up the improved Battle of the Bulge Memorial Trail. This has 10 steps and a railing at the foot now, a short gravel midtrail, and 13 more steps to the northern edge of the VA Hospital parking lot. A short distance from the picnic tables here can be seen the newest picnic area (sixth photo).
Today, however, went back down so as to walk east alongside the vehicle street past the Legion of Honor. There's a paved sidewalk on the north side with white concrete benches and a beautiful view, so a very pleasant walk despite all the cars parked along here. The golf course was then on both sides. Nearly out of the park, crossed over to the trail that's just below the golf course. When I reached what I call the Lincoln Park steps, also called the California Street steps (52 steps, 32nd Avenue, built in the early 1900s), noticed some sheets of paper in one of those holders for brochures. Couldn't find this online so quoting part of it here:
"Lincoln Park Steps Project-Summary/Talking Points
. Steps are a City landmark and the gateway to Land's End and the Legion of Honor in addition to sitting at the threshold of the Presidio, one of SF's most unique and treasured natural resources.
. Were neglected for years resulting in decay and disrepair, making them a neighborhood blight attracting litter, dumped appliances, graffiti and loitering.
. Goal was to renovate the original stair and bench structure incorporating an artistic tile application to enhance the beauty and visibility of the site.
. In planning process many existing defects and violations of current building code were identified, requiring additional funds and resources to repair, but ensuring soundness and longevity of the project.
. Upper retaining wall was completed in 2010 with the aid of a Community Challenge Grant and hundreds of hours of pro-bono services and in-kind structural improvements from Rec & Park.
. Have raised almost $200k to date including private donations and $180,000 Community Fund grant.
. Need to raise remaining $250k or forfeit grant and abandon the project… "
Their website is
friendsoflincolnpark.weebly.com
Good article and pix with names of those who've donated so far.
Last two pix: The California/Lincoln Park steps with the top part completed. Can you imagine the whole stairway like this…
Outside was another Sutro statue and another thing I really liked: some native plants with their names and what the Native Americans used them for.
Headed up the first stairway that's near the SE entrance to the park, 42 steps, the top of which is across from the "El Camino del Mar" street sign. Up another 20 of these newer wood westside steps to the vehicle street that dead-ends at the upper parking lot overlook. A third set of stairs that's longer is near the USS San Francisco Memorial.
However, this time crossed to the paved trail that leads up to the Fort Miley ruins and picnic area. Up the first stairway from the ruins (first pic, 22 steps) and left on the trail (second pic) to the sandy trail I like (third pic) that zigs down to the El Camino del Mar Trail to see if I could find any earlyberries. Found a few here but nowhere else. Mainly lots of white blackberry blossoms right now.
Continued on the El Camino in the good company of birds, bumblebees, a butterfly, and a dragonfly, warm and sunny up here with whitecaps far below. Passed the connector stairway (fourth pic) that descends to the main Coastal Trail and the footbridge (fifth pic). Ascended the uppermost stairway to the west edge of the Legion of Honor parking lot, then up the improved Battle of the Bulge Memorial Trail. This has 10 steps and a railing at the foot now, a short gravel midtrail, and 13 more steps to the northern edge of the VA Hospital parking lot. A short distance from the picnic tables here can be seen the newest picnic area (sixth photo).
Today, however, went back down so as to walk east alongside the vehicle street past the Legion of Honor. There's a paved sidewalk on the north side with white concrete benches and a beautiful view, so a very pleasant walk despite all the cars parked along here. The golf course was then on both sides. Nearly out of the park, crossed over to the trail that's just below the golf course. When I reached what I call the Lincoln Park steps, also called the California Street steps (52 steps, 32nd Avenue, built in the early 1900s), noticed some sheets of paper in one of those holders for brochures. Couldn't find this online so quoting part of it here:
"Lincoln Park Steps Project-Summary/Talking Points
. Steps are a City landmark and the gateway to Land's End and the Legion of Honor in addition to sitting at the threshold of the Presidio, one of SF's most unique and treasured natural resources.
. Were neglected for years resulting in decay and disrepair, making them a neighborhood blight attracting litter, dumped appliances, graffiti and loitering.
. Goal was to renovate the original stair and bench structure incorporating an artistic tile application to enhance the beauty and visibility of the site.
. In planning process many existing defects and violations of current building code were identified, requiring additional funds and resources to repair, but ensuring soundness and longevity of the project.
. Upper retaining wall was completed in 2010 with the aid of a Community Challenge Grant and hundreds of hours of pro-bono services and in-kind structural improvements from Rec & Park.
. Have raised almost $200k to date including private donations and $180,000 Community Fund grant.
. Need to raise remaining $250k or forfeit grant and abandon the project… "
Their website is
friendsoflincolnpark.weebly.com
Good article and pix with names of those who've donated so far.
Last two pix: The California/Lincoln Park steps with the top part completed. Can you imagine the whole stairway like this…
Steps across from Fort Miley ruins
Trail just above Fort Miley
Top of sandy trail down to El Camino del Mar Trail
Stairway connecting El Camino del Mar Trail with Coastal Trail
El Camino del Mar footbridge
Newer picnic area and stairways below the VA Hospital parking lot
Bench and wall at top of Lincoln Park / California Street steps
Lincoln Park / California Street steps with tilework completed in 2010
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