Lands End Lookout

4/28/2012

Made it to Lands End in time for the ribbon-cutting for the new Lookout building, but it was superpacked inside the first time I briefly entered. Waited a little while to go back in in and it wasn't quite as crowded. Noticed some interesting looking nature books for sale and some archaeological exhibits; will return at a later date when I can move around inside better. You can get food and drinks here now and there are real restrooms. Whatta view out the floor-to-ceiling windows!

Outdoors again, an unexpected treat was a free cup of chili or clam chowder for anyone who wanted one. Chose the latter; the line wasn't very long.

Nature walks were being organized, but in the mood for a vigorous hike on the most solitary trail I could find, headed 'round the horn and up the upper parking lot Overlook's stairway (first pic).

From there, a short distance onto the El Camino del Mar trail (second pic: view down to the second Coastal Trail Overlook), started up a favorite (steep but short) offshoot trail of zigzaggy thick sand (third pic). At the top of this starts the trail 'neath the trees across from the top of the Fort Miley ruins. Climbed the "hidden" short stairway (fourth pic) to the VA Hospital parking lot to pay a second visit to the picnic area (reached by stairways) that has recently magically appeared below the new retaining wall at the north edge (fifth pic).

On the way, surprised to see an orange windsock perched at the cliffedge. Is this park planning to have hang gliding like at Fort Funston?

The Battle of the Bulge Memorial Trail's 10 new steps at its foot now include a railing added since my last visit.

Passed the Legion of Honor heading downhill, the huge golf course on both sides, and eventually out of the park at Clement and 34th. This long curvy street, a walkers' trail on one side only, is Legion of Honor Drive.