Sandy Stairs

2/14/2016

I’m an enthusiastic advocate for safe skyways like I posted about recently that cross over the Bernal Cut above San Jose Ave.

When I next get the urge to hike the GGNRA's Fort Funston, It’s so treacherous crossing Great Highway to the Ocean Beach side that I’m thinking of going out of my way to connect with a certain bus I’ve seen parked on the beachside. At the light here, cars are allowed to turn every which way and the wait time to cross is far too long.

Here and at Lands End (at the 38R Geary’s last stop) I keep waiting and waiting to cross, wondering if the light is even working, and thinking I don’t have all day to just stand there. So have ended up darting across when I think I’ve got time to do so sans light during a slight pause in the steadily moving traffic.

Skyways would be great for safe foot traffic across busy highways. These are major parks and too much attention was given to car access and parking lots instead of pedestrian safety.

Last year when I last hiked Fort Funston they were making improvements to the main trail (approximately from the doggy water dishes at the top of the east stairway south to the hang gliding deck), so guessed it’d been long enough now that this would bet completed.

It’s a hassle for me to get to FF as no buses stop at the main east entrance nor anywhere near the park. The best I can do is take the L-Taraval Metro to its last stop, the zoo, cross Great Highway to the Ocean Beach side and hoof it maybe a mile (?) to get to the main part of the park: first three pix.

Along the Horse Trail this time to the foot of the east stairs, about108 sand-covered steps: 4 thru 17

At the top, checking out the main trail that’s been newly paved, lined with rocks on both sides, and three panic tables added: 18 thru 22

The hang gliding deck. No show this time; limp windsock: 23, 24, 25

Down then back up the west log-and-sand stairway, about 142 steps: 26 thru 34

Heading back again (north): 35, 36, 37