Up from Lobos Creek Boardwalk Trail into the forest (see first photo above), my usual southside trail, then an unmarked trail up to the dunes viewplace after crossing Battery Caulfied.
There’s a lot more greenery and wildflowers up here now since my last visit, making it even more of a treat. There are actually about 103 steps in all if you count the wide boardwalk steps just before the main stairway starts down (see second pic) and a few more wide steps on the regular trail.
This long hike took me along the Mountain Lake Trail nearly the whole distance, where I plucked ripe blackberries sufficient to fill a tall drinking glass.
A short distance offtrail slogged thru damp sand at times, between the residences on the north and the Presidio Wall, near Julius Kahn Park. El Polin Springs is nowhere near reopening; the area's fenced off with “Trail Closed” signs. The willow tree’s still unmolested and several other trees are still down there.
Upon reaching Lover’s Lane, nearly up to the park exit, instead headed north on this paved trail, past Andy Goldsworthy’s “Wood Line,” and up to Presidio Blvd. at Simonds Loop where there’s a bus stop.
Was particularly cheered this morning to hear that a new Trader Joe’s will be opening next year about five blocks from me when the current supermarket’s lease ends (Ralph’s/Cala). Had thought for a long time that the neighborhood could really use a TJs; groceries will then be more reasonably priced and considerably healthier.