Back to Bob & Merle
This is a wonderful hike which we begin at the Marina Green where you can leave your car all day with no parking charges. The hike varies from 6 to 8 miles, depending on your exact route and how many side trips you take along the way. The hike includes a number of historic sites, Fort Point, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, the Sausalito shoreline, a ferry trip from Sausalito back to San Francisco, Fishermans Wharf, the San Francisco Maritime Museum, and much more.
We begin walking the path past the San Francisco Yacht Club and along the shore of the Bay through Crissy Field. There are wonderful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin County along the way (assuming that the fog is not too thick to see them). As the trail approaches the bridge, you will see the old Coast Guard Station with its piers and several buildings. The building in the picture to the right is one of them. You can also see Fort Point, a Civil War Era Fort and a National Historic Site, that lies right under the South end of the Golden Gate Bridge. At the old mine depot, just before you get to the fort, a steep trail leads up to the South pedestrian entrance to the bridge.
The Temple lilies in the picture to the left were found beside the trail mentioned above.
We continue our walk across the Golden Gate Bridge towards Sausalito. During the crossing, you may see large ships entering and leaving the bay and other maritime activities. As you reach the North end of the bridge, you turn sharply right into the viewpoint area and follow the bike path signs which will take you under the bridge and let you connect to a road that will take you down the hill to Fort Baker. Be sure to see the old parade ground and the victorian houses that surround it.
At Fort Baker, you continue to follow the Bay Trail which leads you up the hill and along the shoreline towards Sausalito. Just before you get to Sausalito, you join the main highway and follow it into the town. You can now check on the ferry schedule back to San Francisco to determine how much time you will have to explore Sausalito. There are two ferries, one goes to the Ferry Building and one to Fisherman's Wharf. The one to the Ferry Building is cheaper and makes your walk longer, take your pick.
On arrival back in San Francisco, you can stroll along the Embarcadero and view the many interesting sights. Fisherman's Wharf is always interesting and you can get a sidewalk seafood cocktail if the mood strikes you. The people watching can also be fascinating! Your way back to the Marina Green will lead you past Acquatic Park with its old ships and Maritime Museum. and over the hill at Fort Mason.
One of the wonderful things about the hike is that there is always something different going on along the way. The last time we did the walk, the Argentine Frigate "Libertad" was in port and we were allowed to visit the ship admission free. The "Libertad" is a square rigger used for training Argentine Navy Cadets and was on an around the world cruise. The ship was very interesting and impeccably maintained.
