Day 4: 2015-04-25 San Francisco - Brisbane

I was back on my feet this cool, crisp, Saturday morning near Fort Point in San Francisco along with Jaya who wanted to walk with me until Embarcadero. A nice April showers had passed over bay area late Friday night and the ground was still wet from the rains. The damp ground didn't dampen the spirits of the San Franciscans... so many of them were out on that morning, jogging, walking, running, dog walking, exercising... in general, enjoying life!

The first seven miles of the bay trail goes through several beautiful San Francisco tourist spots. About a mile from our start, we were at Crissy fields, a delightful place to take dogs to. We were treated to a rare sight of a brown pelican grooming itself in the Crissy field marsh. So were some double crested cormorants. 

Aquatic Pk Pier, Alcatraz

In another mile or so, we were at the end of Marina Dr and treated ourselves to a cup of Philz Coffee. Fort Mason Center quickly followed providing some breathtaking views of the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz and the curved aquatic park pier. After crossing Ghiradelli square, we were at Jefferson street. A hot pepper aficionado, I was only happy to spend some time at Pepper Palace. They had every type of hot sauce and chili powders, including Carolina Reaper powder, now the king of peppers after upending Naga Jolokia and Habanero! 

Bay Bridge

Continuing on Embarcadero, the bay trail goes past Fisherman's wharf, Pier 39, Exploratorium before coming upon the Ferry building and marketplace. I said bye to Jaya and continued on. About 7 miles into the walk, I was at AT&T park, home of the SF Giants. The trail continues around AT&T park and goes by McCovey cove, past China basin. 

McCovey Cove

For the next 2 1/2 miles, the trail goes by an industrial zone in San Francisco. The walk by Illinois St. and Cargo way is nothing to write home about, but at the end of this stretch, the trail comes to Heron's Head Park. There is an amazing Ecocenter at this location. There is always something new to learn about our environment and this place, completely off grid with their own solar energy system, rainwater harvesting, living roof, native landscaping with permeable pavement built with sustainable building materials is simply amazing.

From Heron's Head, the trail moves to India Basin shoreline and Hunters point. The trail is not yet developed in this area. I walked through Innes Ave, Kiska Rd, Ingalls St and Gilman Ave to reach Candlestick Point Recreation Park. Hunters point may be just miles away from the vibrant San Francisco Embarcadero area, but the economic disparity was so stark. 

Candlestick  Park demolition

I got to see Candlestick Park, the former home of 49ers being torn down. The trail through Candlestick Point Recreation Park has some fantastic views of the bay, the bay bridge and SF. Again, the bay trail is not well developed here. I had to improvise, crossing over Hwy 101 and reaching Tunnel Ave. 

The two mile walk in Tunnel Ave seemed a scene from Mad Max movie to me. There wasn't any traffic, an oil tanker in the distance, the breeze bringing up some dust and couple of unusual motorized bicycle conversions zipping by me. I was glad to reach Laguna Rd and make my way to Sierra Point Pkwy where the Brisbane Lagoon provided a nice change of scenery from Tunnel Ave. 

Brisbane marina

Crossing over Hwy 101 again, I was at my destination for the day, Brisbane. While Doubletree was right there, I walked around the Brisbane marina before calling it a day.

Key Stats from Day 4

• Distance covered: 22 miles
• Elapsed time: 8 hours 5 minutes (including breaks)
• Breaks: About 45 minutes
• Overnight stay: Doubletree by Hilton, Brisbane
• Cities: San Francisco, Brisbane
• Dog friendly segments: the entire walk :)
• Birds observed: Brown Pelicans, Double Crested Cormorants, Pelagic Cormorants, Western Gull, Surf Scoter

Pictures (70+) from the hike today. Complete map of the 7 day walkabout.