Milestones
- 21st county in California camped (SHOW ON MAP).
- / 6th time biking/camping along the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail (SHOW THE 5TH)
The Camping…
The borders of the City and the County of San Francisco are exactly the same. This is the smallest county in California at only 46.9 square miles. However, it has a population of 827,526 residents as of 2024. I camped at the Rob Hill Campground which is located at the highest point on the San Francisco Presidio (384 ft above sea level). In 1776, the Juan Bautista de Anza expedition walked along this hillside as they established a Spanish Presidio near the harbor.
There are only 4 campsites and they are all for large groups (15-20 people). I had 2 fire-pits and 4 picnic tables to spread out on. It was a little expensive, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for any amount of money.
The Biking…
Here’s the route I took from the campground, down the hill to the bridge, across to the Marin Headlands, back to Fort Point, around the Presidio, and back to my campsite. I only spent 1 hr 20 minutes ride time, but I stopped for pictures and sightseeing so it all took 3 hrs to complete.
The way out from my campground…
Down the road a little ways…
My first glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge… I was starting to get really excited when I saw this. Riding my bike makes the approach up to the bridge just that much more spectacular.
Just before getting on the pedestrian/biking path along the eastern side of the bridge roadway.
I made a wrong turn … went under the bridge … and had to turn around.
Just before the south tower… The whole ride was very personal. I felt very small, and everything was up close. It’s so different than driving a car across.
Headed to the north tower…
2 bridge workers were inspecting the roadway, so I asked one of them to take my picture. I’m such a tourist!!!
I’m at the “Lone Sailor” marker. This is a memorial to every one who ever sailed out of the Golden Gate in the service of their country – in the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, the Merchant Marine. I stopped here, and a veteran (wearing his medals) came over to me and asked if he could take my picture.
Looking back across the bay. Alcatraz, Treasure Island and Downtown San Francisco are in the background. I’m at the north end of the bike trail.
Looking northeast at Fort Baker, with Sausalito just up the coast a bit.
I squeezed through the railing at the midway point along the bridge to get this picture on my way back.
Returning from the Golden Gate Bridge, looking southwest.
I decided to ride over to the Presidio. My Dad was stationed here, and flew in/out of Crissy Field. This is Pershing Square.
My Dad probably went in here at least once…
This is #10 Funston Avenue, base housing on the Presidio. I lived here before kindergarten.
This was all very cool to see.
The Presidio has some serious hills. Good job! And very nice photos, too! I’m a bit amazed that your trips back/forth on the bridge were so uncrowded. Usually the walkway/bike trail is very busy. My Dad was also stationed at the Presidio, albeit briefly towards the end of his career – I’m very familiar with the place. I spent a good deal of time there as a kid when I was in 8th grade and H.S. My Dad’s remains are at the cemetery there (along with my Mom’s), with a good view of the bay.
Thanks for sharing. It amazes me to see all the connections we have, even with a small group of people. I rode right past the cemetery you mentioned. Beautiful spot.
Very nice trip, and nostalgic as well returning to a childhood home. However, I prefer your trips that involve dangerous wild animals like racoons and occasional bears.
Van, those is some great pictures. Going to the Golden Gate Bridge had to be awesome
What an exciting trip. I bet the bridge does look much bigger on a bike. I liked the “between the rails” pic.
I had forgotten you have history of your early years there, memories of your Dad, where you lived.
Very cool Van.
Another awesome trip.
Driving across the bridges doesn’t allow you to appreciate what an amazing piece of engineering they are, and yes, like you said, how small we are.
It’s such a unique experience.
Thank you for sharing again!
Great pictures Van! You were three when we lived at 10A Funston. The house was huge; our half had four bedrooms and 10B had another three. You chose your own bedroom right at the top of the stairs. It was tiny but perfect for a pint-size three year old. You were busy up and down the stairs, always talking, playing and chasing your ball. What fun we had! The bathroom/laundry room was long and narrow with the floor slanting decidedly toward the back door. Remember that? We lived on the Presidio 18 months. Occasionally we’d travel down 19th Avenue and through a tunnel which you called a “tongue-le.”
Great job Van! Your adventures are an inspiration to many.
You are an amazing man with amazing adventures!
I am so glad that I was able to visit you at your campsight!
I enjoyed our afternoon together catching up on life — and getting to hear more details about this Golden Gate Adventure.
I hope we will be able to meet sometime soon during yet another of your great adventures!
Ed
I love your adventures are getting monumental! It reminds me of boating. When traveling SLOW you take in so many more things than you do in a car. It’s very majestic! We lived a life at 8knots for many years!!