New Years Day Hike

[vienna]

I went to the Presidio a couple of times, as a child, with my father; he was in the merchant marines, but had served briefly in the Army (it was found his sea legs were not compatible with Army drill and, besides, his skills were more needed to man the merchant ships) and he went to a military hospital on the base for medical care a couple of times. Later, in high school, I was in the Jr. ROTC and went to the Presidio for various Army related functions. It was there, if memory recalls well, I was able to try out an Airborne practice jump tower that had been set up as part of a ceremony and parade in which I partcicpated. Some of the buildings actually date back to the days of Spanish and Mexican rule of California. When the base was closed down, real estate developers were literally drooling over the possibility of acquiring the land to put up high-end condos and estates. But the citizens of San Francisco, who are known to fiercely defend their history and landmarks, raised a ruckus and the plans of the developers were foiled. It is one of the most beautiful places in the city and on the West Coast. I envy you your ability to easily access the area...


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