Roaming the Five Squares of the Western Addition

Over the six years of Roaming Zen, we have covered pretty much every corner of the city. Occasionally I get whimsical ideas of new routes that I would like to try, and this is one. I love old maps and the history of San Francisco (many wonderful maps can be found at the David Rumsey collection, and historical photographs at Open SF History). The above survey, from 1861, shows the Western Addition laid out in a way that is very familiar to us today (north is to the right if you are disoriented).

I have walked from Alamo Square to Alta Plaza and across to Washington Square more than once, and thought of doing that as a route. The clearer visuals for Jefferson Square and Hamilton Square (now mostly better known as the Raymond Kimbell playground) sealed the deal.
So this is a more urban route than most, but one that will offer views of the hills and the bay, as well as a sense of history and transformation. There will be a couple of climbs, but not as steep as it could be!

We will meet in another little green space not on the old map - Patricia's Green on Octavia Boulevard. Bring water snacks and layer.