SF Sketchers

Draw dramatic views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge up close and explore and draw around the Historic Fort Point building structure. "The Fort has been called "the pride of the Pacific," "the Gibraltar of the West Coast," and "one of the most perfect models of masonry in America." When construction began during the height of the California Gold Rush, Fort Point was planned as the most formidable deterrence America could offer to a naval attack on California. Although its guns never fired a shot in anger, the "Fort at Fort Point" as it was originally named has witnessed Civil War, obsolescence, earthquake, bridge construction, reuse for World War II, and preservation as a National Historic Site." (From the NPS website) 10:30 AM Meet in the parking lot at the end of Marine Dr. near "Hooper's Hands". Look for people with sketchbooks. Text Sarah at[masked] if you can't find us. 1:00 PM Meet up to share sketches and chat back over by "Hooper's Hands" at the end of the parking lot. The Warming Hut Cafe and Bookstore is about a 10 min walk from Fort Point for those who want to get some lunch or a snack afterwards or a cup of coffee and a snack beforehand. COST: $1. LINKS See the sketches from our previous meetups at Fort Point: https://www.meetup.com/SF-Sketchers/photos/28528562/ https://www.meetup.com/SF-Sketchers/photos/21110072/ BRING Dress warmly: the winds can be fierce here, even on the sunniest days. Wear walking shoes with a good grip for those uneven stone courtyards and twisting stairways. You might also want to bring a stool, pad or newspaper to keep your bottom warm when sitting on cold stone. GETTING THERE By car from San Francisco and points south, take Highway 101 north and exit right at the Golden Gate Bridge toll plaza before getting on the bridge. Turn right at end of exit ramp and then left onto Lincoln Boulevard. Take the first left onto Long Avenue and follow onto Marine Drive. Fort Point is located at the end of Marine Drive. Other option is to take Marina Blvd. to the Presidio area and take the little streets within the Presdio if that sounds easier. There's a public parking lot at the End of Marine Drive. It looks like there is public parking in the Battery East Parking lot, however if you park there youll have to walk about 16 mins to get to Fort Point. By bus or walking: The 76X Muni bus goes from the Montgomery St. bart and stops to the Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza. Fort Point is a about a 16 min. walk from the Toll Plaza. ****A portion of the Battery East Trail between the the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center and Fort Point National Historic Site is closed for repairs through September[masked]. For access please use the Bay Trail/Presidio Promenade and Andrews Trail. — Sketch by Cathy McAuliffe