The Two Hills of Yerba Buena

Since moving to Telegraph Hill last summer, my ongoing interest in the early days of the city has only deepened. This roam will feature the two hills that bookend Yerba Buena Cove, which was the kernel of the San Francisco we know today. Rincon Hill has all but disappeared under the Bay Bridge and the new high rises, but Telegraph Hill stands tall. In both places, you can still feel the history and imagine how it was when ships were moored close by in the cove keeping the city thriving.

We will start at the Gandhi Statue behind the Ferry Building (the Meetup map seems to be having trouble with this location), reach the top of Rincon Hill, then roughly follow the original shoreline until we get to the slopes of Telegraph Hill. We will take some lesser known paths along with the more famous, and return closer to the present day bay shore.

Expect a fair amount of climbing and staircases, and we will be almost entirely on pavement.

I will be bringing along my iPad to share historical photos of the places we are passing through.

Bringing water, snacks, and layers for all the microclimates is the way to go.

These roams are offered by donation. They are one way I am able to pay my rent in San Francisco.

Punctuality is always appreciated. Please send a message on the app if you are running a little late. I can usually respond to messages before we get underway, but then I won't be checking my phone.

I know Meetup is notorious for no-shows and late changes of rsvp. I am not as strict as other organisers, but I do pay attention to those who regularly drop off or no-show, and there are consequences for recidivists, as it is discourteous for others who would like to attend.