Stroll through Golden Gate Park-- for the Dahlias, dahling

If you got an email stating this hike is tomorrow (Wesnesday)-ignore it. It's just Meetup doing its thing. The hike is Tuesday the 22nd.

The Dahlias are starting to bloom at the park, so let's take advantage of the longer days and later sun sets and enjoy a nice, early-evening walk through Golden Gate Park. We'll see some of the park's loveliest gardens and hidden spaces as we loop around from County Fair Building.

THE WALK: WE START WALKING AT 6:00 ON THE DOT! Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and use the facilities. We'll enter the park at Lincoln, then cross over to the AIDS Grove, Fucshia Dell and Dahlia Garden before coming to the beautiful building that houses the Conservatory of Flowers. From there we'll take the winding trails that lead us to the Music Concourse; the giant plaza surrounded by the de Young Museum, The Academy of Sciences, and the Temple of Music. Then it's past the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Pioneer Log Cabin. From there we circle Stow Lake (restrooms) and see Huntington Falls, the Crossover Bridge, and the Chinese Pavillion. After the lake we start our return to Lincoln via the Shakespeare Garden.

This is an easy to moderate walk. It should take about 2 hours, depending on how much we stop to enjoy the sites and the views. Most of the walk is flat, although the area of the lake has some uphill (we won't go to the top of Strawberry Hill on this walk). It's mostly paved or wide paths, with only a few dirt path sections.

If the County Fair Building is closed, the nearest restrooms are at the Big Rec Field across the street, on the Nancy Pelosi side.

GETTING THERE
The County Fair Building is at the 9th Street entrance at Lincoln. We will meet on the North West corner.

Public Transportation: Muni buses #7 (Noriega), and #44 (O'Shaughnessy) each stop at the corner. Buses #43 (Masonic) and 66 (Quintara) stop 2 blocks away at 9th and Judah. The N (Judah) stops one block closer at 9th and Irving.

Driving- Lincoln Street is the Southernmost edge of Golden Gate Park. Your best bet for parking might be along Nancy Pelosi Drive inside the park. Otherwise, parking is neighborhood and not impossible, although you may have to circle the side streets for a while. In a pinch there is a lot at 7th and Irving that is metered until 6:00 PM.

ATTENDANCE POLICY
This is a fun and easy group, but we're pretty serious when it comes to attendance. No showing and late cancelling (considered the same as a no show) are not allowed. City Steppers who no-show, crash, or consistently place-hold will be removed from the group without warning. This walk is only available to City Steps members.

DOGGIE GUEST RULES
This is a nice walk for well-behaved dogs on leash. Although we will be crossing several streets and will not be in any off-leash areas, there will be plenty of sniffing opportunities.

SAFETY
You are responsible for your own safety on all City Steps walks. Your yes RSVP confirms that you have read and agree to the Liability Waiver that can be found at the bottom every Meetup page.

WHAT TO BRING
Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
We won't be taking a snack or dinner break, so if you get peckish bring something you can eat while walking.
Water, plus extra for your dog.
Camera (for shots of those crazy dahlias and zany walkers)