Hike Through The Presidio Before the Blue Angels Airshow (With picnic to follow)

October 12th is the Sunday of Fleet Week, and the last chance to see the air show featuring the United States Navy Blue Angels, the Air Force’s F-16, and Wingsuit Divers, and the Navy Parachute Team. City Steppers looking for a full day of fun can combine these events with one of my favorite San Francisco walks.

The Presidio is a wonderful national park, smack dab in the middle of the city. Let's hike around the bluffs and the art, look for vistas and views, find some hills and stairways, and work up an appetite for the picnic to follow

WE START WALKING AT 10:00 AM SHARP. We'll meet at the PRESIDIO FIRE STATION across from the Transit Center (restrooms) near the Main Post. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and use the facilities.

SPACE ON THIS WALK IS LIMITED, BUT THE PICNIC THAT FOLLOWS IS OPEN TO EVERYONE.

We'll explore the areas around the Parade Ground and the outdoor Goldworthy installations (we may only be able to peek at the indoor one). We'll see the old and new Presidio, from its original boundary to the new Tunnel Tops.

This is an easy to moderate walk, with a few small uphills and staircases. Most of the walk is along paths, but we go through some dirt sections and one short make-your-own-path hillside. The walk should take about 2 1/2 hours, depending on how much we dilly-dally. Dogs are always welcome on these walks. Presidio rules require they be on leash.

After the walk we end up back at the Main Post just as the airshow begins. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on, and join the festivities. Just in time for lunch! There will be a separate announcement with info about this event. We can drop off our chairs and picnics with Rebecca who will keep an eye on them, so we will be able to enjoy our hike unencumbered.

The air show starts at 12:00 Noon, with the Blue Angels flying between 3:00-4:00PM. We should be able to see most of the show from the Main Post Parade Grounds. There's always plenty to do before the big show.

http://fleetweeksf.org/events/

GETTING THERE: MUNI Line #43 (Masonic) stops at the Transit Center. The next closest bus is Muni Line #45 (Union) which stops just outside the Presidio at Union and Lyon. Bus #28 (19th Avenue) takes you to Richardson/Lombard, and bus #30 (Stockton) goes to Chestnut and Divisadero just a few blocks from the Lombard Gate. Parking is plentiful, and although free parking can be difficult to find, we'll be early enough that you should be able to get parking at the Main Post for a reasonable fee (all-day maxes at $11.50). Even arriving early, this event will fill up fast. Give yourself plenty of time.

The FREE Presidigo Downtown Shuttle arrives at the Main Post around 9:55 AM. his is probably the best option for BART users. EXPECT THIS SHUTTLE TO BE VERY BUSY, ESPECIALLY FOR THE RIDE BACK

http://www.presidio.gov/transportation/presidigo/downtown-shuttle-schedule

ATTENDANCE POLICY--

This group does not accommodate no-shows or crashers. Don't do it. City Steppers who no-show or late cancel can be removed from the group without warning.

ALTHOUGH THIS IS A GREAT HIKE FOR DOGS. THE AIR SHOW CAN BE LOUD AND THE EVENT WILL BE CROWDED. SOME DOGS DO NOT HANDLE THIS WELL AT ALL. See our doggie guest rules.

LIABILITY & SAFETY--

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

WHAT TO BRING:

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Water- there are a couple of places you can refill along the route

A picnic lunch and a blanket or lawn chair of you have one. Rebecca will stay with it while you hike.

Your camera for the views and binoculars for the show.