Explore Golden Gate Park (~10 miles) w/ lunch at deYoung cafe

Since we didn't get to take in the dahlia's last Saturday after our Land's End hike we will make sure we get to see them by walking through the entire park! From the west end to the east we will walk along the northern route and back to the west along the southern route. We will stop at the deYoung musem to take in the spectacular views from the roof & to have lunch in the cafe. (https://www.famsf.org/visit/de-young-cafe) Feel free to bring your own lunch if you'd rather not buy lunch at the cafe. After lunch we will hit both the rose garden & the Conservatory of Flowers where the spectacular display of dahlia's in bloom will cause you to take way more pictures than you ever thought you would!

Park along the Great Hwy in free parking or in the Beach Chalet lot. We will meet in front of the Beach Chalet at 1000 Great Hwy (GPS 37.769470, -122.510341). Carpooling is highly recommended:
carpool

This is a recreation of a hike I first did with Neal W. of San Jose midweek hikers. Our path will look similar to this recording from my hike when I led it last year in case you'd like an idea of where we will be walking: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/neal-s-golden-gate-park-hike-64314c1

Neal's description of the route: Starting point, Enter Golden Gate Park JFK Drive, Left side of Beach Chalet, Dutch Windmill on Left (Queen Wilhelmina Garden), Continue on JFK Drive past the Buffalo paddock, then Spreckles Lake (Toy boats) Waterfall, (R) to Stowe Lake, towards the waterfall, up stairs to Strawberry Hill, down the same stairs, circle Island, out the same side of the park, then Right back on JFK Drive past and visit the Rose Garden, then continue on path parallel to JFK Drive, then (R) De Young Museum (go up Hamon Tower for great view) and exit on the other side, pass Japanese Tea Garden, back to JFK Drive, (L) to Conservatory of Flowers, Continue on path to east end of park. Then south (R) to McLaren Lodge, (R) on path to Robin Williams Meadow, (L) on path to Carousel then reverse, (L) on path the AIDS Mem. Grove and Nat'l AIDS Memorial, (R) on path from Pelosi Dr to Music Concourse, out to ML King Dr near Temple of Music, (R) on Transverse, (L) on path to Elk Glen Lake, MLK Dr to Middle Dr W, follow path back to start.

IOPQ will be: What is your favorite flower?

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Disclaimer: The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group and its event organizer and members from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Over 50 Social Hiking Group does not certify the expertise of its event organizers or hike leaders - We are volunteers. All hike distances, routes and elevation gains are approximations and can vary from time to time. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, poles, hat, sunscreen, first aid, food, gear, electrolytes, and water. You should consult your physician if you have any medical conditions that might limit your ability to engage in this type of activity.