When people ask what were some of the highlights of our trip to San Francisco, I would (of course) say seeing Laura and Arend.
On the next level, there were many highlights, and one of these was living near Kite Hill. Laura and Arend live on a hill a few houses away from the end of a cul-de-sac. Sometimes when we went out, we would walk down the hill, but usually we would walk up to the end of their street, which led onto the open space of Kite Hill, and take one of the paths down the hill leading to wherever we wanted to go.
Stepping onto Kite Hill was like entering another world. From one side was a panoramic view over San Francisco from the Castro to downtown, across to the Bay Bridge and beyond. From the other side you could look across to several of San Francisco’s other 43 hills. Walking onto Kite Hill in the morning was so beautiful it would take my breath away. (It would also take my breath away coming back at the end of the day – it was so steep, as were the streets leading up to it, and was usually blowing a gale.)
I was completely captivated by Kite Hill, and must have taken dozens of pictures there. Here are some of them:
15th June. Laura took us to Kite Hill the day we arrived. You can see the Castro Theatre, with its vertical red sign, and the famous giant rainbow flag of the Castro near tree-lined Market Street leading to downtown.
Kite Hill, covered with wildflowers, has a few well-placed seats, where you can sit and enjoy the view or catch your breath, whichever is the most urgent.
To the top right is Tank Hill, with its flourishing eucalyptus trees. We walked there one day, and enjoyed the view back to Kite Hill.
Here are the descriptively-named Twin Peaks. On the further peak, you can see part of a giant (everything is giant in USA) breast cancer pink ribbon.
We later walked up Twin Peaks (yes, both of them), but couldn’t see down to Kite Hill from where we were.
It can get very breezy on Kite Hill. This tree blew down recently.
Kite Hill is criss-crossed with little paths where people walk their dogs.
Standing sentinel over Kite Hill (and indeed all of San Francisco) is the Sutro Tower TV antenna. Here it is at dusk on our first day as we set out for an evening walk.
Here is the view over the city at the same time. The fog is beginning to roll in, you can still see the rainbow flag, the Castro Theatre sign is lit up and the lights have come on along Market Street.
16th June. The stunning backdrop of the view from Kite Hill is being used for a TV presentation.
On our way home from a long day’s hill walking and stair climbing, we approached Kite Hill from a different direction.
Pat found the seat at the top very welcoming.
21st June. I can’t believe I haven’t photographed Kite Hill for a whole five days.
Another perfect day, with the alien proudly keeping watch. Twin Peaks can be seen on the left, and Tank Hill on the right. We’re off for a walking tour of the Castro.
22nd June. It’s foggy today, and the alien is hiding.
But it’s not so foggy over the city, where we’re off to meet my Flickr friend John. Pat strides purposefully across Kite Hill.
On the way we most often leave Kite Hill, the path winds through a pretty little garden.
When we come home in the afternoon, the fog has rolled in again.
Over the hill and nearly home.
24th June. Here is a fabulous view of Kite Hill, taken from Tank Hill. You can see how walking across Kite Hill can lead to different streets.
Here is a closer view. You can just about see Laura and Arend’s apartment through the trees.
6th July. Another beautiful day. We’re off to Sausalito, with the approval of the alien.
Pat walks down the hill.
Someone else is enjoying the view from the seat today.
If I ever forget Kite Hill, I have a few photos to jog my memory. But I don’t think I’ll ever forget…..
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