Day One: From Cow Palace to Treasure Island

Day One, September 9, will begin with the Opening Ceremony, which starts at 6:30 am, at Cow Place, in Daly City. From there, we will walk to Lake Merced, located southwest of San Francisco. Originally named Laguna de Nuestra Señora de la Merced (The Lake of Our Lady of Mercy) in 1774 by the Spanish who arrived to scout the area as a possible mission site, the name was later shortened. During the mid-nineteenth century, because the lake was remote from the city, it was a popular dueling ground; California's last public duel was held here in 1859.

Then, traveling north along the Great Highway, we'll have views of the Pacific Ocean. Great Highway begins at Lake Merced and runs about 3.5 miles along the ocean, ending at the Cliff House, where will pass by our first cheering station. While I've never eaten at the Cliff House before, I did visit this area during my first trip to San Francisco in July 1989. I remember exploring the site of the former Sutro Baths, which, when opened in 1896, was the indoor largest swimming complex in the world. Seventy years later, after the baths closed due to high operating and maintenance costs, the building housing the baths burned to the ground, as it was in the process of being demolished.

Leaving our cheering fans behind at the Cliff House, we will begin the climb toward our Day One lunch stop, enjoying a view of the headlands along the way. From there, we will follow the Lands End Trail, located on the northwestern corner of the San Francisco peninsula. The trail will take us to Sea Cliff, a neighborhood in northwestern San Francisco known for its large houses and ocean views. Continuing on an eastern route, we'll make our way next through Presidio Heights, Pacific Heights, and Fisherman's Wharf.

Toward late afternoon, having covered over 20 miles, we will catch a ferry from Fisherman's Wharf to camp on Treasure Island, my home away from home for the weekend. Once we dock on the island, we'll walk from there to the campsite along the island's west side, with a view of the city. And then, with the exception of walking from tent to shower, shower to dinner, and dinner to tent, the walking for Day One will be complete!