October 24, 2026
Sometimes I just can’t help myself. I had decided to visit the Presidio next, and I planned to go on Saturday. Instead, on my way over, I went into Golden Gate Park again, and spent the afternoon on Strawberry Hill. This little hill stands out on the park’s landscape because it is completely surrounded on all sides by the Blue Heron Lake.
Nick and I walked around the lake, hand in hand, admiring people paddling on their little boats, and enjoying the blue green algae that colored the surface of the water. We crossed a little bridge and started on the paths that wound up the hillside. We talked as we climbed, pausing to admire little bits of nature we encountered on our way to the top. I found a giant mushroom growing on a fallen log, and was surprised that every time I looked out from the hillside the view seemed to get more and more stunning.
In addition to the Blue Heron Lake that circled the hill at its base, little pools and ponds creeped their way up the slope, so that on each concentric ring of path, we met a new surprise. Towards the top, we found a picnicking area that seemed to be set up for a halloween party. Lots of witchy hats. We had a short rest on a log to appreciate the top, and decided to climb back down.
One of my favorite places was a bridge spanning over a waterfall. I would have lingered longer, but I noticed some people at the base of the fall pointing cameras upward, and I suspected they would prefer a shot without me in it.
The hill itself was full of little wonders, but as far as I could tell, there were no strawberries.
