The Golden Gate was one of my favorite places to visit while living in the San Francisco Bay Area. As the straight that connects the Bay to the Pacific Ocean, it's a dynamic and energetic coastal environment characterized by deep waters, powerful currents, and frequent fog. Steep bluffs tower on both sides of the inlet, providing spectacular views of the surrounding area and forming a protective fortress that largely shelters the Bay. Due to this advantageous location, the Marin headlands (to the north of the inlet) became the site of many military fortifications, batteries, and bunkers. Although now decommissioned, many of these structures are still in place and preserved as historical sites.
Below are photos from one of the many afternoons we found ourselves at the headlands. This time Craig and I were accompanied by our pal, Mark, who was visiting for the weekend from Reno, Nevada. Determined to get to a small pocket beach at the bottom of one of the cliffs, we snaked our way along the least steep route we could find. Although we made it to the beach and had a great time relaxing and exploring the water's edge, the three of us ended up with poison oak a few days later!
Craig inside Battery Rathbone with San Francisco in the background
View of the Golden Gate
We make our way down the steep headland
...almost there
Craig playing on the rocks
Mark explores a crack in the cliff.
Watching the waves roll in
Me, Craig, and the California hat
Looking SW toward San Francisco
San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge
