Mori Point

In contrast to Windy Hill, this one was really windy, putting even the weather-beaten Cliffs of Moher to shame.  Sustained, gale-force (some exaggeration perhaps) winds, pulsating, relentless, nature’s air conditioner set to really, really high. In 1888, Stefano Mori, an Italian immigrant, purchased farm and ranchland overlooking the Pacific. Now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Mori Point, 110 acres of hiking trails, bluffs, ridges, ponds, and wetlands, is another much-welcomed refuge from the daily grind, just fifteen miles south of San Francisco and a world away. Start at the Upper Mori Trail trailhead and continue toward the Coastal Trail until you reach the descent to Mori Point.  Proceed with the care; the winds can be overwhelming.  In front of you, to the left (and pictured below) will be the main attraction, a tempest in a whirlpool, dense, ultra-concentrated, waves originating from miles offshore, if not on the other side of the Pacific, six thousand miles away, crashing, with full force, against the rocks, a  battle of wills, which the latter will ultimately lose. Next, go back up the hill and look left (north) to the broad esplanade below (and pictured above), separating the virtually empty beach (mostly due to dangerous rip currents and frigid waters) and the wetlands and a public golf course. Walk down the Bootlegger’s Steps and continue down the dirt path of the esplanade to the Pacifica Pier, turn back, and hike to Upper Mori Trail. There are a few trails along the bluffs and ridges; enjoy, but, again, be careful, mainly due to the wind. It’s possible that there are clear, warm, placid days at Mori Point, but I doubt it. Comments welcomed.