Byline : Celeste Rogers
The hikes organized by Hoyt were often embedded with hidden gems. I discovered San Francisco through the Stairs Hikes such as hidden gardens among the stairs and awesome views of the Bay and unknown lakes (to me) in Golden Gate Park.
This Lands End hike is no different. I discovered that there is a wonderful trail after the Cliff House, a blow hole inside the tunnel, the
maze, the USS San Francisco Memorial, the Palace of the Legion of Honor (The Thinker is here), the Holocaust Memorial, the stairways, the incredible mansions on Seacliff Avenue, blackberry blooms, the perfect blooms of yellow, purple, white and red and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge set against the perfect blue sky on a cool breezy day. I could not ask for more from this hike with great wonderful people sharing stories, their activities and their food and making friends and meeting members whom we have not met in months.
At the end of the hike, Hoyt took us to a restaurant, Mandalay, that is zagat rated. Hoyt recommended the Tea Leaf Salad and ginger tea. The Tea salad is not what a salad is in our definition. It consisted of fermented tea paste, and all things fried, such as split peas, sliced garlic, broad beans, sesame, ground nuts, chili, shrimp paste and some lemon. One bite into the mixture which was mixed on the table as 
part of the dining experience, and you are hooked and filled. The ginger drink is actually
mint with lemon juice and so cool, refreshing and delicious after a long hike of 6 miles and 4 hours later. Also, the coconut rice is a must if you happen to be there.
Food, hike, great weather, wonderful friends and beautiful scenery make for a perfect day!! Life is Good!!
Days later, I was still raving about this wonderful hike that make my Saturday last forever!!! A great BIG thank you to Hoyt and Nancy Nelson.
Cheers, Celeste
