Last night there was a spectacular sunset. I took Lucy on an evening walk to Fort Funston, the oceanfront park near our house. It is 35 acres of pure beauty and dog heaven. Even though the park was filled with dog walkers and dogs, there was a noticeable stillness as people were mesmerized by the light. It was almost as if we all stood back in respect of nature and its brilliant display.
On the dunes at the south end of Ocean beach, towering above the Pacific Ocean, Fort Funston is one of the premiere dog hangouts on the Peninsula. As its name suggests this park was once a military outpost and two-gun battery that pointed seaward to protect mid-20th Century San Francisco from an attack. The remains of the battery are still intact and add a sense of martial history to the otherwise natural setting of sand dunes, eucalyptus groves and open beach. In addition to its draw for dog owners, Fort Funston is the main jumping off point for hang-gliders and parasailers who fly up and down the dune cliffs overlooking the beach. - SF Dog Parks
There is something about standing on those cliffs, listening to the surf, and smelling the ocean air that is really humbling to me. My problems seem to rise and float away as smoothly as the hang-gliders above us. I can feel the joy of dogs allowed to run free, playing with each other and exploring the grounds. Life exists here in a very pure state. As I look right towards the headlands, left towards the cliffs, behind me at the city, and straight ahead at the magnificent ocean, I feel centered, renewed, and focused. It is truly a magical spot.
