August 24, 2009

Filbert Street Stairs, San Francisco


click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

While climbing, If you take your eyes off the gorgeous resident-maintained gardens that line the Filbert Street Stairs you will spot bits of art here and there.   I had to pause for a little chuckle when I discovered this "No Dogs, Teacup Poodles O.K." admonishment along the way.   Reminded me that in San Francisco there is usually -- almost always -- an exception to the rule...



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

I understand that there are approximately 300 sets of stairways in San Francisco -- most of them only known to the local neighborhood residents -- but I'm going to go out on limb here and say that the Filbert Street Stairs is the most beautiful of them all.

On each side of the eighty foot swath of gardens are homes that have stood over a century in the beauty of it all.   Views of the Bay are sweeping and fantastic.   Residents need to park up by Coit Tower and expend a substantial amount of energy getting to and from their homes.   Definitely worth it in my book...



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

While I was huffing and puffing my way up the stairs -- hoping to find photogenic spots where I could stop to catch my breath, this young woman passed by me six times as she casually and almost effortlessly jogged up and down the stairs on her Saturday morning workout.   Where these young kids get their energy I'll never know...



click photo for full-size image
photo by Donald Kinney

Skeptical about the beauty of the gardens along the way?   Well, here you go...   Case closed...   Amen...   Pass the potatoes...


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10 comments:

Si's blog said...

Over here on the flatlands, the biggest mountain in Exmore is my compost pile out in the back yard. It is all of 4 feet high. We sit 12feet above sea level. A good storm surge will be lots of fun.

And the best gardens are acres of 'maters, beans (soybeans), cotton, and corn.

Si's blog said...

ps. Really enjoyed the fog pictures, too.

photowannabe said...

Exqusite rose photo and I love the way you captured the stairs. I feel like I am peeking into a secret place.
Whew...I don't have that kind of energy anymore...

AphotoAday said...

HI SI -- Hey, I didn't know Virginia was flat as a pancake... Must be kind of like Florida -- a buddy of mine used to joke that the tallest hill in Florida was about 14 feet tall...

AND HI PHOTOWANNABE SUE -- Yep, those stairs are probably the most known, but still they are a big secret and well worth the effort... There's other sets of stairs that go up there, but not quite as pretty as the Filbert Stairs in my opinion...

tangobaby said...

I think those are my favorite stairs of all the stairs in SF... however, I always think about the practicality of living there: bringing in the groceries. Moving furniture. I guess the view is worth it!

Rhett Redelings said...

I've been told that those fit people with energy enough to hoof it up and down stairs actually get their energy from (wait for it...) hoofing it up and down stairs!

Love the hydrant with the rule and the exception. Delightful!

ChrisJ said...

Have to comment on your banner! It is unique, eye-catching, mysterious and beautiful -- plus a few more appropriate adjectives which I can't bring up because my brain is too tired I enjoy your photos..

Louise said...

SIX TIMES? Didn't she get bored? And yes, it's beautiful.

Tomate Farcie said...

Goodness, you did the Filbert stairs' hike?!! You must be in good shape ;)

Did you by any chance catch sight of the Parrots? They hang out right around there.

Kudos for climbing all these stairs! Last time I went up Telegraph Hill, I was so out-of-breath it was embarassing.

india flint said...

i love the Filbert steps...

 
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