I’ve been visiting Stow Lake for close to five years now. My first visit was over summer break after my first year at AAU in 2012. I remember feeling very alone and anxious after the semester was over. All of my acquaintances had gone back home for summer break, and my family didn’t live in California at the time, leaving me with no one to talk to. I’ve always been a shy person, and it takes me a long time to make friends, so when I heard of the “beautiful and must see” Golden Gate Park, I decided that it might be a good distraction from my current mundane lifestyle.
The People & Animals of Stow Lake
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography
It’s safe to say that it was love at first sight. For the rest of my summer I would take a fifteen minute Muni ride to GGP. From there I had a five-minute walk to a place that would soon become what I liked to call my “Mini Paradise.” I can’t say enough great things about Stow Lake. It is the perfect place to allow yourself to disappear from the hectic hustle and bustle of San Francisco. With its beautiful man made waterfall, walking trails, and overall peaceful energy, it’s a place that never leaves a visitor disappointed. I am one of countless people that have spent many hours lounging on the benches day dreaming.
The Rustic Bridge & Waterfall
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography
Over the past five years, it has become a tradition for me to visit Stow Lake at the end of every semester. Mainly I go there to reflect on what I’ve accomplished during the last semester, but many times I find myself disconnecting entirely and just enjoying the animals and nature around me. Not to mention watching tourists getting stuck on their paddle boats in the middle of the lake (cue evil cackling).
The Boathouse
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography
I will be graduating from AAU in less than a year. My time is almost up, and I can’t help but think about Stow Lake. I don’t know where I will be going after the end of Fall 2016. Perhaps I will be staying right here in SF, or I may be moving elsewhere to pursue my dreams, but regardless, Stow Lake will remain in my heart as my beautiful safe haven during my lonely summers in SF.
The Chinese Pavilion
©AliciaM.BlairPhotograph
"Stealthy Ninja Asian Ladies"
©AliciaM.BlairPhotography
Four years ago these signs didn't exist, and the lake was always buzzing with people feeding animals. As of a year and a half ago, these signs started popping up and every once in a while, if you visit at the right time, you will run into what I affectionately call "The Stealthy Ninja Asian Ladies." These women have been visiting the lake for years, and apparently, signs are not enough to stop them from feeding their feathery friends. I enjoyed watching the pigeons run after her as she walked along the path.
If you are visiting San Francisco, or if you live here and haven’t explored Golden Gate Park, I would highly recommend that you do. Whether it’s to stop by the Japanese Tea Garden, Stow Lake (highly recommended), or to explore the gorgeous Conservatory of Flowers, Golden Gate Park is not a place you want to miss. As the Nike motto goes, “Just do it!”
Map of Golden Gate Park
To learn more about Golden Gate Park, click on the link below.
Alicia M. Blair