I started off the Glendale Path, right on Glendale. My first stairway (photo 1 (Glendale Path) had 33 concrete steps, which became a dirt path, shortly followed by 38 railroad ties. This landed me on Queens Rd, to climb the 2nd (photo 2) out of 3rd segment for the Glendale Path: an unsurpassed experience that I will never forget. I ascended about 2/3 of the way of the 40 steep rail road steps.
I was huffing, puffing and was simply experiencing the affect of a 2 week stair withdrawl. The odd spanish hippy fellow who was in his mid 60's, stopped me on the steps. ''Young Man'' he stuttered, ''These steps are your life. You will find your destiny on these steps if you look within.''
I chuckled, and replied, ''Huh?''
The spanish man said, '' Javier is my name. These stairs are pretty Prettyy- PRETTYYY Steep.''
I replied, ''Yea they take a long time to get used too.''
He went on about how these steps could lead you to a multitude of possibilities. He touted '' But it's not the size of the stairs that intrigues me. It's the meaning covered in these step. You can find a girlfriend on these steps. You can find your path in life. You can find bliss. But you could also run into a stealty man who slaughters you with a knife and ends your life, he he he. So one minute you think you're going to have a wonderful day and the next minute someone from the bushes shoots you with a sniper. But you can manufactuer wonderful ideas on these steps. But just like life, death is always following you over your shoulders as you walk the steps. Don't be sad or comfortable. You could get kidnapped and get thrown under the Golden Gate Bridge. Or you could also find a million dollars. So while death is following you, life is following you. These steps are divine. They repressent destiny.''
I was out of words for a moment. Slightly confused, a bit horrified. I asked him what his experience on these steps entailed. He went on to say that every night just right before dark, he encouters a ghost named Hopsin. According to him Hopsin resemembeled a very brittle old man with a commanding mustache and a hostile strut. Was his best friend. I don't remember the whole story but he said that Hopsin was killed on these steps decades ago by his ex wife. She just jumped out of the bushes and ended his life. To be honest, I didn't know if he was just fabricating this or if he was telling me the truth.
I asked Javier, ''You really see a ghost on this Glendale Path?''
Javier replied, ''These steps aint just steps kid. These are magical paths to the divine. These steps have minds. They can go inside your head and read your very own thoughts. But don't be afraid. You will find your destiny on these steps if you focus. They look like steps for exercise, but within these steps lies the secrets to our universe. I see many things around here. Did you know that you're about to ascend a staiway that has rocks over 100 million years old? I do in fact see the spirits of the most holy on the steps. These steps are neither good or bad. These steps are what you make of them.''
I had this subtle uneasy feeling in my stomach. He smiled at me gleefully, strutted away and told me to continue to cultivate myself. Something like this was a bit dramatic but worth writing about. You do tend to witness unusual things on the steps of the bay area whether it be a ghost hunter, a wild turkey, an odd sculpture, a 100 year old rock, or an unbelievable view.
One thing was certain. I crossed Fairlawn Street. It culminated me to a plaque that stated the rock are over 65 million years old. Simply put, Ancient. The 3rd segment of the Glendale Path composed of 53 steps, and 13 stone steps. (photo 3 and 4)
I thought hard and deeply about what the unconventional man meant. He was mysterious, but quite compelling. Did he really see ghosts on these steps or was he just being metaphoric to sound like a new age hipster? Beats me.
I swerved right after reaching the intersection of Fairlawn and Arcade. I found my next set of steps by house 151. These steps were part of my last East Bay Walk and you can view them from my last post. This is the Columbian Walk. 30 rail road steps deposit me to Grizzly Peaks Blvd. I croosed the street and found the Atlas path (photo 6) at house 1311 which is 87 rail tie steps, and also featured in my last post. Today's view segrated from last time's view, as it was 100 times more clear, looking at the bay.
I reached Hill Road and Atlas Place. A blue jay (photo7) called for my attention. I noticed how well he blendid in with the green leaves and branches. I turned left on Hill until I reached house 80 and 90. I saw an unpredented view and I promise you that I am not using the word ''unprecedented'' lightly. Right in front of my eyes: Mt. Tampalis, the clouds hovered over and aroun Mt. Tampalis, the whole bay, the GG and Bay Bridge. However, this view was large and nothing was hindering it. I felt like I had climbed a mountain. My words I said to myself outloud. ''Are you kidding me? WOW!'' (PHOTO 8)
I followed a hidden path on the right and it descended me down to Sasha Road. I appreciated the energized blue water fountain. (photo 9) It delivered me a refreshing vibe, just what I needed after hearing about the mysterious Hopsin. I turned staight ahead past the fountain into ''Park Hills.'' Turning left, I found the Fred Herbert Path. It had 3 segments. I climbed down 42 rail road tie steps, 40 stairs, and then over 130 steps. (photo 10 and 11)
I climbed back up 64 steps to Hilbrew Rd. I walked right and beared left on Woodside Road. I found the Muir Path (photo 12) between houses 1088 and 1100. 24 smooth steps. As I reached the top, I was startled by a deer. (photo 13) For a moment I was thinking about Hopsin, haha. I appreciate the deer that stood stoic. I sat down for a while on the grassy area and gazed my eyes at the open space (photo 14). I strutted left and found another 24 wooden steps (photo 15), which led me up to Muir Way.
I walked straight and turned left on Grizzly Peaks. After 1160, I found the Stoddard Path. 71 stairs that dropped me to 1165 Miller Ave. I turned left and found my final staircase, the Shasta Path, 137 steps down. As I climbed down, a little man with a mustache smiled at me. No joke.