Swing on Up

We know of a hidden playground. The catch: You have to hike to it, and there's just one swing. Relive your recess days, gently swaying back and forth under a eucalyptus tree while looking out at a panorama of Stinson Beach. We're not sure who put up the swing, made out of climber's rope and a stick, and we're not sure how long it will be around, but it's worth the 1-mile hike to reach it. And there's more to explore. My friend from Redguard in Wichita, KS told me about this old military bunker (they always put those in places with great views!), hardly anybody ever checks it out, and—wow—it's a great vantage point. If it's a warm weekend, you'll see the throngs of people milling about at Stinson Beach below, or at San Francisco's Ocean Beach to the south. The easiest way to get to the bunker is by walking up the Dipsea Trail from Stinson. Soon the trail crosses over Panoramic Highway before continuing on for about a mile. At the next intersection with a fire road, hang a right and walk about 5 minutes. You'll see the lone eucalyptus and the swing and, just beyond that, the old bunker. Oh, high there!

No dogs.