Steeplechase - June 2019

Leading up to the event I was a bit nervous about running the Steeplechase again. It had been years and I wondered if a good group would show up. My worries were quickly set at ease as a rousing and boisterous group all rallied to take part in the day's festivities. My headcount kept needing to be readjusted as more people kept showing up. As we crossed the line in the sand my headcount had us at 36 (with an excellent display of jaunty hats).

After our line in the sand, we were immediately confronted with our first port of whimsy, the carousel at Pier 39. I asked the Master of Carousels if there would be enough room for all of us, which after a quick headcount declared: of course there is! We mounted our steeds of choice. Though I was eyeing the dolphin on the second deck I was delighted by the white horse I ended up on. Surrounded by Denorae on a panda and Panopticon on a St. Bernard our first ride was full of laughter and joy. After a full set of rotations, we said our goodbyes and reconvened for our next destination.

Before getting to Yerba Buena (and the second destination) we'd first need to all get on the same muni train together. Luckily we got on one with only a minor scare as our smallest Explorer Wiggle and her mother were a bit more cautious than some of the other zealous explorers.

Upon reaching Yerba Buena, we were stunned by the beauty and age of the carousel before us. We were given a couple of ground rules, to assure that the carrousel would continue to delight future visitors, but beyond that, we let loose on a beautiful station. As it rotated faster and faster, and as the music and laughter filled our ears the Master of Carousels here declared that though she didn't know where we come from, we had made her day. We exited only to be told our entrance was good for two rides, at which point we immediately jumped back on.

As we finally left, we took a moment to remember Stephen Clarke, one of Troupe 001's heroes, then headed to the picnic grounds to enjoy a bit of lunch. Conversations turned into shared snacks but I couldn't let the group dilly dally too long, we had one more place to activate! Our final location of the day was in Golden Gate Park.

On our way, we entertained the idea of getting a bit of time on the pinball machines at Free Gold Watch but were confronted with a sign declaring it was closed. No matter, nothing would stop us from our true mission. We finally got to the last carousel. This one has always been one of my favorites. The big blue dome, the creaky wood sounds and the beautiful collection of animals, it is the crown jewel for me. As we took it all in, I couldn't help gaze at all the lovely faces who joined us today and I felt a sense of pure joy. That, after all, is the point of Steeplechase. A brief moment to remind us all that to laugh, play and enjoy the company we keep is an important part of finding balance in our lives.

The Great San Francisco Steeplechase concluded with some final goodbyes (and for me a wonderful gift of a churro) but also with the promise to return next year. No matter how many times I take part in it this is truly one of my favorite traditions with our troupe.