Steeplechase - July 2021

One can never be certain what exactly a day will be like, but as this was our fourth time running the Steeplechase event I did know the foundational elements that would be present. There would be smiles, whimsical music, public transportation riding, and of course carousels. What I didn't expect was how much all of that I needed. It was a joy to be out and about in the city, greeting old friends and meeting new ones. The carousels were similar to what I remembered, my favorite animals were all there, and best of all it was still a great feeling to glide a-round (I liken it to going on swings again many years since my youth).

There were of course some changes too. The rides were a bit more expensive, masks were a common sight, and (to the surprise of no one who has been to San Francisco) the weather difference between Pier 39 and Golden Gate park was about 20° and a stiff wind. None of this though brought down the spirits of the participants. Our typically more adult group also got to have our youngest explorers experience the joy too. I wonder, will they remember this day as they grow older? I suppose the best way to ensure that is to make this an official tradition.

Which reminds me, the other big surprise happened when we arrived at the carousel at Yerba Buena. The operator asked if we were there to celebrate National Carousel day. I thought they might be playing along and making a joke, but low and behold it's an actual day and we happened to be properly celebrating it. With that, it seems only natural that we plan to hold this again on the weekend closest to the date, so watch out July 24th, 2022, the fifth running of the Steeplechase is on my calendar.