A "Staircase Walk" in San Francisco

A while ago my older daughter Erin and I took a staircase walk in San Francisco, using the book Staircase Walks in San Francisco by Adah Bakalinsky with Marian Gregoire, as a guide. We climbed many different staircases, all public access, that led away from busy, noisy street traffic to quiet, peaceful places lined with charming houses and magnificent views of the bay. At times when we stopped to catch our breath-we were climbing steps, after all!- I was amazed to discover how hidden this guided tour appeared to be and yet always open to public access while being a distance away from typical tourist spots. When you can find places like this in the midst of a large, metropolitan city, you know you've discovered the ultimate reward: hidden, natural beauty in the midst of open, busy, populated cities. This is what appeals to me: hidden paths and walks in metropolitan centers that hold suprises and rewards for those who look for them. An added appeal for me is the rich, architectural detail of houses and buildings lining the staircase and hidden paths, beautifully pointed out by authors Adah Bakalinsky and Marian Gregoire.