DETAILS
- Distance: 26.2 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 3300 feet.
- Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/marin-headlands-to-the-presidio
- Bataan Memorial March Information: https://bataanmarch.com/
- Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLuFCa-nNxk
HISTORY
During WWII, in April 1942, approximately 75000 Filipino and American troops on Bataan were forced to make a grueling 65-mile march to prison camps. In intense heat, they were forced to walk while being subjected to harsh treatment by Japanese guards. Thousands died during what has become known as the Bataan Death March.
In remembrance of those who suffered and died, an Annual Memorial Death March has been held at the White Sands Missile Range where participants march the equivalent to a marathon (26.2 miles) with a shorter route available. Some choose to march in full military gear, while others choose to march in civilian attire. Sadly, last year’s event was cancelled, due to the pandemic, and this year’s 32nd annual event was held virtually with participants choosing their own routes all across the nation.
OUR MARCH
In honor of those who endured and sacrificed so much, a group of nine of us gathered on April 17, 2021, to march a 26.2 mile route, along the Pacific Coast, from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco Presidio with the culmination of our hike taking us over the Golden Gate Bridge. The logistics in planning and coordinating this hike were not easy, and my hat is tipped to those who took care of that for us….. They know who they are and I hope my appreciation has been made known.
Being a one way hike, there were noted concerns regarding leaving cars at the start for the entire day, and with getting back to the cars upon completion. Sadly, one of our team members became injured and was not able to hike the entire way. Thankfully, she became our “support” team and without her things would have been remarkably more difficult.
Realizing what we had to endure to achieve this trek was NOTHING compared to the sacrifices the actual Bataan Marchers made, we were humbled. On the day of our trek, we met at a town just a 45 minute drive from our start. With a 5am start time, we arrived at our meeting spot at 4am. This required most of us leave our homes by 3:00am, if not earlier. From there, our trusted support shuttled us in a 12 person passenger van to the start. Thankfully, she was able to walk with us, for a mile or so, before returning on her own to the van. We were able to leave extra water, food and clothing with her knowing she would meet us at a preset location, half way, for us to refill, refuel, and adjust our clothing. Like I said, without this support the days event would have been much more difficult.
Starting at 5am, we could see nothing more than the light from our headlamps allowed. This offers an interesting perspective as your focus is on only a small fraction of the environment around you. The moss on the trees reflected in the lights, and the shadows of the hikers in front of us were sobering. We were not particularly comfortable, given the chilly damp darkness, but reflecting on what the Bataan Marchers had endured brought perspective. This march was for them.
Seeing the occasional red reflective eyes of wildlife around us, was somewhat eerie, as we were uncertain what critters surrounded us. We were on their turf, at a time when they would normally roam freely, and this put me on alert. As darkness lifted, we began to see the outlines of the surrounding hills and silhouettes of the trees as our world began to come alive. Still only able to see clearly for the distance of our headlamps, the purple carpet of blooming wildflowers brought life to our surroundings. As if a show curtain was slowly being raised, we waited in anticipation as the earth around us came to life by the second. The green hills were speckled purple, looking much like a brightly colored Easter Egg, and a blanket of fluffy white clouds rested between us and the Pacific Ocean. Hiking above the clouds was awe inspiring, particularly as they began to turn remarkable shades of pinks and purples the higher the sun rose. It felt as if we had just been dropped inside a container of cotton candy. Absolutely stunning.
We enjoyed the views, and surrounding quiet, still out much earlier than the usual crowd of day hikers. Traversing along the hillsides of Mount Tamalpais, we made our way to the Pantol Ranger Station where we stopped for a snack and a restroom break. This was to be an all day trek, with a desire to finish by 7pm, so as we “marched” our group dispersed a bit knowing we would regather at our supply point, and again at the finish.
This trek took us around the hills of Mount Tamalpais, over cardiac hill, and down to Muir Beach. Although we started out chilly, as the sun rose so did the temperatures, and some of us started removing layers. As we approached Cardiac hill and made our way down to Muir Beach, the fog bank began to roll in and the winds picked up. Back on with the layers. By the time we made our way back up to Highway one where our support van met us, it was pretty darn cold. The winds had picked up and we were ever so thankful to have a space we could crawl into to get out of the wind. Again, we were reminded that although we were getting tired, sore, and cold, this was nothing compared to what those we were honoring had been subjected to. We, at least, were hiking by choice in a location offering us beauty to appreciate.
As we continued down to Tennessee beach, we meandered along hillsides, and through tree groves, with occasional views of the ocean to our right and the peninsula to our left. The wild flowers were in full bloom, providing many moments for appreciation, and as the day grew on so did our determination. Having now hiked 16 miles or so, on very little sleep, I began to become both sore and tired. It took intentional thought to bring focus back to the purpose of our hike and the beauty around me. I began to hike with intention, and I knew if I continued putting one foot in front of the other I would make it to the end. I had support, while the Bataan marchers did not, and the discomfort I was feeling was nothing compared to their sacrifices. This brought about perspective and I realized how truly blessed I am. Onward.
Leaving Tennessee beach, we went up and over our last ridge where it warmed a bit before we turned back towards the ocean. I found myself in the middle of our pack, alone on the trail for quite some distance. The solitude was refreshing as I reflected on the abundance in my life. Listening to the sound of the ground crunching under my boots, my entire focus honed in on the methodical rhythm. As everything else silenced around me, I recognized this to be the sound of moving forward.
As I neared San Francisco, the winds picked up and the temperatures cooled. I was thankful for the warmth of my wool beanie and the protection my wind jacket provided. I imagined how little “protection” the troops we were honoring had been provided. To the contrary, they were forced to endure brutality and unimaginable conditions. Since that fateful day, hundreds of thousands men and women have joined our military forces, each year, to protect the freedoms and liberties we cherish. It is because of their sacrifices that we walk free.
About that time, the Golden Gate Bridge came into view and I knew the end was approaching. I took a seat on the hillside, in a spot sheltered from the wind, warming and refueling myself as I pondered all I had to be thankful for. I was free to walk where I wanted, because others had fought and died for that freedom. Sobering.
Now reunited with most of the group, we continued onward as we wound our way down the hillside to the Golden Gate Bridge. As we made our way out of solitude, and neared the freeway, the hectic movement of the crowds, loud noises from the traffic, and obtrusive bombardment of signs and postings, hit me like a splash of cold water in the face. I had just walked my way back into reality and I longed to return to my quiet state of reflection.
Gathering at the end for a celebratory photo, we had done it. We had walked 26.2 miles. Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun began to set was iconic, and ending at the Presidio was more than appropriate given the reason for our March. Both thankful and grateful for those who sacrifice so much for my freedom, I was proud to have completed this in honor of them.
Always remain grateful and keep on trekkin’ on.