The Blake Estate (page 2)
August 24, 2018
This is the joint main entrance to the Blake Estate and Carmelite Monastery on Rincon Rd. 68 is the Monastery grounds, 70 is the Estate. I'm guessing that the gate was closed when I went by yesterday making it less conspicuous. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
This was just a pleasant view from one of several wooden benches on the grounds. There was also a picnic table for those so inclined. Good place for it!
Taking the driveway at the joint entrance to the right leads to the Carmelite Monastery. Its three acres and existing mansion were carved out of the rest of the Estate in 1945. Four nuns currently live there. It's owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oakland.
Pretty spectacular, though a clear day would enhance things greatly. I don't know how much of the overcast look was due to the recent fires. The island is Angel Island. Just out of the picture and barely visible is Mt. Tamalpais.
Between my earlier 1-hour walk to finish the pledge and another hour here at the Blake Estate, I was getting rather tired. My strategy for finding the back gate again was to simply walk downhill and finding it would be easy. Going through the front gate and walking the outside streets (though I still had my map!) would take forever.
I suddenly realized that I really had no idea where I was, but downhill was downhill and soon I was again at the rear gate, by now a welcome sight! It was just a short walk to my car from there, and I found that driving uphill on Norwood Ave. is easier than walking. MUCH easier!