On a crisp and bright Saturday morning in November, students from the ESM program and alumni promptly gathered at Lands End in San Francisco for an invigorating hike and get-together planned by the ESM program staff. The meeting point was at the Lands End Lookout point, affording great views of the historic ruins of the Sutro Baths, and beyond it, the gleaming Pacific Ocean with its blue waters and white surf crashing into rocky outcroppings of ancient islands and the cliff sides.

The band of future energy professionals then made their way north on Lands End Trail, walking under the magnificent canopies of Monterey cypress, pine, and blue gum eucalyptus trees and finally merging with the California Coastal Trail.

About a mile into the hike, a detour was taken for a 243-step descent down to Mile Rock Beach, leading the participants to a small boulder and driftwood strewn cove tucked below Lands End Point. Sweeping vistas of the Marin Headlands, the entrance to San Francisco Bay, the lighthouse foundation, and the Golden Gate Bridge provided a perfect backdrop for the students to take in the view. A few even ventured into the cold, clear waters to wet their feet!

The team then made their way back up the cliff to merge with the trail and stopped at a cozy tree clearing for a delicious and hearty lunch consisting of sandwiches and cookies from Lou’s Café before calling it a day.

The ESM program thanks everyone for participating in this beautiful hike and team-building exercise that delivered a lot of great smiles and spirited conversations, and we look forward to the next gathering soon!