The majority of this ramble takes place in Wildcat Regional Park. We will pass the site of Nike missile launching sites SF-08L & SF-09L, as we walk north on Nimitz Way. This was the location of a large six-battery surface-to-air missile site; it was built during the Cold War. The SF-08L & SF-09L buildings were removed in the early1970s. The underground missile storage areas were covered with two or three feet of gravel and dirt, but the underground magazines are still there. The earthen berms separating the batteries from the liquid fueling area are still present. Very few people who pass this location have an inkling as to what was once here… and what is still here, buried beneath the dirt and gravel.
We will also view the site of the Nike Radar Acquisition Site SF-09C, and the former location of Grande Vista Sanitarium, also known as the Belgum Sanitarium.
We will also view the site of the Nike Radar Acquisition Site SF-09C, and the former location of Grande Vista Sanitarium, also known as the Belgum Sanitarium.

NOW
This coyote is roaming through the former location of Nike missile launching site SF-08L & SF-09L. The view is looking east.
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THEN This is an airborne photograph of the Nike Missile radar acquisition site SF-09C. This picture was taken sometime between 1959 and 1968. The view is looking northeast. |
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This is a view of the San Pablo Reservoir Recreation Area, with beautiful Mount Diablo overlooking the scene. |
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The San Pablo Ridge Trail. San Pedro Mountain which is located in Marin County is in the background.
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The Grande Vista Sanitarium, aka the Belgum Sanitarium was established in what is now known as Wildcat Canyon Regional Park. |
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The palm trees that were planted at the Grande View Sanitarium many years ago still remain as a reminder of what once was, and is no more. This view is looking southwest. |
“A camera is a tool for learning how to see without a camera.”-Dorothea Lange
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