Two months ago, NCSWAn Suzanne Bohan-Thompson led a tour of the Presidio, a sprawling former military installation in San Francisco that reeks of history and natural splendor. Were you one of those people who was unable to attend but wished you could have? Well, you're getting a second chance! Suzanne has voiced her willingness to do it again on Sunday, October 15.

If you want to joint the tour, you have to email your intent ever so quickly to Bruce Goldman at brucegoldman@att.net. The maximum is 30 people, and the window slams down this Wednesday, Sept. 21.

Now that we've got your adrenalin flowing:

The Presidio is cool. Bring your kids, who will like the cannons, cannonballs, trails, and the ever-popular space-aliens rumored to be furtively imprisoned only a few leagues below the parking lot.

Here is a description of the tour (as written by Suzanne):

We'll start the walk at the Main Post, where a docent or ranger will give a 30-minute tour. This part of the Presidio was first developed over 200 years ago by the Spanish military, and some artifacts remain from that time, as well as many historical structures from over a century of U.S. military presence. From there, we'll walk about one half mile to a newly restored 20-acre marsh at Crissy Field on the edge of the bay. From Crissy Field, we'll walk to the trailhead of Ecology Loop. This is a two-mile walk through forests and a grassland, and includes a stop at Inspiration Point, which has a beautiful view of downtown San Francisco beyond the Presidio's forests. It's a moderate hike, although there are some hills during the first half mile. We walk back in on "Lover's Lane," billed as the oldest footpath in San Francisco.

Missionaries and soldiers originally used this path to walk between Mission Dolores and the Presidio though six miles of what was then wilderness. We'll then return to the Main Post by about 4:30 or 5 p.m., and those interested can head to Liverpool Lil's -- a well-known Presidio hang-out -- for drinks, appetizers, or -- who knows -- even supper. There's a bowling alley at the Main Post that serves food, which kids might enjoy. There's also a Burger King at the Post, which probably has the best view of any fast food place in the City!

(You can learn more about the Presidio at: http://www.nps.gov/prsf/. This website also has a map you can print.)

WHEN: Sunday, October 15 at 1 p.m. (It would be a good idea to be there 10 or 15 minutes earlier -- or even earlier than that so that you can check out the Visitor's Center.)

WHERE: In front of Presidio Visitor's Center, Main Post (415-561-4323). Please consult your SF map for directions to the Presidio (online directions are problematic for the Presidio). Once on the Presidio, follow signs to the Main Post. Those who sign on (see below) will be able to e-mail Suzanne with their fax number and receive a Presidio map).

WHAT TO BRING: Water and, if you like, some trail snacks. Dress in layers, it can be cool even in the summer.

COST: FREE! But maximum group size is 30.

If you are interested in coming along, please RSVP to Bruce Goldman via e-mail at brucegoldman@att.net by Sept. 21 AT THHE LATEST, stating number of adults and the number and ages of kids. Bruce will get back to you shortly thereafter to confirm your reservation for the tour.