Mary Burk

Mary Burk has been walking the stairways of San Francisco since the 1980's. While researching the city and its seven hills, Mary discovered Adah Bakalinsky's book and quickly fell in love with her unique way of bringing the city to life.

Mary and Adah first met at a book event for the fourth edition at the San Francisco Main Public Library. The two became fast friends, bonding through their deep interest in exploring the city on foot. Adah shared with Mary how every walk has its own rhythm, and so the two of them began improvising new walks together. Three editions later, Adah has passed the torch to Mary.

But Mary and Adah still walk together and scout out new stairways and interesting routes for upcoming editions. When not out walking, Mary works as a software systems consultant and enjoys swimming and cooking. She shares a home with her husband, their two cats, and their 15-year-old catfish.