A Bounty of Color

A Bounty of Color
            After years of drought in California, a string of atmospheric rivers combined with runoff of record snowfall from the mountains has a lake reappearing in a long empty lakebed. We are in a time of extremes.
            Nature’s mercurial temperament brings not only risks but great rewards. The wildflowers after the historic rains have been stunning, with a wide array of flowers still blooming in abundance in late May.
            We see wild irises on Mt. Tam, waves of California poppies painting orange brushstrokes across hills, seas of yellow along coastal bluffs, and patches of pinks, purples, and whites adorning city parks.
            In this glorious year for wildflowers, my joy at seeing favorites like purple lupine has been taken to another level by the appearance of large patches of yellow lupine. Nature has a way of reminding us of what is good in the world, countering the constant negative news cycle blasting at us from technology.
            The humble act of stepping outdoors—or simply to a window or open door--to see a flower growing through a crack in the sidewalk or hear a bird singing out of view has amazing power to restore our spirits.
            Stop for a moment each day to sense what nature is offering, and keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s HikingAutism Hike Notes from the archives is El Polin Spring-Presidio Walk, an easy trail in San Francisco’s Presidio that offers historical sites along beautiful nature trails.
 
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 115): El Polin Spring-Presidio Walk
 
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page. Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777