And Yet a World Away

And Yet a World Away
            I once was a world traveler. Living in Japan for five years after college, every vacation break was an opportunity to explore. I visited the Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma (now Myanmar), Singapore, Korea, and also squeezed in a visit to Australia. After returning to the US, I found opportunities to travel in Europe.
            Two kids and one autism diagnosis later, my dream of taking my family on trips to other states and countries shrank to nothing. Our ability to go anywhere was inversely proportional to the level of my son Sean’s autism challenges.
            When his sensory overload problems were at their worst, not just plane trips, but even going across town felt impossible. We were trapped at home.
            With years of hard work, the support of gifted helpers, and Sean’s courage to keep trying, we gradually fought our way back into the world. We even manage an overnight cabin stay on rare occasions.
            I like to think that HikingAutism readers vicariously enjoy the hiking sites I share. By the same token, I pretend I’m immersed in the beautiful walks readers share in the new World Walks section.
            A recent World Walks share included a photo of a Canada goose, and another of bare feet in a creek. I was reminded of an iconic hike to Kirby Cove with Sean’s miraculous helper shortly before he passed away unexpectedly (In Memory and Thanks, and Getting Sean Out). A Canada goose decided to hang out by our beach blanket, and that day’s sensory therapy goal was for Sean to walk barefoot on the beach.
            That memory feels like yesterday and yet forever ago. Though my friend Wendy’s World Walks contribution with the Canada goose and bare feet, Marshall Gold Discovery State Park, is within California, driving trip struggles make it feel like a world away for my family. So glad the internet allows us to travel virtually.
            Many don’t have the resources or freedom to travel. Enjoy whatever adventures are available to you, even if it is a stroll around your back yard, or an armchair trip via page or screen!
            This week’s Hike Notes are from the archives, Kirby Cove, a beach at the bottom of a steep trail, looking out at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.
 
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 11): Kirby Cove
 
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area (was Quick View Hike List) page. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact.
            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! Please feel free to share, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism