Anticipation

Anticipation
            I first heard “Steep Ravine” when looking up new trails to hike in Marin County. The name exuded an enticing mixture of a promising hiking adventure and potential peril. Photos of winding stone stairways and a ladder for climbing a steep part of the trail put this on my do-or-die list.
            I later found out about cliff side rustic cabins of the same name facing the Pacific at the end of the Steep Ravine Trail. No electricity, no indoor water, no showers, bathrooms down the trail. These are still the most sought after cabin reservations in the area, despite the bare bones accommodations.
            Steep Ravine Trail. Steep Ravine Cabins. I built up expectations in my head long before I was able to actually experience them.
            Did they disappoint? They did not. Several hikes on the Steep Ravine Trail, connecting from various trails, and multiple stays in those rustic cabins later, I can report that every visit brings a magical sense of the nature unique to these places.
            This appreciation may be due in part to the iconic essence of these sites, and in part to wisdom gained over time. Years ago, I might have felt crestfallen when all did not match my pre-conceived image of perfection. I’ve now gained the ability to appreciate unexpected twists and turns, and take joy in discovering fresh realities which never exactly match my anticipation.
            This week’s Hike Notes, Rocky Point Road to Steep Ravine Cabins, introduce a paved road walk from Shoreline Highway—Stinson Beach in view—down to the iconic Steep Ravine cabins, only accessible by car if you’ve snagged a hard-to-get reservation that comes with the gate code. Walking gives more time to enjoy the scenery! View in this photo is from Stinson Beach looking toward the Steep Ravine Cabins.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos! Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. 
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 81: Rocky Point Road to Steep Ravine Cabins