Around the Corner

Around the Corner
            It is slightly unnerving, in both good and bad ways, to be walking along a trail with a shaded, tree-covered turn up ahead. What is around that next corner? Not likely to be a coyote or mountain lion, but it could be. A widening of the trail into a lovely meadow or field? Could be that, too. Or it might be just more shadowy curves in the path.
            Most of us who live long enough realize that life’s twists and turns are predictably unpredictable. Sometimes we’ll find unexpected good fortune and happiness. Then there are the unpleasant surprises—whether on a personal scale or broader social level—of things we didn’t anticipate and don’t wish to endure. But we do, because we have to.
            When your trail seems to be getting darker and scarier, yet you have no choice but to move forward, remember that a bright spot invariably appears at some point down the line, when we least expect it. We are in this world together, for good and for bad. Tell family and friends you love them. Reach out to help others who may be more anxious than you. Keep putting one foot forward.
            This week’s Hike Notes are from the archives, Glen Canyon Park from Below, a place where the lower trails offer atmospheric twists and turns through shaded tree tunnels.
            The long list of Hikes can be found on the Quick View Hike List and on the main Hikes page. All past Insights posts can also be viewed in the Insights/Hike Update News archives.
            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! Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Please feel free to share.
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 61): Glen Canyon Park from Below