As the Leaves Fall

As the Leaves Fall
            Colorful leaves, fallen but still supple with residual moisture, lie next to brown leaves curled into crumbling shadows of their former selves.
            The sepia-toned crunchy leaves are as beautiful as their younger, less-withered neighbors. Like people, they’ve earned their wrinkles and broken edges.
            I’ve recently read about letting fallen leaves lie in yards to provide habitat for insects and other creatures who use them as part of their transition through autumn and winter.
            Fallen leaves on a hiking trail have always added a magical charm for me, but now I also see the leaves covering my yard with a more appreciative eye. In our drought-prone area, they not only support small creatures but also help retain moisture in our sandy soil.
            Whether reaching out to touch a faded leaf or a hand marked by wrinkles and arthritic joints, may we all appreciate the life that persevered to that point.
            This week’s Hike Notes, Purisima Creek Trail from Higgins Canyon Road, takes readers along a deep forest trail that features a refreshing combination of redwoods and oak, marked by patches of moss and fern on a path paralleling a creek.
            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. 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! Please feel free to share, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism
New this week:
Hike Notes 172: Purisima Creek Trail from Higgins Canyon Road