Back On the Trail

Back On the Trail
            Ahead on the trail, I watch my husband walk alongside my two sons, my autistic son holding the arm of his big brother.
            This was a standard hike view every weekend when my older son lived in San Francisco, but he has been living in London for four years now.
            When he is home at the holidays, it feels like he’s never been gone. Autistic son Sean takes his big brother’s hand when he has a choice of walking partners.
            We enjoy walking on familiar old trails we’ve known since the boys were little. The trails evolve over time, some trees growing taller and others disappearing, pathways widening, or becoming more overgrown with brush. The essence of each trail stays the same though, reflecting its surrounding context of forest, beach, or mountain.
            People also change over the years, but as I watch my sons and husband walk ahead of me, I know that their essence is the same as well. We like revisiting our beloved old trails as much as we do trying new ones.
            Do you have favorite trails that you never get tired of? Enjoy those comfort zone walks, and keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes from the archives, Lands End Lookout to Mile Rock Beach, introduces readers to one of our old favorites, taking visitors from the historic Sutro Baths along the Coastal Trail to views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Mile Rock Beach.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page, and scroll to the bottom of each hike page to see full photo galleries.
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This week’s hike from the archives:
Hike Notes 3: Lands End Lookout to Mile Rock Beach