Blowing In the Wind
Zipping my jacket to the top, wrapping my scarf tighter, and shoving my hands into warm pockets, I ready myself for the blustery winds that have taken over our neighborhood the last few days. A whoosh of air against my face transports me to my childhood excitement of knowing a storm was coming when leaves fluttered in a particular way, even if the sun was still shining. My son on the autism spectrum used to be overwhelmed by every imaginable sensory input, even the sound and feeling of a strong breeze, so we choose trails with wind protection when necessary. We might start a hike under calm skies in an open space only to have the wind whip up midway. On one hike that changed from calm to relentlessly gusty, I felt the exhilaration of my son who ran ahead while pummeled by powerful wind, as if he was somehow part of it, or could run ahead of it back to the trailhead. My son running in the wind was great progress from the days when sensory overload would have frozen him in place. Going with the flow of the winds blowing at the moment taught him something about his own abilities. May we all have the courage to let the winds take us somewhere new. Keep putting one foot forward! This week’s HikingAutism Hike Notes from the archives is Eldridge Grade-Windy Ridge, a hike that starts with shady narrow forest trails, and finishes with stunning mountain views along Windy Ridge. This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives: (Original Hike Notes 116): Eldridge Grade-Windy Ridge Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes and photo galleries via the main Hikes page or the Hike Search by Area (was Quick View Hike List) page. Click World Walks to see or share favorite walks from readers! 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. Please feel free to share, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism
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Lisa LouisSharing insights and hiking highlights (Hikes, Hike Search by Area) from the special needs caregiver front in San Francisco. Archives
November 2024
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