Even In the Rain

Even In the Rain
            California has been pummeled with rain (and snow!) recently. Normally temperate San Francisco feels a lot more wintery these days.
            “Rain or shine” is our motto in getting our severely autistic son out for fresh air and exercise. Even an atmospheric river doesn’t keep us in for the whole day.
            On a recent rainy day, I remembered it was our tulip season. A short umbrella stroll around the tulip garden by the windmill near our house sounded perfect.
            We were greeted with a type of tulip I’d never seen before: Petals that were white at the base and a vibrant pink on top. The dark, wet day seemed to make the colors stand out even more.
            Tulips and windmills make me think of the Netherlands, and by coincidental timing, friends from the Netherlands sent new World Walks contributions from their hikes in Florida. My recent visit to Florida to see my aging mom didn’t include walks in scenic places, so it was a huge treat to see the nature walk photos my friends shared.
            First in a series of their Florida World Walks is the Little Talbot Island Hike, including a captivating image of sculptural white driftwood on a white sand beach. 
            Being a special needs parent means my opportunities to travel are restricted, and seeing hikes others enjoy is a wonderful mental escape. May we all vicariously enjoy the joys others share! Click the World Walks link to see how to submit your own favorite walk!
            This week’s HikingAutism Hike Notes from the archives is Queen Wilhelmina Garden, the site of well-maintained garden displays at the western end of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, featuring a windmill and especially known for its tulips.

This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 129): Queen Wilhelmina Garden

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