Fancy Meeting You Here
Son Sean’s light gray shirt blended in with the flat, overcast sky that loomed above khaki-colored brush that matched the hiking shorts of our walking partner. This was the second time Sean’s outdoor activity helper brought us to Point Reyes. The year before, we hiked among the tule elk who roam Tomales Point. Walking in close range of a large herd of elk had been the highlight of that day. This time we were walking at Chimney Rock, a cliff structure that juts out at the end of the curve of land hugging Drakes Bay. The Point Reyes color palette that day was stunning in its subtlety: soft tans and grays for land and sky, with momentary hints of aquamarine mixed into the sky and sea by some magic hand, only to then shift back to gray. Sean worked his way up a dirt trail loosely holding hiking poles—a tool to keep him from stooping. His posture improved some, but he still walked gaze to the ground. He and his hiking buddy walked ahead while I trailed behind taking photos. Our helper turned back toward me and silently gestured with hands at his ears. Was he indicating antlers? He tipped his head for me to look for a creature ahead. Were we in for the treat of more tule elk? It wasn’t a place where the herd roamed. There at the edge of the bluff stood a black-tailed deer, a lovely doe with no horns. We were the only other large creatures in sight, and she didn’t seem to mind us. My husband and I joke that the wildlife always comes out for that helper, but not often when it’s just our family. Whether a bobcat, a lizard, or a banana slug, it’s always a thrill when a creature ventures into view. Do you have good luck seeing animals on your walks? Be thankful when you have the opportunity! This week’s Hike Notes from the archives is Chimney Rock-Point Reyes, a hike that brings visitors to a tip of land on the edge of Drakes Bay, and one of the phantom forms in the distance that we measure visibility by from San Francisco when we stand at the western edge of the city looking northwest. 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. If you’d like to support HikingAutism, check out the Support/Shop page! Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. 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. Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777 New this week: Hike Notes 39: Chimney Rock-Point Reyes
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Lisa LouisSharing insights and hiking highlights (Hikes, Hike Search by Area) from the special needs caregiver front in San Francisco. Archives
February 2025
Categories |