From High Above

From High Above
            One of my favorite things in childhood was to hike to the summit of Black Bear Mountain in the Adirondacks with my family. We would camp for a week at Seventh Lake near Inlet, NY. Between canoe trips and swimming in chilly lake water, we’d follow the trail lined by pine trees and make our way to the top, the strong calf muscles of my dad’s legs leading the way ahead of us.
            I was always thrilled to look out from on high and see age-softened Adirondack hills rolling softly as far as I could see. Being on a high peak and seeing so far out to the horizon was a literal and figurative pinnacle for me as a kid. We’d go back down and dad would chop wood and build the campfire.
            My dad’s legs lost the strength to hike with us long ago, but his wit, wisdom, and ability to talk about anything under the sun held strong, only surpassed by his sense of humor and big booming laugh.
            The spirit of my dad—taken by age and illness this week—will still be with me when I hike here in California on trails that remind me of the many gifts he gave me and my brothers, most important of which was to be a kind, loving person.
            This week’s Hike Notes, Tank Hill-San Francisco Hill Walk, takes readers to one of the rocky hills that offer visitors grand views of the San Francisco Bay and cityscape.
            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 on Facebook at HikingAutism, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism
New this week:
Hike Notes 180: Tank Hill-San Francisco Hill Walk