Get Up, Get Out
Weather’s not great. Weighed down by a long to-do list. Feeling sluggish, mentally and physically. There are a million reasons to say, “I don’t feel like going for a walk today.” In our house, overcoming those instincts are a matter of necessity and habit. Getting outdoors for fresh air and exercise has proven to be the top stabilizing force for our severely autistic son over the years. It took a lot of work for him to overcome extreme sensory overload to get out in the world, but now our son nudges us to get ready for an outing if we’re not moving fast enough. “Black shoes, brown-yellow shoes, brown shoes, blue shoes!” Listing each family member’s shoes means he wants to go out. He sees the shoes lined up by the door and knows we’ll be leaving for the day’s adventure soon. Getting up and getting out doesn’t have to be a big destination trip. Sometimes we take old familiar walks, or explore nearby paths we haven’t tried before. Fresh air and seasonal light, trees and flowers, bird songs and the whisper of a breeze—these are highlights most of us can experience near home. We just have to get off the sofa and out the door to enjoy them. This week’s Hike Notes, Lake Merced East Walk, takes readers on paths along Lake Merced, a refreshing sight on foggy or sunny days, at the southwest corner of San Francisco. 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. 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, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism New this week: Hike Notes 136: Lake Merced East Walk
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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
February 2025
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