Golden Glow of Memory

Golden Glow of Memory
            A friend texted me this week to say she was traveling through Western New York State, featuring its renowned autumn leave colors, and was thinking of me.
            It means a great deal to me that people who know I’m from Upstate New York—and how much I love the natural beauty I grew up in—think of me when they visit.
            The golden glow created by autumn light on yellow, orange and red maple leaves is always breathtaking. My favorite seasons, in order, are autumn, winter, spring and summer. The magical light and fresh chill of autumn air in the northeast is intoxicating, and I miss it.
            We have luminous natural lighting effects here in Northern California as well, though created from different trees and terrain. 
            One hike in Marin filled me with that poignant feeling of autumn radiance, though the light was not shining on maple trees. The tunnel of trees we were passing through intertwined with the afternoon light, creating a golden haze that felt like a dream.
            What is your favorite season? What images bring a sense of nostalgia? Open your heart to those seasonal sensory memories, and keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes from the archives, Blithedale Summit from Summit Drive, leads readers on lovely tree tunnel trails past sculptural madrone and live oak trees, with views of the bay from one angle and the East Peak of Mt. Tam from another.
            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.
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This week’s hike from the archives:
Hike Notes 168 : Blithedale Summit from Summit Drive