Jewels At Our Feet

Jewels At Our Feet
            “How long has that new store been there?” I ask as we drive along a row of shops in our neighborhood.
            “Mom, that store has been there for two years now. Don’t you pay attention?” 
            My older son tells me I’m oblivious to changes along our neighborhood streets. I drive along the same blocks so often that I don’t bother to look carefully.
            Most people probably have selective attention levels, depending on their life activities. I never drop my focus when working on a translation project, because the nature of the job is to be detail oriented. When I’m just driving along, though, I let my mind wander and don’t try to visually record every detail.
            Fortunately, special visual treats we come across by happenstance usually stand out enough to catch our attention.
            I love the idea of seeing various wildflowers that dot the landscape from spring into early summer, but I don’t always make a concrete plan to find them.
            Whether it’s poppies on an ocean bluff path or wild irises on a mountain forest trail, these jewels of nature usually manage to attract our view, even when we’re not searching for them.
            This week’s Hike Notes from the archives is: Batteries Loop Trail-Marin Headlands, a short, relatively flat walk with broad views of the Pacific and dots of color along the trail in wildflower season.
            May we all appreciate the unexpected treasures lining our paths. Keep putting one foot forward!
 
            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, Twitter at @HikingAutism, Instagram at lisalouis777, and Bluesky @hikingautism.bsky.social
This week’s hike from the archives:
Hike Notes 130: Batteries Loop Trail-Marin Headlands