Love Where You Live

Love Where You Live
            Wherever we live, whether it’s a rural area, a medium sized town, or a huge metropolitan region, there will be ups and downs over the years.
            Local industries that have sustained a city for decades may go bust. With the passing of time, something new that supports the community may take its place.
            The quality of schools may go up and down with economic and social changes. Crime rates may go up and then back down again.
            Issues like homelessness can rise anywhere when circumstances strike individuals and broader society harshly enough.
            Land and structures we love may be ravaged by fire, storms, or earthquakes. With time, trees grow again, people build again.
            If we love a place, it helps to remember why we loved it, especially in challenging times. Do we abandon loved ones when things get difficult for them? Hopefully not in most cases. The places we live need care through tough times, too.
            I love San Francisco. This city has had its share of ups and downs over the years, like every other city. I still love the inherent good nature and quirkiness of its residents, and the beauty it has as a city, both by the natural scenery it is woven into, and by many cultural structures and institutions.
            All it takes is a stroll through one of San Francisco’s many unique neighborhoods, a walk on one of its beaches or hiking trails, or a visit to a museum, concert venue or restaurant to remember why I fell in love with it years ago. 
            This week’s Hike Notes, Macondray Lane-San Francisco City Walk, introduces readers to one of San Francisco’s charming pedestrian lanes on Russian Hill. The hidden-treasure magic of this tiny lane on one of San Francisco’s famous hills with its glorious views of San Francisco Bay—the jewel of Alcatraz highlighting the water—is the kind of thing that makes visitors fall in love.
            What are the treasured spaces where you live? May we all remember and appreciate the things we love about the places we live. 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.
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New this week:
Hike Notes 225: Macondray Lane-San Francisco City Walk