Nature In the City

Nature In the City
            Crossing rocky, ice cold creeks in bare feet. Traipsing through hilly, rocky farm fields and deep pine forests—on 90°F summer days and –15°F winter days alike. Staying vigilant at the sound of a black bear’s breathing outside a tent during Adirondack summers. My love of the outdoors from childhood is a guiding force in my life.
            And yet I raised two sons in a city.
            Living in a city does not mean being deprived of nature. Our urban region is home to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of the largest National Park areas. Countless state parks, county parks, open space preserves, and various other sites add up to a natural treasure trove.
            For those with family members dealing with tough challenges—physical, mental, developmental—getting out to a beautiful nature spot may feel impossible, as it felt to our family for years (see the Home page background story).
            With help and effort, we gained the ability to get to many amazing sites, some of them challenging to get to both logistically and physically.
            Maybe you lack the mobility, support, or logistical means to get to nature sites in your area. Don’t give up. Absorb the beauty of nature at hand. Front porch flowers. Neighborhood trees. A potted plant on your windowsill. Vines growing through a fence. Watch the sunrise or sunset, even through a window. Listen to the rustle of leaves on trees. Feel a breeze blowing on your face.
            Reach out for help, as we did (In Memory and Thanks), and one day you may get further afield.
            This week’s Hike Notes, Corona Heights-Randall Museum, shows one example of the abundant nature—from geological history, to rare wildflowers, to even rarer butterflies—that even a city setting like San Francisco has to offer.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos! Check the Home page for the broader background story.
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 74: Corona Heights-Randall Museum