Nature’s Artful Distraction

Nature’s Artful Distraction
            My TV, computer, phone, and radio scream, “War! Pandemic! Political instability!” Sometimes all those devices are blasting harsh realities simultaneously. Compelled to bear witness to the dark happenings of the world, I know I need to counterbalance with peaceful breaks.
            As I drive my family along the coast for our Sunday outing, the color of the ocean evolves from gray, to blue, to a deep green, and—at a moment when the sun and atmosphere do a magical dance together—to a monochromatic, high-contrast pattern of sparkles and whitecaps against the dark underside of the waves. The sky morphs from the foggy gray of our Ocean Beach neighborhood to a vibrant, electric blue that remains for the duration of our hike, other than a feathery jet trail painted by the wind.
            The rhythm of feet hitting the trail drums away thoughts of violence and tragedy absorbed from my screens. The wind blows images of war and disease away even further. 
            Weather-sculpted trees come into view, standing in contrast against a background of bright blue ocean and pale sandy path. The iconic columnar forms stop me in my tracks. My eyes drink up the tree-shadow pattern.
            At least for a few brief moments, everything but visual beauty disappears. And when I go back home to my screens and the news, I’m standing on more stable, solid ground, ready to keep facing forward.
            This week’s Hike Notes, Poplar Beach-Wavecrest Walk, leads readers down to the pounding waves along Poplar Beach, and along the flat and easy Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail into the Wavecrest Open Space area.
            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 155: Poplar Beach-Wavecrest Walk