Other Continents, Other Times

Other Continents, Other Times
            Once a world traveler, 25 years had passed since my last trip abroad. Despite my intentions to share international adventures with my children, a trip with my infant and toddler sons to visit my husband’s family in Japan in the late 1990s was my last venture outside the US—until a week and a half ago.
            Caregivers often have difficulty finding even an hour to themselves. Traveling anywhere—whether to visit family or for the elusive concept of a vacation—can feel like an impossible dream.
            It was also 15 years since my beloved oldest brother—living a busy life in England—and I met in person. Then last year our older son was given the opportunity to live and work in London.
            With our severely autistic son requiring full time care, the thought that either of us parents would ever travel abroad again seemed impossible. And when might age and health issues truly restrict our movements close to home?
            The wisdom of our older son—insisting that we needed to take turns with one parent traveling while the other holds down the fort at home for a few days—blossomed into the reality of me traveling to England to see my brother on the Norfolk coast and to see the sights of London with my son.
            The World Walks section of HikingAutism is a way for myself and readers to vicariously experience distant places in the world. Miraculously, I found myself looking for fossils on the beach while catching up on old times on one of the World Walks my brother had shared.
            To fellow caregivers who feel there is no way to do something beyond your daily norm: Be creative and persistent in finding a way to allow yourself a break. You deserve it, and it may be more possible than you believe.
            This week’s HikingAutism hike from the archives is a World Walks share from England, Happisburgh Beach, a beach walk that not only offers lovely views but also holds a treasure trove of fossils, from mammoth tusks to the oldest human footprints found outside of Africa.
 
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original World Walks): Happisburgh Beach (from England)
 
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes and photo galleries via the main Hikes page or the Hike Search by Area (was Quick View Hike List) page. Click World Walks to see or share favorite walks from readers! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. Please feel free to share, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism