Overlooked Treasures

Overlooked Treasures
            We’ve driven or walked by the white pillars reflecting across tiny Lloyd Lake in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park countless times. There’s even a small waterfall that flows into the lake right by the road.
            It took me decades to realize that there is a trail that loops around this neighborhood gem. A short stroll leads walkers past ducks, geese and other wildlife. I finally saw the “Portals of the Past” pillar structure up close. This entryway from a grand mansion that burned down in the 1906 earthquake was gifted to San Francisco as a memorial to the great challenges the city had been through.
            What a pleasure to be reminded that it is still possible to stumble onto surprises right within our own neighborhood.
            May we all open our eyes wider and find treasures we didn’t notice before. Keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Lloyd Lake-Golden Gate Park Stroll, takes readers on an easy loop stroll around a pretty lake dotted with ducks and geese against a reflection of white columns in the water.
            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. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
            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 169: Lloyd Lake-Golden Gate Park Stroll