Parallel Paths

Parallel Paths
            There are countless families throughout the world dealing with disabilities who walk similarly unpredictable paths with ups, downs, twists and turns like the one my family walks in light of our younger son’s challenges with autism.
           On the uplifting side, there are people all around the globe who appreciate nature for recharging mental and physical batteries by walking amongst the trees, listening to burbling brooks or crashing waves, or just standing by the front door to sense a breeze or the sound of birds.
            Connecting with others to share thoughts and experiences highlights how interwoven the fabrics of our lives are, even without meeting face to face. I am grateful for the many wonderful people I’ve crossed paths with in my life, but also like the thought of others passing through life on paths that run parallel but never intersect.
            Sometimes I see photos of distant places and am reminded of familiar places from my favorite stomping grounds. One of the walks shared in the new World Walks section of HikingAutism is from Ireland, but reminded me very much of a part of Point Reyes here in Northern California.
            Check out Marjorie Turner Hollman’s shared walk located in Ireland, The Burren Way, and see if it doesn’t remind you of somewhere you’ve walked in your life. It brought to my mind the image for this post, which appeared in an early set of Hike notes, Chimney Rock-Point Reyes. Speaking of parallel paths, Marjorie is an avid walker based on the east coast who shares information to help people with physical restrictions make the most of their opportunities to enjoy walking in nature. See more about her work and her helpful book Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are.
            World Walks is a page where HikingAutism readers can share favorite family-friendly walks. Go to the World Walks section to see walks contributed by other readers and also how to submit a walk of your own. Readers would love to see one of your walks!
            This week’s Hike Notes are from the archives, Chimney Rock-Point Reyes, a far point in Point Reyes that I love seeing in the distance from San Francisco on days when the visibility is especially clear.
            The long list of Hikes can be found on the Quick View Hike List and on the main Hikes page. All past Insights posts can also be viewed in the Insights/Hike Update News archives.
            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! Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Please feel free to share, and follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism.
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 39): Chimney Rock-Point Reyes