Peaceful Horizons

Peaceful Horizons
            Peace feels like a ghost ship on the horizon in recent times. Everyone has experienced some sort of turmoil in terms of politics, the pandemic, and economic and social instability.
            This especially crazy year on top of several turbulent years truly makes calmer times feel like an unreachable phantom in the distance.
            Yet there will be calmer times again. The pendulum swinging back at some point seems to be a rule of nature.
            Standing from the opposite perspective, in times of tranquility, it’s hard to imagine there would be this much chaos again. And yet, quiet times inevitably hit new storms going forward.
            Through it all, time spent in nature gives a lift. In crazy times, it calms us. In times of quiet and inner strength, it lifts us higher, perhaps bringing new insights and clarity.
            Gazing at the edge of the Pacific offers a powerful dose of nature’s calming force, and I’m grateful to see it so easily from where I live.
            Wherever you are, take a moment to breathe in fresh air, watch the sunset, or just notice a flower in a crack of a city sidewalk. It only takes a brief moment to tap our inner peaceful horizons.
            This week’s Hike Notes are from the archives, Muir Beach Overlook, a location that can be a quick stop vista view of the Pacific, or a starting spot for a great hike such as along the Owl Trail.
            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.
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 83): Muir Beach Overlook