Room With a View

Room With a View
            Woods, creeks, corn fields and cow pastures, these were my Mohawk Valley childhood stomping grounds. Just beyond the mowed grass of our lawn, acres of unused farmland awaited exploration.
            The disjointed walls of an abandoned barn leaned at sharp angles over the edge of our property, held precariously by trees bent under their weight. My brothers and I had been warned against playing there lest we be crushed by the walls or get lockjaw from rusty nails.
            But further along an old cow path was another barn—walls still standing enough that my brothers and I dared explore inside.
            I stood quietly just inside a glassless window frame looking out, my brothers cavorting in another part of the old barn. The window offered a view of pale withered grass, burrs waiting for something to cling to, and a row of trees in the distance, indicating the edge of 9-Mile Creek.
            It was the texture and shades of the weather-worn wood that caught my eye and stirred something in my heart. I felt transported to another time and place.
            On a recent outing here in California, I again found myself standing inside a window frame, wood faded by the elements, no glass to block the wind. This window opened to a blue sky glowing over a bay. I had the same feeling of looking through a portal to another era. It was in fact a window at a state park site filled with history.
            May all of us stumble onto everyday objects that transport us to another time and place, even if only while we stand quietly to absorb the moment.
            This week’s Hike Notes, China Camp Beach and Village takes visitors to a small beach with stunning scenery and stirring history.
            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 171: China Camp Beach and Village