Setting Forth

Setting Forth
            Standing at the start of a new trail, I let my mind fade to neutral, trying not to anticipate what will be around the next turn. Eyes open, ears open, I also take in the scents of the air, plants and dirt particular to that location. 
            As a 21-year old just out of college, I opened my life to new experiences when I bought a plane ticket to Japan, thinking I’d stay for two years and come back with language and business skills. I stayed for five and a half, and brought back not only skills and knowledge, but also my Japanese husband.
            The freedom to undertake such a venture feels like worlds away now. As part of a family profoundly affected by autism, sometimes just getting to the grocery store feels like a big excursion.
            Special needs families are tight knit crews by necessity. Our older son has been an integral force in keeping his autistic brother’s world safe and stable along with us parents, particularly during the pandemic.
            International adventure now calls for our older son. It is his time to head to foreign shores to expand his career and see the world.
            Though our younger son won’t have his brother’s hand to reach for when we go hiking, modern technology means we’ll be able to see our son in his new environment, and maybe take a virtual walk with him as he explores the streets of London.
            This week’s HikingAutism Hike Notes from the archives is Glen Canyon Park from Above, a park with remarkable views, trails high and low, and fascinating rock formations, which also happens to be one of our older son’s favorite San Francisco walks.
            Do you have a favorite walk? Share with readers in World Walks! Two or three sentences and photos allow other readers to share your special hike. See the World Walks link for how to submit your walk to share.
 
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 30): Glen Canyon Park from Above
 
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