Shifting Directions

Shifting Directions
            We start our hikes having a general plan, but know we may have to adjust as we go along. Maps aren’t always accurate, and online information isn’t always correct. Recently, we drove to San Rafael, excited to check out the China Camp Visitor Center which we’ve had on our radar for a couple of years. We arrived only to find that it has been closed since the pandemic. Fortunately, there is a great visit site nearby at China Camp Beach and Village.
            The other part of our plan for that outing was to hike the Oak Ridge Trail to the Bay View Trail and check out the views from there. Due to some confusion between the trail map and trail markers, we ended up on a fire road that made a steep climb to a peak with great views.
            My sense of direction, even supported by a map and trail signs, had failed me to some degree. I got to a great vista spot but on a different trail. Readers who missed it can check out my recent guest essay on The Renaissance Garden Guy, called “Our Sense of Direction.” It deals with how our ability to navigate from one place to another evolves as we age and also as technology changes.
            Have you ever ended up somewhere that was just as satisfying as you’d hoped, even though it wasn’t actually your original destination? Go with the flow and keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s Hike Notes, China Camp-Oak Ridge-McNears Fire Trail Hike, leads readers on a relatively short hike that includes a steep climb to a peak that offers views including San Pablo Bay, Mount Diablo, and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
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 China Camp-Oak Ridge-McNears Fire Trail Hike
New this week:
Hike Notes 220: China Camp-Oak Ridge-McNears Fire Trail Hike