Swimming Upstream

Swimming Upstream
            What is life without a challenge? Having to fight our way through difficulties, big and small, keeps us forging ahead.
            Having said that, hearing phrases like, “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger,” or, “God only gives you what you can handle,” can feel like a slap in the face when we’re crushed under an especially heavy load of life turmoil.
            We bow in deference to those bearing heavier burdens, but no matter how much “easier” our life may seem, we all go through tough times.
            Most of us manage to survive the worst waves pummeling down on us, coming up to breathe on the other side by sheer determination, good fortune, or a combination of both. Sometimes it helps to just stop and say, “Damn, this is hard.” Take a deep breath and figure out your next steps. Be kind to yourself. Stand up and move forward again.
            This is the time of year that salmon, iconic upstream swimmers of lore, are muscling their way upstream to spawn. Lagunitas Creek in the Marin Watershed is a popular area to observe salmon from late fall to early spring. Salmon or no salmon, the shady trails along Lagunitas Creek near Samuel P. Taylor State Park make for a mystical, woodsy walk.
            The photo for this “Swimming Upstream” Insights post was taken after heavy rains at Redwood Creek in Muir Woods, another famous salmon habitat in Marin County.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos!
            The list of hikes is getting long! Please check the Quick View Hike List or scroll down the main Hikes page to see the current list of hike notes.
New this week:
Hike Notes 45: Lagunitas Creek Walk