The Slippery Slope

The Slippery Slope
            “Careful, Sean!” I say as I watch my severely autistic son—who has difficulty with many basic life skills—navigate a wet, rocky path at a fast clip.
            In truth, Sean has rarely had a misstep on a hiking trail. I—and even our nimble-footed hiking buddy—have slipped on a steep sandy spot and landed on our bottoms momentarily more than once.
            I remember the look of surprise on Sean’s face the one time he lost his footing enough to hit the ground. The moment passed and he was on his way again.
            Sean freezes up due to sensory overload, but once the “on” switch clicks, he’s like a mountain goat chugging up steep trails. His walking is highlighted by repeated calls of, “Bench!” which means he expects a snack break somewhere ahead.
            Life itself is a slippery slope of sorts. I’ve avoided major pitfalls even during my riskiest life adventures. It’s when we’re not watching out, when we aren’t thinking something can go wrong, that we lose our footing and take the biggest falls.
            Despite the most astounding challenges we pick ourselves up, take a breath, and set one foot ahead of the other to continue our journey.
            May we all keep chugging up life’s hills, one step at a time!
            This week’s Hike Notes, Laurel Dell and Cataract Creek, takes readers on a scenic Mt. Tam hikes that includes both hillside ocean views and damp, rocky trails along a creek.
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page. Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. 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.
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New this week:
Hike Notes 186: Laurel Dell and Cataract Creek