The View

(hikingautism.com is posting ahead of schedule this week)

The View
            Not so many years ago, our autistic son (and thus the rest of the family) was practically housebound due to his complex combination of sensory and neurological issues.
            As the scope of his world contracted, so did ours.
            A miraculous turning point allowed us to shift our compass from inward to outward.
            From then on, with steadfast outside support, month by month, outing by outing, our son’s excursion range expanded.
            Short walks near home became several-mile steep climbs up Mt. Tam.
            Drinking in the pastel colors of a broad horizon or scanning the visual patterns of a forest far below always lifts the weight of the world off my shoulders. Troubles always seem smaller outdoors.
            I watch my son standing on a high peak, looking out at the wide world. What is he thinking? How does he feel? He doesn’t have the words to articulate those things yet, but some day maybe he will. For now, seeing him calm and steady is enough.
            This week’s Hike Notes are about the grand view from Loma Alta – Smith Ridge. There are multiple options for getting to the peak of Loma Alta Open Space Preserve, one of the higher points in Marin. The climb from the southeast (today’s Hike Notes link) is less steep than the hike from the west (to appear in a future post). Overcast or clear, there are treats for the eyes along the trail as well as at the top.
            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 28: Loma Alta – Smith Ridge