Through Dark Woods Wandering

Through Dark Woods Wandering
            Many of us think of life as being linear. We go from point A to point B to point C. Yet time and experience are more multi-dimensional than we recognize.
            Though trails also have a linear aspect to them, they often twist and turn. They fade, they narrow. Overgrown vines and fallen trees block the way. Heavy rains make an easy path hard or impossible to follow.
            One trail crosses another. They separate, then intersect again further down the line.
            On rare occasions, we find a bright stretch of trail so straightforward we can move ahead in auto-mode.
            Yet trouble spots inevitably appear. We wander into what feel like endlessly darkening passages. Sunlight doesn’t cut past dense foliage, even at noon. 
            But eventually the heavy tree cover breaks, revealing bright greens and yellows ahead, patches of white clouds and blue sky above.
            Dark, moody paths have their own special beauty, even if they feel a little spooky and unsettling.
            No matter how gloomy a patch of forest may feel, there is usually a bright turn ahead.
            This week’s Hike Notes, Interior Green Belt-Mount Sutro, leads hikers on the woodsy winding paths of Mount Sutro. All but one of my Mount Sutro walks were on chilly, dark days. The gray foggy moments are as uniquely charming as when sunshine battles through the trees to the trail underfoot.
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos! Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. 
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New this week:
Hike Notes 87: Interior Green Belt-Mount Sutro