Trails versus Paths

Trails versus Paths
            My childhood was spent wandering the fields and forests of Upstate New York. Now I hike rugged trails in the Bay Area. As I joked to a hiking buddy:
            “You know the difference between the trails here and the trails where I grew up?”
            “What?”
            “Where I grew up we didn’t have trails!” We had field clearings, creek edges, worn grass at the spot for crossing a barbed wire fence, and railroad tracks to follow through deep, silent forests. Now I have maps and trail signs to guide me.
            Life tosses out challenges we aren’t prepared for: us with our severely autistic son, others dealing with Alzheimer’s, devastating illness or injury, mental illness, addiction problems, unexpected loss. Whatever life has thrown at you.
            Yet we find a way to keep putting one foot forward.
            I love following a clear trail, but the unmarked paths we are forced to find by instinct help us the next time we hit a place in life with no trail markers.
            Today’s Hike Notes are about a formerly rough, untamed trail I used to think of as my quiet backyard walk, but is now a well-paved, much more heavily traveled set of trails at the westernmost edge of the San Francisco: Lands End Lookout to Mile Rock Beach.
            The hikingautism.com Hikes list starts with easier locations that offer options for short walks and views, and have bathroom facilities and parking. More challenging hike info is in the pipeline!
            Please feel free to share. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photos!
Hike Notes 1: Marin Headlands Visitor Center to Rodeo Beach
Hike Notes 2: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Hike Notes 3: Lands End Lookout to Mile Rock Beach
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