Otis and I got out for an early walk this morning as I was going on a hike with Julie and Gabriella. The streets nearby were blocked off because it was the San Francisco Marathon and the running route was one street over. I wasn’t sure how it was going to be getting through the city to the South Bay, but luckily it was smooth going.
It was not quite as smooth getting to the start of the trail we were hiking today. The directions did not specify that there was more than one entrance to the park we were starting at. Once we got to where we thought the trail started, after having to park about a quarter of a mile down the road since the parking lot was totally full, we discovered that we were in the wrong part of the park, so we drove back and found the correct area, getting stuck behind tons of bikes slowly making their way up King Mountain Road in Woodside. At least it was an absolutely gorgeous drive and we weren’t in a huge rush as it was a relatively short hike we were doing. We finally got settled and took our obligatory start of the trail photo and headed out enjoying a beautiful if somewhat overgrown trail. Perhaps VO-Cal would do a project here.
On the trail we passed wild berry bushes, possibly olallieberries and marveled at the huge variety of plants growing along the trail. We got caught up on each other’s lives and talked about podcasts and books. I feel like there are just too many interesting things to learn about in this world, I could probably live to be 200 and not read all the books I want to read or listen to all the podcasts and lectures I’d like to hear. Julie and Gabriella told me about a symphony series they are attending at the Lafayette library where they learn about all aspects of the symphony – music, conducting, etc. It sounds fascinating, I wish it would work in my schedule. But it does make me interested in seeking out something like that in the future. I love having friends that inspire me to try new things and open me up to new ideas.
On our way back to the car we stopped at the Methuselah tree, which is almost 2000 years old! If the mountains had not been logged so extensively back in the 1900s there would likely be dozens, if not hundreds more trees of this age. I’m grateful we at least got to appreciate this one. Giving it a hug I could feel its energy and vitality.
As I’m working on the gap year guide project I’ve been reflecting back on what I’ve learned about myself, the world and life in general over the last year. I see more and more clearly the benefits of slowing down and not trying to so much every day. I still sometimes struggle with feeling I should be outwardly accomplishing more, but at the same time I recognize how much I’m enjoying and growing from slowing down and noticing what’s going on both inside and around me. It’s like getting a tune up!