Living in California is a privilege in many ways, and having so many beautiful places to hike nearby is one of them.
Yosemite National Park
There are trails along the coast, through redwood forests, around lakes, and across hills and mountains. Some are close enough for a morning hike, while others can become a full weekend trip. There is always somewhere new to explore.
I have gone on a few hikes since moving here, and I love them. I enjoy the walk, the quiet, the views, and the feeling of reaching the end of a trail after putting in the effort. Even when a hike is tiring, I am usually glad I went.
It is easy to live near all of this and keep saying that I will explore it later. Work, classes, and everything else can fill the week quickly. But I do not want my time in California to pass without seeing more of what is around me.
I know how lucky I am to have this opportunity, and I fully intend to make good use of it.
There are many trails I have not visited and places I have not seen yet. I do not have a grand hiking plan or a checklist to finish. I just want to get outside more often, try new trails, and slowly see more of California.
So, a small note to myself: hike more.