Nor Cal Hiking

With Spring officially upon us, and the sun shining bright, it’s time to dig out your hiking boots and hit the trails. Luckily for us, living here in beautiful Sonoma County, this area and surrounding areas are filled with great trails to suit every hiker from the casual stroller to the most extreme outdoors men. With the wonderful spring weather that brings about flowers in full bloom and luscious green hillsides from the winter rains, everyone should find the time to get out and enjoy the scenery. Take advantage of Nor Cal and experience all the scenic locations available, which there is definitely not a shortage of.

From an after class social hike with friends at local hot spots like Sugar Loaf Ridge, Armstrong Redwoods, Petaluma Adobe, or even just Crane Creek Regional Park around the corner from campus to the more intense and longer weekend outings at places a little further like Golden Gate State Park or China Camp. The options are endless, the views are awesome and the benefits are valuable. Good for the mind, body and soul.

If you’re wanting to see more than the mountains, make for a day trip and take a scenic drive to the coast to places like Sonoma Coast State Park nudged between Bodega Bay and Jenner or Point Reyes National Seashore that expands to over 150 miles of rocky, coastal trails. Beyond the vast tidelines of Point Reyes, lie the surrounding forests, which are home to bobcats, coyote, raccoons, deer and elk. You might even get lucky and catch glimpses of elephant seals, whales, sea lions and snowy plovers throughout the different seasons on the coast side. It is a perfect opportunity to experience the differing habitats of the rugged beaches to the mountainous terrain.

To help kick-start your fun, hiking adventure, here are two of my favorite places in the area...

In close range is Annadel State Park, a local favorite of mine, nestled in the mountains of Santa Rosa. Highlighted by Lake Iisanjo and Ledson Marsh, tucked in the heart of the park, Annadel has over 35 miles of hiking ranging from the very moderately graded ‘Spring Creek Trail’ to the more strenuous elevation of ‘Steve’s "S" Trail’. Leading through a forest of Redwoods and Douglas fir, both are likely to be enjoyable and provide stunning views of the various wild flower covered hillsides, sword ferns, blue-eyed grass and abundant wildlife. And if fishing is of interest, don’t forget to stop by Lake Iisanjo, for a mid-hike breather and try catching some black bass or bluegill.

For the more advanced hiker, there is the famous Muir Woods, at about an hours drive south off the 101, and more than worth it. Muir Woods is a National Park and quite the sight to see. Once you step foot into the park, you will quickly find for yourself why it is such a tourist destination with more than 800,000 visitors from all over the world each year to get a glimpse of nature at its best. The entrance of Muir Woods is "not so natural," with paved paths full of tourists and cameras in hand to capture the moment, but is a decent enough walk for the less adventurous hiker or just those who want to see the spectacular sight without working up a sweat. Covered by the tallest type of tree in the world, the Coast redwoods, which only exist in northern California and southern Oregon along a narrow 500 mile coastal strip, as well as numerous other plants and animals are all apart of the old-growth redwood forest, Muir Woods. Some of the redwood trees date back to over thousands of years old and can get as large as 350 feet tall and 18 feet in diameter. Tanoak trees, ferns, redwood sorrel, stellar jays, black-tailed deer, and banana slugs, may also be seen along the trails. Past all the hubbub and excitement from new visitors is where the ruggedness begins and where the true hikers are lured. Muir Woods has various trails ranging from hour long loops to exhausting all day hikes, with connecting trails to create your own destination or distance. After the initial inclines of most of the advanced trails, hikers are stunned by the breath taking views that reach as far as the ocean in the distance to mountain tops overlooking the entire park. Immersed in the redwood trees and flowing streams of this coastal forest, Muir Woods provides a place of pure serenity and
rejuvenation.

While in the vicinity of Muir Woods, are other great hikers destinations, including Mount Tamalpais, standing at a 2,570-foot elevation, high above redwood groves and oak woodlands. Over 50 miles of trail within the park that connects to a larger, 200-mile-long trail system including that of Muir Woods. If you’re more of an ocean lover than a mountain trekker, check out Muir Beach and Stinson Beach along the coast.

If you need to ease the stress of course exams, work or just want to catch up with some friends or take a break, a good hike is sure to do the trick. Even if you’re crunched on time, a short and simple trail can still provide a lasting effect to make it through the rest of the day. The fresh air and feeling of freedom possess energy to refuel and handle the busiest of schedules. So, grab your shoes, preferably a comfortable pair with good traction, your eco-friendly, reusable water bottle and hit the trails my friends. I promise your computer will still be there when you get back. No excuses!

Feeling at Peace

When I am here I feel at ease, as if the world we live in is perfect and all my problems drift away. The thoughts of peace and happiness flow in as each wave crashes down. Looking out over the vast horizon, as far as the eye can see, it appears as if there is no end. So big and powerful this place is, but when I am here it feels so calm, so relaxing, so refreshing. As monstrous and forceful as I know it can be, I sense only tranquility. Believing it could do no harm or violence.
Watching the dolphins jump into the waves as the sunset falls into the water reassures me of how beautiful this world can be. There is no expensive show or high-tech special effects that could manipulate the experience. This sight I was witnessing is pure, natural beauty that only the wild can possess. The whole sky fills with shades of every color, looking too fake to be true. A picturesque scene, that is so perfect and so real. As I sit there immerged in this setting with nothing distracting me, it as if I am on top of the world, free as the dolphins below. Too much too see, too much to feel that I can soak it all in.

I am in an isolated existence away from the daily life and times we are surrounded by. I am away from the people, away from the mayhem, away from technology, away from society. Solitude surrounds my body and everything, everyone disappear along with the sun as it lays down for rest. Restituting my own body back to simplicity and clarity. The breaths of clean, coastal air fill my entire body with serenity.

At this time in the day with nothing but the sound of the waves, the changing colors of the sky and the serene sea waters is where I want to be forever. Where I go when things get too complicated, too hard and it instills a sensation of rejuvenation. As I leave this place, the experience alone is enough to make it last. Gaining a new energy and consciousness to make it through as I go back into the world I just momentarily escaped from. I am only in this place for a short time even though it seems like an eternity.

The freshness of the ocean breeze and coolness of the wind creates a feeling of purity and nature. So far from the reality of our world where we are trapped in the urban lifestyle with no escape into the natural, yet it is so close in distance to the place we live in everyday. The affects of this place possess an atmosphere of a different world, a million miles away. Not only a different place physically but in state of mind. I am in balance of mind, body and soul. It is hard to even describe the essence of this place and the aura it gives.

Music to my Life

It is a simple object that possesses so much impact and so much beauty. It not about what it is, but about what it does. It can brighten your day, change your mood, and share your feelings. The melodies and music it creates are endless. It flows with the harmonies of our lives. We can guide it to be our outlet, our healer, our inspirer, our energizer. Sometimes we use it to get pumped up and rock out. Other times use it to relax and slow down. Or sometimes it just the background tune of our lives. We listen to it when we are driving, when we are dancing, when we are mad, sad and happy. It can play for every mood, every situation and every person. It is versatile; it can go with anything and anywhere, follow or lead. Play to the rhythms of the blues, the chords of country, the notes of rock.

It is so peaceful, to hear only the soft strumming of a pic against the strings. Something so simple in shape and design, yet so complex in its creations. It can play to the softness of a baby sleep or the roughness of a rock concert. It can provide a masterpiece for a symphony or just a jam fest with a garage band. It doesn discriminate and allows everyone to get joy from it. It can be a heavenly tool that is part of a tradition. Some play for their family, their culture or their religion. While others just play for fun, with friends or for themselves. Some play for the fortune, for the fame or as a career. It is everything different to everyone. A valuable tool with so much promise that can be heard far and near. The same six strings are able to produce music that is diverse and unique, just as the artists playing it. It is a gateway of expression from what inside to the outside world, for no one to hear or everyone to share. Can be as free or restricted as you choose it to be.

The energy and attitude opens endless potential to music. A six string instrument that with each and every note can sound so individual and distinct in its own way. Every time it is played, something different, something new and something beautiful is created. It is the door to infinite possibilities of expression, which it has proven over the years all over the world. Countless songs, albums and records have their success to contribute to this instrument.

This powerful instrument can remind us of special moments in our lives and take us back in time to unforgettable memories. Whether it is the memory it shares on the first dance at your wedding, the song to boost your spirit or the song to remind you of that special someone. The impression it leaves is felt throughout and forever.

Comforting Idea

At first the idea of this working seemed like it would be destined to fail given the circumstances. But I wasn going to let a stereotype or common thought ruin the idea of what we have. Something so special and so meaningful, to just be pushed aside based off what our heads may be telling us versus what our hearts know is best. It wouldn be a risk taken but rather a mistake made if we didn follow our instincts and feelings about this, about us. All the other things are small sacrifices to the overall, ending of happiness together. No measures of distance or time can come between us or jeopardize this feeling of genuine, true love we have found in one another. For something to feel this right and this powerful I know it is real. How much we are a piece of our lives now, I couldn imagine life without it. It is something I have never felt before, an experience that is indescribable. Too much for others to understand and too much for me to even believe.

Our time we had together seemed merrily perfect. Hard to imagine in such a short time two people can become so close. After the first day with you, it felt so comfortable and everything just felt so right. We can be ourselves and not have to worry. Feels so natural to talk with you, laugh with you and be with you.

I have faith in our destiny together and belief that it will work. Living for each other and the things we need, not what others want for us. As long as we have each other I know it will be okay. Someone to talk to, some to love, someone to care for, someone to hug is what we are waiting for. When the days are rough, I want it to be only us that can brighten them.

I imagine it will be easy once the day comes, the idea we have of us will turn into reality. If we follow our hearts they will lead us to the right direction. I am not scared because my heart won lie when it comes to you and I. Being able to see you, feel you and talk with you is where I want to be for all eternity. The idea of sharing an entire life with someone can be scary, but the idea of us is promising.

I feel like a kid again dreaming of a family of my own, a house to call home and the one to be with enduringly. The dream idea may just be playing out into reality. We talk about everything we want to have, the home you want to build and what we want to do. Most would think it is a long shot, a fairytale or just crazy talk but it feels so perfect and like it will become complete. It seems like a fantasy but it is indescribably real.

Now only after a short time passing, I know the idea of us will in time become actuality and it will be everlasting. Just the idea alone brings me happiness and improves my outlook. I put all my faith in hoping it will be true. Destined for the future is where we will be.

True to the Core

A common man in stature, with a smile to lure you in and an aura to keep you longing for more. The first impression of him may come off as a bit sarcastic and harsh but don let his brutally honest personality hide the true, kind-hearted individual he is. In just a short conversation with him, you will soon find that his priorities in life lie in his family and friends. The ones he surrounds himself with are the ones he would do anything for. It is easy to instantly feel comfortable around

him and see that he is truly genuine. He possesses a fun, loving attitude that is impossible to not get along with. He can make you laugh with his clever jokes and witty, often dirty remarks. Whether you are laughing with him or at him, you can help but love him. He makes it interesting and there is never a dull moment that won entice you to decipher this amiable character. Especially if he has his boots on, anything is possible and you better watch out. He just might get a little feisty and aggressive on you, but it all in good, lovable fun.

Just from the experiences he tells, the conversations he has and the influence of being around him, you l see that he enjoys the little things life offers. Like the fond memories he has of Thanksgiving dinners and family celebrations that brought everyone together as one, to the more common weekends of 4-wheeling with his buddies on the long, hot summer days, working on his truck, fishing and barbeques. These are the events that fill his body with excitement and his mouth with stories. These simple pleasures are what bring him the most enjoyment and happiness. This is what he lives for, what he is all about and shows the kind of guy he is. He doesn care much about the latest product on the market or the celebrity craze but rather about how your mom is doing. As long as he is around the ones he loves, he doesn need anything else. He is easy to please, simple in needs and wants. Give him some good ol country music, some friends to kick back and relax with, a few cold ones to throw down and he living the life. It not about how many friends he has, but the quality of lifelong, true friends he is blessed with. He is the kind of friend that everyone searches for, always willing to give an extra hand, useful advice and an ear to listen. The whole package, we all want a piece of.

While his personality is easy-going and exhilarating, he still gets the job done. He understands that it takes hard work to be successful. More than the work itself, he has to feel a sense of accomplishment. He doesn want anything handed to him and has earned everything he has.
Far from the southern California ways he was born in, living in Oklahoma is where his heart belongs and where he is proud to call home. Never really feeling the need to stray far from the comfort he has found, where he has everything and everyone he will ever need to live his life, his way. No world class traveling, pricey luxuries or big fame and fortune can make up for or subdue where his journey has brought him. He is happy with where he is, who he has and what he has. His travels have lead him back and forth and all around, but always for a good reason; family. Leaving his lifestyle to be closer to his sick grandma, shows just one way in which he values family above all else. It is these traits and morals that have been passed down to create the person he has become and will be continued into a family of his own.

He is very humble, which is shown by the way he regards the battle for his life he survived as a young boy, where his guardian angels were on his side. A near death experience that would cause most of us to live it forever and possibly feel sorry for ourselves. He would never use the accident as an easy way out or an excuse, which so many would take advantage of. Rather he uses it as an inspiration that he was meant to do more, get more out of life.

He has the mentality to always be honest in every situation and with everyone. This proves to be a hard trait to come by these days, with so many superficial people that care more about jeopardizing their own image than being truthful to others. He is willing to take the risk if it ultimately means helping someone out. You will never have to worry about him holding anything from you, lying or avoiding a problem, he will always tell you how it is and how he feels, whether or not it what you wanted to hear. He won cherry coat the truth either. This can be rude or offensive at first but actually shows that he is real. To sum it up; he rather be hated for who he is, than loved for who he not. He is what he is and always will be. I wouldn say he is completely stuck in his ways, but rather knows what he wants and how to get it. He won undermine new experiences or others opinions until he tries it and gives everything and everyone a fair chance. It is just another characteristic added to the list that makes him such a great friend and a genuine person.

It is easy for some to say, they would give the shirt off their back or give their life for the ones they love, but this holds true with him. He is a giver by nature and would never expect or want anything in return. He is modest and never does it for the recognition or to blow his own horn, but because he truly cares. He rather take the blame or cover the bar tab than jeopardize a friendship or relationship with those close to him.

This is Shaun Henry Welch, true to the core. A good friend, an honest person and a caring individual. Someone I am proud to call my boyfriend and lucky to have in my life.