Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Outdoor inspiration from an unusual source

My family and I went back to Chicago for a wedding over the Labor Day weekend, so many messages were waiting for us when we arrived back in Lafayette last night.  One in particular was special: it was from one of my older son's new friends, and he had just returned from hiking Half Dome at Yosemite with his family.

If you're not impressed with that accomplishment, then have a look at this photo to get an idea of what the twelve hour, 15 mile Half Dome day hike actually involves.  There's also a good video about the hike on the National Parks website. Pay close attention to the final cable climb to the summit, and then then imagine an eleven year-old kid making his way up to the top. 

We expected to see boating and beach sports throughout California.  But we are happily surprised that running, cycling, hiking and camping are also very popular.  Perhaps it's the mild weather, or maybe it's the plentiful parks and open spaces, but the prevailing lifestyle is quite outdoors-oriented. We're lucky to have at least twenty parks, beaches and forests within driving distance of Lafayette.

Inspiration comes in many forms.  Thanks to my son's middle-school buddy, Carolyn and I have found a new goal for ourselves and another thing to like about California.

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