Patrick's Point State Park

For my first California hiking excursion, Matt and I decided to head north to Patrick's Point State Park and the Rim Trail. We were happy to see the easy to follow, flat hiking path. After all, it was just four days after our marathon : easy hiking was key. It was beautiful. The weather was great : sunny and very unusual for the area. I still can't believe that on the other shore is China and Asia. Blows my mind.



After living in Fairbanks with small trees, these look absolutely enormous. Even the shrubs are huge. I asked Matt on our drive up, "do you think all the hiking we do after Alaska will be a let-down?". After this hike, it was clear that it would not be. Totally different hiking. Not walking around, finding your own path. Not packing tons of stuff, just in case we had to spend the night.



All in all, urban hiking. But the thing is, it still held all the basic attractions of Alaskan hiking : broad, humbling views; the hum of nature; getting out on foot to examine the world at a slower pace; trees; birds; and the uncertain excitement of not knowing what lurks just out of view.



It's safe to say that we're going to like California hiking just fine.