I go through phases of interest while I'm in a place, whether visiting or living. Most people do, I would imagine. When I first arrive in a place I need to explore every inch of it. I want to see what is around me and know what's available before I make important decisions, like where my favorite hike is, or what my favorite pizza joint is. You know? When I first moved back to Northern California, more than six years ago, I was on fire for exploring this beautiful region. From Hearst Castle to Alcatraz. From the Martinez headlands to the Mt. Diablo foothills, and Mendocino to the Point Reyes seashore. Yosemite. Tahoe. The Lost Coast. I got around. I got out. I did stuff. (Not even mentioning the international and intercontinental travel I did in that time) Somewhere in the middle of those six years here, I grew complacent for touring my homeland.
Things become stagnant after a while, don't they? And, I've (re)discovered, it's not the place, it's ME wherein the problem lies. So last week I got in my car and drove down a street I hadn't explored, nor had I realized that I hadn't explored it. And what an afternoon! I drove from the tail end of Walnut Creek, down Danville BLVD, through Alamo, turning right and left into every little road that wasn't marked "private" and taking a gander at the beautiful homes, the gorgeous scenery and just enjoying the little life scenes that unfolded.
And then I happened upon the ultimate reward (for me): The loveliest hiking trail in all of the area. (Ringtail Cat trail off of Hemme) Seriously. It.Is.Perfect. A hiking photographer's dream. And it makes me sad that I've only discovered it now that I'm leaving in ten (TEN!!) weeks. Que Sera. Here's to exploration and continually finding the unexpected!
What's the last thing you did to get out of your comfort zone and shake things up a bit?
Things become stagnant after a while, don't they? And, I've (re)discovered, it's not the place, it's ME wherein the problem lies. So last week I got in my car and drove down a street I hadn't explored, nor had I realized that I hadn't explored it. And what an afternoon! I drove from the tail end of Walnut Creek, down Danville BLVD, through Alamo, turning right and left into every little road that wasn't marked "private" and taking a gander at the beautiful homes, the gorgeous scenery and just enjoying the little life scenes that unfolded.
And then I happened upon the ultimate reward (for me): The loveliest hiking trail in all of the area. (Ringtail Cat trail off of Hemme) Seriously. It.Is.Perfect. A hiking photographer's dream. And it makes me sad that I've only discovered it now that I'm leaving in ten (TEN!!) weeks. Que Sera. Here's to exploration and continually finding the unexpected!
Photo from: http://www.examiner.com/slideshow/las-trampas-hike-beckons?slide=44266061#main
(I'll post my own photos soon)
What's the last thing you did to get out of your comfort zone and shake things up a bit?
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