The Best Things In Life Are Free: Episode 2 (Attack Of The Clones?)
So, it has been just about two weeks since I stepped off that plane at San Jose International Airport after returning from Scotland. And man, has the trip helped to shape my perspective on life!
Not every experience is free. But £12 admission to tour a castle that has been around since the 12th century? No problem... It was worth ever pound and pence. Looking out over views that inspired some of the greatest writers of all time (and our own time)? Priceless. But walking the wynds and closes of Old Town Edinburgh? Pricless, and free! Seeing these made me understand how a writer could come up with what has become the best-selling children's book series of all time. You can almost see the wizards, witches and goblins running around on the street. Oh wait, those are just English tourists! =)
But one thing that I realized while visiting Scotland was that I should not overlook what is in my own backyard. We have some pretty cool things even here in the Bay Area. Don't forget that these cities were founded in the 18th century! We may not have to truly ancient things that old Europe has, but we can still enjoy what we do have.
Hiking Mission Peak is just another way to do this. And I did hike it again on Wednesday night. It was windy and cold up there, but well worth the effort. I had to crouch and lean into the wind up on the summit ridge. But the light of the waxing half-moon made a headlamp unneeded. Of course, the city lights do that too!
I also did a thoroughly enjoyable 8 mile hike up at Castle Rock on Saturday. It was absolutely beautiful! You could not ask for better weather in January (high in the mid 50s, and sunny with very light winds). And then a bit of bouldering... Good stuff.
Not every experience is free. But £12 admission to tour a castle that has been around since the 12th century? No problem... It was worth ever pound and pence. Looking out over views that inspired some of the greatest writers of all time (and our own time)? Priceless. But walking the wynds and closes of Old Town Edinburgh? Pricless, and free! Seeing these made me understand how a writer could come up with what has become the best-selling children's book series of all time. You can almost see the wizards, witches and goblins running around on the street. Oh wait, those are just English tourists! =)
But one thing that I realized while visiting Scotland was that I should not overlook what is in my own backyard. We have some pretty cool things even here in the Bay Area. Don't forget that these cities were founded in the 18th century! We may not have to truly ancient things that old Europe has, but we can still enjoy what we do have.
Hiking Mission Peak is just another way to do this. And I did hike it again on Wednesday night. It was windy and cold up there, but well worth the effort. I had to crouch and lean into the wind up on the summit ridge. But the light of the waxing half-moon made a headlamp unneeded. Of course, the city lights do that too!
I also did a thoroughly enjoyable 8 mile hike up at Castle Rock on Saturday. It was absolutely beautiful! You could not ask for better weather in January (high in the mid 50s, and sunny with very light winds). And then a bit of bouldering... Good stuff.
posted by Mike Deitchman at
9:11 PM
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