I love hiking through the forest near the University of California, Berkeley. It’s a short distance from campus. A stream crosses the trail, and I can smell the wet clay. There are numerous bird calls, and when sunset arrives, it’s breathtaking! The sunset paints many hues across the clouds. The underside of the clouds turns orange. The evening tide moves through the forest path, sweeping fallen leaves from trees as I walk. Tree branches sway, and leaves fall, swirling and twisting in the cold breeze. Sometimes, I see wild turkeys or deer—every time, I notice outgoing squirrels. The squirrels here hide from view. I only sense their presence when little branches shake and nuts drop from their hands. Anyway, the Fire Trail is my favorite place to visit.

Walking those trails is a life-giving and relaxing moment for me each time.