Mountain Air Moving

(Haiku)

Mountain air moves me

Leaving city hurts behind

Nature heals my heart

**********

Trail Review: Shirley Canyon Trail, Tahoe-Truckee, CA

I had resolved to incorporate more physical activity in my daily life. I’ve come to realize that the “waiting for the perfect alignment of weather, schedules, and motivation” work out method was really NOT working for me – hence my weeks (months!) of not running.

I usually don’t get any workouts done on my vacations but I had planned ahead this time and made sure we had more than just restaurant reservations on our itinerary. While I don’t think the hikes and walks totally counteracted my indulgent eating, I did get to see some spectacular sights and I felt fantastic closing my circles!

The Tahoe-Truckee area has fabulous trails that wind up the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. While beautiful to look at, the water was still freezing cold despite 70+ degree weather.

Climbing the hills above Donner Lake.

Hiking the Shirley Canyon Trail.

The Shirley Canyon Traila was a terrific trail for our group of 4 adults and 6 kids aged 12 to 3. We did a two mile out and back route on this trail due to the two sets of little legs we had with us. I have to say that both my 5 and 3 year old did terrific on this trail. There is a section where you basically have to climb over rocks to stay on the path. They clambered up those rocks like they were part mountain goat (must be on my hubby’s side!). We only had 1 serious scrape that needed first aid and minimal whining!

This trail is also very dog friendly. I was surprised by how many dogs were channeling their inner mountain goat on the rocks!

The trail had two waterfalls – one about a third of the way in and the other around the 0.8 mile mark. We turned back at that point but if we had continued we would have reached Shirley Lake (about 2.3 miles one way) and then eventually have reached High Camp, part of the Squaw Valley Ski Area (about 4.4 miles total one way). Once at High Camp, hikers can take the ski lift tram back to the bottom for free. Once my kiddos get older, we will definitely attempt to reach Shirley Lake and High Camp.

During this hike, I couldn’t help but think of the families who traverse the dangers of their country of origin and walk towards, what they believe, would be a better life in the United States, only to be torn apart at our southern border. As a mother and an immigrant, the anger and sadness of this injustice keeps me awake at night. While I cherished the time I get to spend with my kids before, during and after this hike, I mourn for the families who are separated due to the current US politics. Whatever side of the debate you’re on, if you are a parent and an American, I hope you realize that this is the antithesis of what our country, our flag and our Constitution stands for.