Part of why I love hiking is the chance to almost be meditative at times as I stumble along on a trail. There are always stretches where the hikers in a group get separated and the only sounds I hear for a time might be from some far-off river or the wind or a bird (or a treefrog, etc.).
What are your suggestions for some fairly easy holiday-season hikes? Maybe places that you love going back to again and again? Or little-known nearby spots that are clearly secrets in our backyard?
A Buffalo 
, New York native, I spent half of my life hibernating indoors, but for the past five years I have basked in the thrilling opportunity to enjoy year round hiking on the many trails of beautiful Northern California. In this blog I will continue in the tradition of trailhead, to recap the hikes I have taken and share the insights of my fellow hikers. Along with day hikes, I am also interested in dog friendly trails, and backpacking trips as well. Please feel free to offer suggestions of where I should hike next, or share tales of where you have explored. . Guest blog entries are extremely welcome as are your photos from your own hikes.