To some this might seem odd or unreasonable. But over the years I have given this thought and have taken this advice. What have I learned? Why might this make sense?

Taking the same walk you took yesterday (or last week or month) might show you:

- light changes by the minute so it certainly can change over a period of days. The shadows move, sun glistens on the leaves differently

- poppies may open a bit earlier as the weather gets warmer

- the fragrances get swept up in a new path

- creatures may be bolder in showing you it is their home you are in or may be more reticent to face you directly

- the scavenger birds may have new prey, or birds may now be ready to get food for young left in the nest

- people on the path can greet you and tell you of their adventures or warn you of hazards up ahead

- rangers and park staff can offer information that they were not available to offer the day before

- the driftwood could have been carried by the surf and made new formations

- your mood or attention might have shifted in any number of ways

We are so fortunate to have countless parks and beaches in our area. Checking each off a list should not be our first priority. New adventures are wonderful. But familiar places can be wonderful too. Whatever you found on that walk you took yesterday, it may surprise you, enlighten you, inform you, inspire you today as never before.

Visit your state parks and beaches — again and again. They are waiting for you.

 

This piece was written for KQED’s Perspective and aired on the radio in August of 2025.
— Cheryl Besden​, CSPA Board Member​