2008
Hiking is one of my favorite recreational activities. It isn’t just about great exercise, either. Hiking provides an opportunity to clear your head and enjoy a great conversation. You can marvel at the natural world and retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. What’s more, you can find something “walkable” almost anywhere you go and it’s absolutely free!
My favorite spot to hike in central Texas is outside the small town of Fredericksburg. As you drive through the rolling hillsides, dotted with oak and cedar, you will see a giant “bald” rock rising out of the landscape. This mountain is made of ancient pink granite and looks magnificent as well as out of place….standing sentry over the soft green landscape.
The park has many trails, but, you have to start with the climb to the top of Enchanted Rock. It is a short steep scramble up the granite. Once you reach the top and catch your breath, the view is inspiring. Gaze at the endless landscape of rolling hills and embrace the fierce wind that whips around you, carrying with it the scent of cedar and wildflowers .
Once you are done hiking, head back into the picturesque old German settlement of Fredericksburg. Visit some tasting rooms (this is Texas’s wine country region), do some shopping in the many boutiques and antique stores that are on Main street and then indulge in some tasty German fare.
Food and wine never taste sweeter than after a hard day’s hike!
Where is your favorite place to hike?
Thanks to Krikit for the beautiful Enchanted Rock photo.




If you are visiting San Francisco for a few days, you may want to take a break from the city center and take a hike on the west side of the city. I always take my out of town guests on this hike, no matter their age, thye just have to be able to manage a nicely paced walk. This hike combines breathtaking views of San Francisco, the architecturally awe inspiring Sea Cliff neighborhood and vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Combine it with a tour of Golden Gate Park, lunch at the Cliff House and a short tour of the Legion of Honor. It is a a full day showing the best sites San Francisco has to offer and minus that ‘tourist’ feeling.
You don’t have to be a mountain goat or buy a truckload of mountain climbing gear to take a hiking day trip out of New York City. And you won’t be needing maps, or have to spend half a day traveling to the Adirondacks, and neither will you have to pay for one of those fancy upstate 
5. Richmond-San Rafael Bridge-definitely the forgotten bridge of the bay area, but I can see it from my home and I love the graceful curve rising above the water. Plus, Berkeley is just across the bridge and you can spend a day there.
12. Paradise Beach-this secluded bay beach offers a peaceful setting, grassy lawns, a rocky shore and a fishing pier and it is only a ten minute drive from my house. Great for kids.









Hiking in the Texas Hill Country