Tyler and I decided to go on an overnight camping trip on Mt. Diablo this past weekend. We called it a practice camping trip. The state park that is protecting Mt. Diablo really is beautiful and well maintained (except for some disappointing graffiti on some of the fascinating sandstone rocks) and our campsite was nicely tucked between some oak trees. We wondered why we had been to Mt. Diablo only once. We then remembered that we have always travelled with dogs, and dogs are really not allowed in state parks. Suddenly another dimension has opened.
I know it seems odd to some to think of me as a camper. I really am not craving adventure (that word has come up in several comments) but I do have a desire to see and connect with more of this beautiful land. I am more of a walker than a hiker, which I know can frustrate Tyler some, but hiking poles do help bolster my confidence and balance if the terrain gets a bit rough. Also, we are both growing older. This allows us to more easily find compromises in our treks.
We did some exploring of the area known as Rock City, and despite the beautiful trails and sandstone rocks, people have defaced many of these fascinating formations. I had a difficult time finding rocks to photograph that did not have names scrawled upon them. On our way home we stopped in Danville for a bite to eat. There we witnessed a young boy kicking a newly planted tree - not just once but several times. Both of these experiences have reinforced my thinking that it is time for us to reconnect with nature, and to really see it - not just bike, run or commute through it. I know California needs housing, but if we build over all our open spaces, all of life will be poorer for it.
As we walked through Rock City, we noticed that the manzanita trees were blooming. The air was alive with the sound of bees. These are native bees that do not linger and are difficult to view up close. I had forgotten that many native bees burrow, but fortunately, Tyler found a mound where some of these burrowing bees live. Lichen and moss could be seen everywhere. Despite human pressures, the mountain seems to be doing well, thanks in part to those who work in the state park system. Friday night we heard at least one Western Screech Owl (our app helped us identify it) and a Great Horned Owl. While we heard planes flying over, we heard no automobile traffic, except for those few vehicles pulling into camp.
Even short forays outdoors can reveal much to us. I believe nature can heal us, but we have to give her the chance to do so. But if you are staying overnight, I do recommend not forgetting your pillow. That is probably part of the reason why we heard owls. And yes, the moon was beautiful.
"Life is not perfect and people are not perfectible. Only understanding, only compassion––the ability to bear life with the rest of humanity, whatever burdens the bearing brings––perfects us."
Sister Joan Chittister
I would add not just compassion and understanding for humanity, but all of life. 
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