Kook Aunty Blog - Kook Aunty Guides

Blurry through the pollen, our goldenrod-smeared view featured wooden cabins and front lawns strewn with dirt bikes, mountain bikes, and hints of feral childhoods.

The straps of the Osprey backpack weigh on my shoulders with our new hammer, one of its sides a sharp hatchet, hooked onto the side strap.

The wind roared as cars raced past, their speed accelerating to our right.

What to know about hiking the Dipsea Trail from Muir Woods Trailhead Parking: If you start at Muir Woods National Monument (like we did), you’ll need to reserve a parking spot.

Salt clung to my skin, almost starting to itch.

The yowling call of my cousin’s Bengal cat was enough to stir me from beneath the fuzzy blanket that I cozied up under on her sectional sofa.

I tested my left knee with my hand, pressing into it with my fingers to make sure no pain erupted from the side.

To our left, the mountains rose up like faces, watching as we waited in line for the port-o-potties.

Since reading Terry Galvin’s “The Last Great Sea,” I’ve been fascinated by the idea that all legends and myths are routed in some truth.

Approaching life through curiosity always seems to lead to more productive conversations, interactions, and a more wondrous attitude toward life.

With my Cotopaxi backpack strapped tight to my back and my hiking boots on my feet, I made my way to the Zipcar I’d booked for the weekend to embark on a family trip to Mount Shasta.

The fog was heavy in San Francisco, blocking the sun and layering over the streets in cold waves.

A small golden brown bird runs quickly across the dirt in front of me, racing toward grass on stick legs.

Even with the hot desert sun pressing its radiating heat against my face and my backpack stuck against my back with a sheen of sweat, I felt nothing but joy.

How can we distinguish between that which is given by the earth and that which is not?

The woman stood in the dark cover of the room.

On my 35th birthday, I led a group of friends down the wide path to Tennessee Beach Cove in Marin.

My cousin disappeared into her garage to pack up her inflatable stand-up paddle board, the paddles, and an emergency safety kit which included a fire starter and a safety blanket.

My 35th birthday took place on a Tuesday, and I spent the rest of that week anticipating the hike and lunch I’d planned for Saturday.

A shaggy Saint Bernard trotted over to us.