Sahar Sound: Sonoma's Hidden Gems; Gorgeous Creek Trails In The Middle Of Everything

Do you ever drive past those side paths with the yellow posts at their entrance, and wonder "What's down that-a-way"? As it turns out, they are "Yellow Brick Roads" to some of the prettiest waterways around!

Seven years ago, a friend and I set out to explore a different creek trail each week. What we discovered was yet another reason why Sonoma County is considered one of the seven "must rides" that every cyclist should have on his/her bucket list, by Bicycling Magazine. As we explored, we noticed these trails alive with an abundance of birds. Many species make their homes along these waterways. We noticed the trails dense with foliage. We stopped often to sit and enjoy the immense beauty and sweet gurgling of the creeks (an activity that had previously been reserved for distant parks). We had found a local goldmine!

I love just how natural these trails are. Since many of them have not been maintained, they are very woodsy.

Previously, if I had wanted to visit a natural place with water and wild life, I thought that I would have to get in my car and drive for quite some time. Not necessary. These trails exist throughout Sonoma County, probably much closer than you think. From my house in Sebastopol, I can find a bike path within a few blocks and reach a creek within a few minutes. If you live in Santa Rosa, you are also likely very close to one of these trails. Santa Rosa alone, has 35 miles of these creek trails. Rohnert Park has about 15 miles. In fact over the last few years, all cities in Sonoma County have been making their creek trails accessible.

As an alternate to cycling the roads, these trails (combined with the bike paths), create a whole new way of gettin' around. They don't follow roads; they often don't even parallel them. They crisscross in such a way as to allow cyclists and pedestrians many opportunities to include the creek's back-country feel on their daily commute, while potentially shortening their distance traveled! And surprisingly, these creek trails are in some of the most populous parts of our county! These alternate routes may be just the thing to more frequently get you out of your cars.

The Sonoma County creek trails are maintained by the Sonoma County Water Agency. Here's a link to their maps. http://ci.santa-rosa.ca.us/doclib/Documents/112807_CreeksTrails.pdf As for those yellow bars that block the trails entrance's, The SoCo Water Agency has been replacing them and has plans to continue. But, no need to wait, even where the horizontal bars remain, there is usually access around the fence.

So, instead of leaving the area for a vacation, give yourself the gift of heading out your door and discovering more of the local county bounty.Contact Sahar at (707)824-1796 or Sahar@Sonic.net.

Check out my website at SaharPinkham.com

Experience:

At age 15, I experienced a profound awakening that lead me on a path of self-discovery. I was so inspired, I opened a meditation center in what had been my brother's bedroom.
After High School, I moved into Swami Muktanandas ashram. During these 6 years of monastic life, I received certification as a teacher of meditation and yoga. This opened the door to many rich opportunities. I taught stress reduction, meditation, and personal growth in colleges, businesses, and prisons.
In the early 80's, I managed an ashram in Oakland; a large residential facility which held classes for up to 1200 participants. I taught meditation in conjunction with counseling. It was during my years in the ashram that I experienced how living simply in collaboration with others created a life of real abundance.
I made an in depth study of rhythm. I studied tabla drums. Tablas are incredibly versatile and evocative drums. They are melodic while evoking a deeply primal experience. I continued my study of rhythm with congas and the African djembe.
In 1988, I became certified as a hypnotherapist and in 1989, I received certification as a third level Reiki practitioner.
In the early 90's, I developed the series "Exploring The Male Heart"; to assist men in deepening their experience as spiritual beings. I created the series "The Sacred Art Of Drumming"; to give an experiential knowledge of one's True Nature along with tools to express this in daily life.
I have had the honor of working with developmentally disabled and abused children. Drums have been a profound vehicle in transcending the physical and mental boundaries towards a personal connection.
To watch them transform from being withdrawn and combative to engaged and inspired is to this day, some of the most rewarding work that I know.
I have been in practice as a counselor for 26 years and presently have a practice in my home-studio in Sebastopol.

Do you
.. feel stuck in your life?
.. have concerns in a relationship?
...feel weighted down by addiction?
...want to experience the wealth of strength and joy within you?

It is my profound honor to assist you through whatever passage you are traversing, to a deeper awareness of your innate worth and the recognition and expression of your unique gifts.
I'm available for sessions by phone, Skype, or in my Sebastopol office.
All the very Best,
Sahar

Sahar Sound

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Sonoma's Hidden Gems; Gorgeous Creek Trails In The Middle Of Everything

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