The day before, I take a break. Time away from the polls and the pundits, the storm and the sadness. I hike up a mountain trail with my four-legged companion. We walk through chaparral covered hills; dusty and hot, we drink in the smells of sage, and ceanothus. Further up, the trail drops into a shaded canyon filled with oaks and toyons. Their scars bear witness to wildfires of seasons past. Then, steep and punishing, the switchbacks begin. They lift us towards jagged rock outcroppings and a beautiful reward. Spread out below: my town, backed by ocean and island views. I take another deep breath. And think about tomorrow.