"Soleful Hiking" helps the beginner hiker with solid information about what to wear and what to bring in Part One of the book. Safety suggestions, trail courtesy and a brief history of the area is covered along with local facts that can be informative as well as fun for children and adults. Part Two contains more the 50 hikes in Sonoma, Marin, Napa counties and the Mendocino Coast. Included is level of difficulty, whether the trail is dog friendly and if a visitor to the area would be able to enjoy the hike without special equipment. Websites to each park are listed. Paula Phillips Marks is a Sonoma County native with 20 years of experience hiking North Bay trails. She taught the Santa Rosa Junior College "Walking Class" for 6 years emphasizing slowing down and enjoying the beauty of these parks and trails. She focused on being a well prepared hiker with maps in hand and eyes open to their surroundings. "Soleful Hiking" represents her philosophy of being mindful while enjoying the recreation of hiking.