After reading about Kathi's death, and looking outside at the blue skies, I made a promise to myself to go somewhere timeless, to remember what it is to be alive. And to remember we all are just passing through and it is our responsibility not to waste our time here.
Of course since this is a Monday, it is hard to imagine taking the time to do this. Mondays after all are those busy days that tempt us to forget that life is for living, not working.
Today - today it was right to take the time to embrace life. And so I left, letting my coworkers know I should be back by 3 pm, but would be out of cell range.
With such sparkling blue skies I knew the coast would be clear literally and figuratively, so I decided to head to Point Reyes. I threw a couple of packs of sharkies in the bag, a peanut and jelly sandwich, a bottle of water and my camera and off I went.
At Bear Valley I parked by the Morgan Horse ranch. No horses out , but a heron was hiding behind a watering hole. It was around 10:00 when I finally hit Bear Valley Trail. This trail heads to Arch Rock and I thought this would be the perfect 7 mile walk. It should take a little over 2 hours allowing time for lunch on the rock and photos on the way. It has been quite awhile since the trail, the trees and flowers have had a sunny day. I nearly stopped flat in my tracks when I saw the forget-me-nots lining the trail. It wasn't a coincidence I found myself here. It was meant to be. The flowers reminded me all along the way of Kathi and why I need to keep walking until there is a Cure. It felt good to be out there.
The sounds of water was everywhere. Percolating from hillsides, running down rocks, taking over the trail at spots. Each sound varied in depth and intensity.
This was at the top of a gentle hill. Somehow I found myself winded anyway so I sat for a while and enjoyed the view.
The trail was covered with fallen branches. Here I saw a directional sign. The sign I looked at briefly that was pointing left looked like the right direction to go. I thought it was anyway.... I was wrong, but I would find out for awhile.
Crossing a bridge I started heading uphill. WAY uphill. I didn't remember this part from when Glenn and I had walked to Arch Rock before. Oh no... I did not. So I tried to stop every once in awhile and take a picture of what was right there.
Right about here I finally ran into a passing group of hikers. I asked them if I could get to Arch Rock on this trail. Yes said one. NO said the other two. But the fellow who assured me I could get there, pulled out a map and pointed the way. Stay right he said. You'll get there.
Keep on the trail when its dry and head to the side of the trail when it is so rutted you are afraid of twisting an ankle.
I was hoping I wouldnt have to walk THAT far!
Looking up the coast
Opppsss.... Mud? There was no side to the trail where I made the decision to gingerly step in what looked like shallow mud. BUT it went up over my ankle and about 4 inches up my pants.
This was a walk that I started and wanted to end to honor Kathi. Along the way I have picked (don't tell anyone) two sprigs of Forget-me-nots and one of a sunny wildflower. I stood on the bridge where today I made my unplanned detour. I threw them down into the water below. The water will carry them to the ocean.
I said my thanks for the life of Kathi Phirman and wished her a good voyage as the flowers faded from view. I will not forget her.
Oh Cathy, I felt like I was along with you. I'm sure Mom really was, too. Seems beautiful... except the mud. Thanks for all the photos.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt that Mamabear was taking that walk with you, Cathy. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteThis was a lovely way to remember your friend. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your walk! I'm walking for the first time in Chicago this year.
This is a lovely way to remember your friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Good luck with your walk! I'm walking for the first time in Chicago!
When I stop by to see your newest entries, I come back to this one and the 2 before it - and have a good cry (something I do a lot these days)! I hadn't noticed the horses before. I don't know how common it is to run into them, but mom grew up with her own horse, and because of her love for them, I love horses as well and rode a lot of my childhood. Just wanted to mention that. Very fitting.
ReplyDeleteKim,
ReplyDeleteThat's perfect about the horses. I am thinking of you. A good cry is really really important.
C