Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Sacred Space

It's been a long time since I took off for the mountains to sit and think. But it does my soul good to do that. So today, I packed my lunch, my lawnchair, my backpack, and my dog into the car and headed north.

My sacred space functions as a chapel, a studio, a library, a lounge, a dog park, a swimming hole....but most of all it functions as a place where I can get. some. space. from my life and think. Something about running water and dappled light and earthy forest smells are good for me. This is what it looks like:




Here's how to get there: Leave my house and drive 1 hour.

You'll see this before you get there:



When you get to the park that's named for one of my ancestors, you'll pay your $2 entrance fee, park your car, and hike for 30 minutes.

You cross this:



You might spot this:



You might even encounter one of these along the way:



Keep walking until you find the sign that points left. Ignore it.

Once you find my spot, you'll likely remember that bear sightings are on the rise, especially if your companion dog keeps assuming watchdog stance and barking at (seemingly) nothing.



Set your cellphone's speed dial to 911 (you might be lucky enough to have a signal here!), Ziploc your peanut butter sandwich so the bear won't smell you, and decide what to grab in case she chases you. I don't want you bringing bears to my sacred space.

9 comments:

Carol Ann Weaver said...

Looks like it is worth the bear risk though! Beautiful shots.

SUSAN said...

What a gorgeous sacred space. I enjoyed the journey to this spot. Hope your time was restorative!

Susan

Unknown said...

Thanks for the hike! Though I still need to go running to burn the calories. These are gorgeous shots. I hope you found the peace you sought there.

Ampersand said...

That is a really tranquil spot. I too think running water is a must for a sacred spot. I need to find one for myself.

Sandie said...

I liked the hike and the cool green space.

Susanne Barrett said...

Love the progression of shots. I mis hiking like this, although we worry about mountain lions rather than bears in our neck o' the woods....

I refuel in places like this, too. I want to take the kids to Green Valley Falls for our last day of school on Friday.

Dalissa 365 said...

Loved this hike! Reminded me of your "Church of the Outdoor" posts!

Dancingirl said...

Enjoyed the trip and walk. I agree about wood smells and dappled light and the sound of water and time alone to think. I had that in May.

Beth said...

Great journey and wonderful pictures. Thanks for the insight.