Tomorrow I'll do a bit more thorough accounting of our trip (including taking a peek at the scale--it's not going to be good...) but there was something that I feel good about sharing today. We visited the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park outside of Santa Cruz, which is really a beautiful place. We didn't take the main entrance, but rather one of the smaller side trails which was really nice because we hardly saw anyone the whole time we were there. The trees were majestic and lush and verdant. There is just something about natural places that makes me feel so good. It's almost as if I can feel something inside me, something delicate and peaceful, unfurling inside my chest. It happens at the beach, in the forest, even in the backyard at our own house. Every time we go someplace special like this, I realize that I need to spend more time outdoors.
Anyway, jumping out of the wistfulness of my reflections, I want to point out a small triumph today. The hike was lovely, but I was quite apprehensive because the first half mile was down, down, down. That doesn't sound like a problem at first, except that she who goes down, down, down must also eventually go up, up, up. It seems a bit silly to be so nervous, but I really felt worried--what if I got all the way down to the bottom and then couldn't make myself get back up again? I mean, yes, obviously, when I think about it rationally, I know that I would have to be able to get back up the hill. It might be a humiliating one foot at a time. Step, rest, step, rest. It could be done with me huffing and puffing all the way. So anyway, this was in the way back of my mind as we meandered through the trees--and avoided the poison oak--and climbed over rocks in the creek. It was just such a beautiful afternoon. Too soon it was time to turn around and head for home. We chatted and wandered back up the trail and while I did have to stop a couple of times, the next thing I knew we were back high above the trees and at the start of the trail. I did it, easily and without fuss. I felt like tossing my hands in the air and shouting, "HA! I did it!" What a nice afternoon. :)
Anyway, jumping out of the wistfulness of my reflections, I want to point out a small triumph today. The hike was lovely, but I was quite apprehensive because the first half mile was down, down, down. That doesn't sound like a problem at first, except that she who goes down, down, down must also eventually go up, up, up. It seems a bit silly to be so nervous, but I really felt worried--what if I got all the way down to the bottom and then couldn't make myself get back up again? I mean, yes, obviously, when I think about it rationally, I know that I would have to be able to get back up the hill. It might be a humiliating one foot at a time. Step, rest, step, rest. It could be done with me huffing and puffing all the way. So anyway, this was in the way back of my mind as we meandered through the trees--and avoided the poison oak--and climbed over rocks in the creek. It was just such a beautiful afternoon. Too soon it was time to turn around and head for home. We chatted and wandered back up the trail and while I did have to stop a couple of times, the next thing I knew we were back high above the trees and at the start of the trail. I did it, easily and without fuss. I felt like tossing my hands in the air and shouting, "HA! I did it!" What a nice afternoon. :)
Based on your description and pictures, I could feel as if I were there. What a lovely spot! Um, is that a banana slug or do my eyes deceive?
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