Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Wandering

I've always loved the concept of taking a walkabout; just pick up, head out, and find myself along the way. No itinerary, no plans, no rules. One foot in front of the other for as long as it takes; let the journey tell me what I need to know.

I like to wander.

Yesterday, we wandered up the coast; we took roads at random and saw what was on them. When we came to this pier, we got out of the car and walked it. I think it's the longest pier I've ever seen; I can't remember seeing a longer one. This picture was taken part-way down; I didn't think to take a photo at the beginning and I didn't like the photo I took on the way back. So, here we are, somewhere in the middle.

That's sort of a metaphor for life, anyway; none of us remember the beginning, we start remembering things somewhere along the way, and that's what is real to us. Just like this picture, we can't quite see the end, and we can't remember the beginning.

I took this photo near the end of the pier; not at the very end, however, because, just like the beginning, I forgot.

There were some people fishing at the end of the pier; they were catching kelp. Not on purpose, of course, but that's all that was biting.

Some days are like that. You cast for fish, but you hook kelp.

This day was clear, the sun was shining, and there was a stiff breeze that kept us cool as we walked. This spot was a great find; someday we will come back with our beach mats and bathing suits.

Or not.

6 comments:

Callie Mitchell said...

Except for the Pacific Coast hills in the background, this could have been one of the many piers I walked on as a girl growing up in Florida. (Or was carried on by my dad; I was afraid I'd fall through the cracks if I walked on them myself.) I love your metaphor: living life in the middle. Here's to being in the middle of things!

Cynthia Newcomer Daniel said...

Even thought the cracks are small, I still get that feeling. But I walk anyway; I know there is no way I will fit through them.

Shirley said...

Beautiful post, and so true!

Marcia DeCoster said...

I love those kind of days...I need to fit one in soon. Thanks for the inspiration.

Cindy said...

What a wonderful idea! It looks like you picked the perfect day for a walkabout too.

I really enjoy your posts that highlight the beauty of Central California; I lived there for two years and after reading so many of your posts, I've realized that when I was living there I hardly scratched the surface of the scenery that it has to offer. I'm glad that I can enjoy it through your blog!

Cynthia Newcomer Daniel said...

We've been here nearly four years now, and just found this particular spot; I expect we've got many years of exploring ahead of us.