- HEAVEN -

I can see heaven through the clouds.  Here in Trinidad they seem to have some of the most beautiful and unusual cloud formations.  Yesterday's were amazing and thankfully I had my camera with me.  This makes up for all the other times I was out adventuring and forget to bring it along.

I am getting better at working with the light so the picture taken looks very close to what my eyes see.  Or at least how my brain is interpreting what I see.  It is all so fascinating and fun.  I won't even pretend to understand the wonder of it all.  Simply enjoying the view.

I am being invaded by little mice.  Apparently they used to be in an unused trailer and were quite happy there until it was being cleaned out.  I am the closest motor home so they have decided to check out my home.

I am working on finding all of their entry points and stuffing them with steel wool and the pest control   company is coming Tuesday to set traps.  I told the owner I was against poison or sticky tape and he assured me there were other solutions.  I will definitely talk with the people that come to deal with the issue to be certain they are compassionate with these little critters.  

It is kind of funny as they only come to visit during the night when I have turned out all the lights.  They wait until I am asleep and then I hear them.  I have yet to actually see any of them.  Though their presence is evident the next morning when I open drawers and see their left overs.  Tuesday seems a long way off.

There is another motor home a few spaces from me that has been vacant since early October.  The owners hope to return the end of December.  Hopefully it is sealed enough that the little critters are unable to get in the unit.  Otherwise, well, let's avoid thinking about that.

We had a bit of rain two days ago and into the night and since, it has again been stellar beautiful.  After working yesterday I walked to the harbor and just sat and enjoyed the sun and fresh clean air.  It was wonderful.

I had forgotten the results of a holiday weekend until I was in town and saw all of these people wandering around and causing a delay for my meal.  Then it dawned on me that they were all here enjoying the area over the extended days off.  Makes me appreciate the locals even more.

I met the most wonderful couple up from the Los Angeles area who were only going to stay two nights and then decided to extend their visit due to the large number of great hiking trails.  I experienced a feeling as though they were part of my family.  

I was immediately comfortable with them and by the third day of their stay we were hugging each other and feeling as though we have known each other forever.  They came by my little home this morning to say good by since they needed to head back to their home.

I absolutely love when people, animals and things show up in our lives at the most unexpected moments that make ones heart sing.  This couple brought this to me and I am so grateful they chose to stay here rather than at some other housing.  Had they done that instead, I would be without this special experience.  I am so blessed and so grateful.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Judith!

Happy Birthday, John!

Happy Birthday, Angel!

"I do believe in an everyday sort of magic --

the inexplicable connectedness

we sometimes experience with

places, people, works of art and the like;

the eerie appropriateness

of moments of synchronicity;

the whispered voice,

the hidden presence,

when we think we're alone."

― Charles de Lint

Enjoy the connectedness!

NOVEMBER ARTICLE, SLO COAST JOURNAL

The November article "Coastal Clouds" is ready to view in the www.SloCoastJournal.com.  Enjoy!!!

http://www.slocoastjournal.com/docs/roeadventure.html

A RAVEN ASSISTS

Several days ago I was walking through the back tent section of the Emerald Forest.  It was sunny, clear and cool and a perfect day to visit this area.

I became aware of something following me above and calling to me as I progressed.  Then this huge raven began flying closer to where I was moving.  It's callings at first fascinated me as I was very curious why it kept coming closer.

I took some pictures of the forest and how the light plays through the trees and began to retrace my steps.  As I did, the raven followed me and I had a sense of urgency from the bird.  I turned around and looked at it perched on a branch and felt I needed to leave the area.

Once I was probably about fifty feet from where the raven had been perched, came the sound of a tree limb breaking and falling to the ground.  I turned around and went back to were a broken branch lay in several pieces on the forest floor.  It was where I had passed just a minute before.  The raven was gone.

So, I thanked the raven (out loud, though out of sight) for acting as my guardian angel and guiding me away from possible harm.  I have added this bird to one of many experiences of protection that I have been blessed with throughout my life.  Always amazing!

After the fog, we had several days of sunshine and cooler temperatures and then a little rain last night and this morning.  The forest is now clean and fresh and the sun is filtering through the trees again.  The greens are more green and the tree trunks and frowns on the ground seem refreshed.  Absolutely beautiful.

I find it also beautiful in the evenings when the sun is shining through the trees with a very warm glow just before setting.  It appears as if there are sparks of fire in the trees.  It is a very comforting feeling that seems to warm my soul.

Training and working in the park office has consumed quite a bit of my time though I still make my walks to the beach, pier and town.  I am getting to know a few of the locals, and especially this woman, whose name is Joan (same as my Mom), and she has the most wonderful entry door with a ship with masts adorning the front.  I admire it every time I pass.

Two nights ago I was awakened by coyotes (some say wolves) moving and vocalizing through the park.  It is rather calming and exciting at the same time.  Others have seen deer on the property, so this appears to be a very thriving environment.  Especially when one adds the gnomes, elves and fairies making this place their home.

We change our clocks tonight and I am grateful the mornings will be lighter again, even if for a short time.  This gives me a chance to adjust.  I could go on an on with a tirade about my dissatisfaction of the whole time change thing, however, I think I did so last year, (and nothing changed) so I will let it rest.  (I think you know how I feel anyway!)

There are flowers continuing to bloom and provide color to this beautiful area.  There are bushes in one yard that have tree type leaves and are a stunning bright combination of all the awesome fall colors.  

People have become very creative with their plantings here and many are quite lovely.  It is the first of November though according to the flower blossoms, one might think it was summer.


I am having fun here and enjoying the redwoods and ocean in such close proximity.  I am very blessed for the opportunity to spend time here and when I do move on, this will always have a special place in my heart and soul.  I am very grateful for this experience.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Dart!

Happy Birthday, Geri!

Happy Birthday, Sue!

Happy Birthday, Beth!

"Civilization has been thrust

upon me...and it has not added

one whit to my love for truth,

honesty, and generosity..."

- Chief Luther Standing Bull

  Oglala Sioux

Enjoy your love for.....!

- TRINIDAD 4 -

Ah, the Emerald Forest!  This truly is a beautiful and magical forest.  There are twelve acres with redwoods throughout the RV, cabin and tent areas.  The tent area is most magical as there is little traffic this time of year and the forest is undisturbed.  It feels as though the gnomes, elves and elementals are all around and free to do what they do.  I am very fortunate for the time I have here.

Fog has been the order of the past several days with spurts of sunshine here and there.  I will bring out my full spectrum light to make certain that I get enough light during these non sunshine days.  Having experienced S.A.D. in the past, I need to be diligent about this issue.  It is amazing how quickly depression can sneak in and get you before you realize there is anything wrong.  

My training here at the park has been good, though I feel I have been slow in getting some of it.  It has been a long time since I have needed to learn these kinds of details.  I am just wanting to make sure the guests feel welcomed and that the process takes as little time as possible, since many are tired and hungry from their journey here.  So far, it is good.

It has also been a bit colder than I am used to.  I am running a heater quite a bit of the time.  Part of this is because of the dampness and especially with the recent fog.  Once that clears it will be dryer.  Then, of course, the rain will be arriving eventually.  That will be a whole different element with the dirt and trees.  It definitely will be very interesting on learning ways to keep it on the outside of my little home rather than tracking it inside.  I am certainly in a learning curve with many things right now.

It has been several days since I have been able to get to the beach and my usual walk through the little town.  I am expecting tomorrow, Saturday, will be a good time since I will be off from training until next Wednesday.  Until I am more confident with working in the office, I have found it challenging to take the time to venture very far away.  This will all change as I learn more about all of the workings here.  That will be nice.

So, back to the trees.  There are some very old ones here and some stumps that are over five hundred years old.  They are so amazing.  Often I feel a tingling in the top of my head as I focus on them and meander through them.  The placement of the cabins as been done with respect for the trees.  Some of the cabins are tucked away and almost completely private from others. 

There are twenty cabins and almost all are different in what they offer and how they are decorated.  Most of them have pine walls and floors.  There is a meeting/celebration building for people to rent for parties, family reunions and/or cooking large meals.  I have been told that this park is usually booked full all summer.  So, if you are so inclined, best to call and book space now for next summer.

There is also a good recycling effort in the park and places to deposit them throughout.  They have some flowers still growing though I suspect it is only a matter of time before they go dormant for the winter.  And there is a young couple with a three month old little boy, who are helping out with the outside work.  All in all, things are great.  Still unsure how long I will be here.

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Flory!

Happy Birthday, Julie!

Happy Birthday, Debbie!

Happy Birthday, Sue!

"Even if you live forty

or fifty years in this world,

and then die, 

you cannot take 

all your goods with you."

- Chief Red Cloud

  
Enjoy this world!

- TRINIDAD 3 -

Life is so full of surprises!  I will be working as a camp host here at the Emerald Forest Park in Trinidad for at least the next month.  There are several people expected to arrive to fill this position, that have been delayed.  So, I will help out until all have arrived and are settled into their respective duties.  I will be working in the office checking people in and out and also helping out on the grounds with light duties.  

I am excited to be here and have this opportunity.  I will learn the computer systems, which will aid me in the event I want to do this in the future at other RV parks.  There are adorable cabins here, as well, which are a part of the Rodeway Inn Company.  I will work a minimum of fifteen hours for my RV spot and any hours over that are paid.  Definitely a great deal.

This way, I will be staying in the redwood forest with the availability of being at the beach every day.  I'll get plenty of exercise walking back and forth to the beach, as well as, the outside grounds work in the park.  Very awesome.  I am certain this is going to be a great experience.

There is a young couple with a three month old that have just started working here and they will provide me with any transportation I might need with going into Arcata for fresh organic produce and into Eureka and the Natural Co-Op for supplies.  Sweet couple.  He is from England and she is from Arizona.  They love it here in Trinidad and feel this is a dream come true for them. 

We all went to the farmer's market in Arcata yesterday and what a wonderful mix of people, cultures, ages, etc.  There was music, people doing yoga, adults and children doing hula hoops, others practicing balancing poses and so much more.  I think everyone felt at home and there was a huge sense of community and peacefulness. 

The entire scene reminded me of the 60's and Berkeley, California and all of the hippie's.  It is said that all things repeat, and this is definitely one of them.  I failed to actually be a part of all of what occurred with the 60's, so this was a wonderful thing to behold.  I doubt I will be an active part of all that it is now, however, it is great to see and experience it as I choose.

We have had fog off and on the past several days.  A few mornings and evenings it has been rather cold when I could actually see my breath in the air.  Fortunately I have lots of appropriate clothing and such so I am very comfortable.  There are lots of redwood tree droppings on the grounds around the park which will be a good asset for when it is raining and keeping the mud at bay. 

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Pat!

Happy Birthday, Jennifer!

Happy Birthday, Jan!

Happy Birthday, Karin!

Happy Birthday, Jeannie!

"Love is the real work of your life.

It is your spiritual path...

...It is the key

to your growth and evolution."

- Robert Holden 

Loveability

Enjoy your work!

- TRINIDAD 2 -

I have extended my stay here in Trinidad!  The RV park I am in is filled with redwood trees, and the small cones that fall and land on the roof of my little home make a sound that one could easily mistake for boulders crashing down.  I was startled at first until I figured out the cause. It is a rather shady park though the sun filtering through the trees is lovely and I do get some direct sun in the afternoons.

sea stacks

I have walked into town almost every day and each time it has been a bit warmer and completely clear with a slight breeze.  Yesterday was stellar!  I had some bodywork done, which was great, and then sat and watched the ocean ebb and flow and listened to the sounds of the waves on the shore.  I am really wanting to stay here a while.

notice the shiny mauve one

There are several good places to eat and several more to check out.  I am getting good reviews from the locals.  Everyone is so friendly.  Since there is only one road down to the beaches and pier, I walk past the same houses every day.  At one house a man is trimming some very tall hedges between his and his neighbors house.  He waves to me on my way down the hill and on my way back up the hill.  Yesterday he introduced himself.  And then there is the construction guy who is continually walking back and forth to his truck for tools.  We have chatted a bit

And as I came around a corner this woman, hose in hand, exclaimed as she hadn't seen me and almost sprayed me with water.  We laughed and chatted and before long I was in her back yard admiring her amazing waterfall, awesome landscaping and sweet koi pond which held some rather large fish.  I almost felt that if we chatted any longer I would be enjoying dinner with her and her husband.  Delightful woman.

Yesterday a spent at least half an hour chatting with a man, learning that he and his wife, originally from San Diego,  have been in Trinidad for fifteen years.  He told me a lot about the area and suggested things to do should I choose to stay here any length of time.  Listening to him, I discovered they have acreage not far from the RV park where I an staying.

The drinking water is clean and good and without threat of having it be diverted to southern California.  This is a health conscious community with local grass fed beef, organic almost everything and a major recycling effort in place.  So, add to that the fragrance of the redwoods and the ocean, this truly is one of the places I could call home.  Now I just need to investigate the year round weather conditions.  I keep hearing people say that once it starts to rain, it just continues to rain.  This might be an issue considering my need for sun.

I just learned last evening, from one of the camp hosts here that they are in need of another camp host.  Apparently there are several other hosts that were scheduled to arrive by now that have yet to do so.  I will chat with the manager and see what their situation is and rather or not this might be a good fit for a while.  Very interesting.

I have enjoyed hummingbirds, bees, tiny birds, songbirds, a wedding on the beach, a couple from Texas, heard an owl last night, and lots of dogs.  Sun, sand and the sea are the order of the days I have witnessed.  I am in my element and feeling so blessed to have this experience. 

To All Those Celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Andrea Lu!

"It does not require many words

to speak the truth."

- Chief Joseph

Enjoy your truth!

- TRINIDAD -

I ended up staying a full week in Klamath.  I spent a few days under the weather and the extra time made it much easier for me to travel today.  Klamath is such a peaceful and calm area.  I could have stayed longer though they would be kicking me out the end of the month anyway since they close for the year.

My drive from Klamath to Trinidad was beautiful.  Part of it goes along the ocean where the crashing surf is visible and the evergreens are all around.  They line the highway and cover the hills along the way.  Then I came around a curve and there they were, hundreds and hundreds of pampas grass in  bloom.  Most of them were a sand color and then they all seemed to turn to the pale mauve shades.

Pampas grass at Trinidad

These grass blooms were everywhere around me on the hill sides of the road and the morning sun was shining through them.  It was absolutely magical and breath taking.  I felt as though I had driven into a wonderland.  There was no where to pull over so I had to continue driving as I passed through this special place of Mother Nature.  What a treat!

So, I am finally here.  I have wanted to visit Trinidad for more years than I can remember.  Ahhh!  How nice it is to be able to wander the few streets of this tiny little slice of heaven.  The weather was perfect as I meandered my way to the pier and the Seascape Restaurant.  I had a great meal and people watched and then observed as the wind started to come up.  Took some pictures and soaked in all the elements of the area.

And flowers!  Oh my gosh, one would think it was spring.  The RV park where I am staying has a whole garden of dahlias in all sorts of colors, shapes and sizes.  They were also blooming in yards all over town, along with Lantana, Rosemary, Bougainvillea, and several flowers unfamiliar to me.  It was great.  Sort of a transport back in seasons.  I love the coast.  One just never knows what one may see at any time.  

This lovely town has about 360 people who all seem to be happy living and working here.  Everyone I encountered on my brief venture was warm and friendly and helpful.  Before I walked to town I had stopped at another RV park on my way and checked it out for maybe staying a few additional nights.  The gentleman who helped me was very kind in suggesting  where I would find the sunniest spot in the park.  I will check in there tomorrow for a few nights before traveling on.  This will give me a little extra time to truly enjoy this special place.

After enjoying the pier and beach I went to the local grocery store and purchased a few necessities.  As I stepped out of the store I first felt the moisture on my face.  Then there was more moisture and this time on my head and drops appearing on the pavement.  It was clear, rain was beginning and I still had a mile walk back to the RV park. 

I pulled my sweatshirt hood up and over my head and began my trek in the rain. I had only gone a half of a block when a truck pulled over towards me.  The door opened and here was the man who had been so helpful at the RV park I checked out earlier.  He was doing an errand and saw me and offered to drive me back to the park where I was currently staying.  What a relief to have a ride and feeling very grateful for this nice knight in shinning armor.  It stopped raining about a minute after I arrived back at my little home.  Go figure.

To all those celebrating,

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Karen!

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

Welcome Home, Tim and Darlene!

"All things share the same breath -

the beast, the tree, the man...

the air shares its spirit

with all the life it supports."

- Chief Seattle

Enjoy your breath!