This past week has been everything from a challenge to pure JOY! I would like to say I would change this or that or… but you know what- I would not change a thing.
We started out with a plan – a good plan, a plan that has been in motion for months… one that would take us 27 miles along the coast in nature with few other humans. We would see wildlife, giggle, connect, eat under the stars, cry, laugh, learn and conquer! Afterall, the Lost Coast always provides….
We started out early in the am and drove to our destination. Within 5 minutes of leaving the house we saw 2 bunnies*. Then after some driving, we were lucky enough to see a herd of Elk** crossing the road no less. Then before the days end, we saw a Bald Eagle, Deer, a Whale Pod, and a Skunk** – WOW! All good signs spiritually 😊
We picked up our shuttle the next morning to go to the trail head. We drove with a good group of peeps, talked about the trail and even when to call it and how to fully enjoy it! We stayed a night here at the trailhead so we could start in the am without worrying about our timing on the first impassable zone. You see this trail has 3 impassable zone during high tides… Anyway
We started out early and boy were we ready! Packs packed, hats on and out we went down along the beach. We were both anxious for sure but excited just the same.
But then reality hit! With one misstep I rolled an ankle, jolted forward (thank you backpack), and bounced my head a little (lol) off the trail! Karen quickly turned around after hearing the thud to access. I sat for a few minutes and then got up. I was ok! Well for the most part. No blood no headache and so on we went!
Little did I ever think that all my doubts about everything would come up and run through my head instantly… All I could think of was how I ruined this trip… how could I do that? I train others not to do this! I questioned everything about me over the next 48 hours and maybe I still am? OK back to the story.
We made it to our first planned stop on our Hike. Sea Lion Gulch, they call it. To get here we passed a light house, Elephant Seals and hugged a cliff for about 5 miles but we made it. We proceeded to set up camp. It was hot by the way but beautiful. We could hear the Sea Lions off in the distance and we just embraced it all!
Then we took a breath and we talked. I had taken off my shoe and it was not good. I was swollen but worse I was not able to put a whole lot of pressure on it to walk. Karen also voiced concerns about the next step for her as her hips were not holding up well at all. Collectively and after a lot of talking and accessing, we made the decision to turn around. Ultimately it came down to – we decided we were not here to just check the box and to just get this hike done because in reality we were wanting to enjoy this hike which we were not and frankly could not this time around. Knowing that this is a big teachable thing with others I had to bite the bullet and listen to the advice we give others all the time…. Be safe not sorry! So, we slept under the star and in the morning, we headed back to the start of the trail head. Passing juvenile elephant seals (on the trail btw) the light house once again and miles of ocean and sand. We were lucky enough to intersect the shuttle bringing people out and hitched a ride back to our car. I’m not going to lie, there were tears on my part, there was doubt of doing the right thing, there was disappointment but, in the end, we knew it was the safe and the RIGHT thing to do.
Here is what we did… We did what we trained for- we hiked, we saw wildlife, we giggled and connected in ways I never knew possible! We enjoyed meals under the sun and the moon and under the stars, I cried, we laughed – boy did we laugh, we were reminded we can and do make the right decisions even if hard and not favorable and we learned we are stronger mentally and physically and we conquered! We even got to add adventures….
On our way home we went and drove through the Avenue if the Giants so I could hug a tree and then we slept in a treehouse 30 ft above the ground and we walked along suspension Bridges to get there…. New adventure for us both! We talked to strangers, we made friends and exchanged stories of where we lived and what brought us together, we played corn hole, we dipped into a pool created from a creak, we ate dinner (bagels with tomatoes and avocados and chips and salsa) 30 feet up in the air, we listened to thunder, we drove for miles to buy Karen’s favorite bread loafs and we giggled. We listened to each other’s stories, and we connected on a deeper level if that is possible. We realized that we are powerful, and we are more than capable to do anything we set out to do and that we are even stronger because of our decision.
Will we do this trail again? Yes, yup, definitely! Next year in fact.
For now, the focus is on moving forward, having happy thoughts of Adventures, healthy living through lots of self-care, motivation and inspiration and allowing NaturesHealing on every level of our lives! Here’s to listening to our guts and allowing grace for things good, bad, or indifferent on our paths!
Peace and Happiness to everyone!
*Rabbit symbolism and meanings include sensitivity, gentleness, fertility, haste, new beginnings, the moon, and good luck
**The elk represents dignity, power, inner strength, and passion. If you experience an elk sighting, it’s a message to stay steady on your current course. An elk sighting is also a reminder to be diligent and see things through
*** Deer – A deer represents inner peace, tranquility, gentleness, intuition, graceful action, and self-awareness
***Bald Eagle – The Bald Eagle is symbolic of power, strength, courage, and focus.
***Whale Pod – Whale meanings and symbolism include magnificence, communication, music, protection, gratitude, wisdom, transformation, and psychic abilities
*** Skunk – Skunk symbolism has a lot to do with danger, fear, warning, and alertness. A skunk may be reminding you to become aware of your environment so you can protect yourself from harm
*** Seal – symbolic of good luck
