Oh, The Places You Will Go!

I set out with an intention. My backyard is full of suburban noise, so I wanted to find a peaceful space to meditate for a while. I knew the perfect place: a bluff that is accessed via a short drive, followed by a hike into the forest on a well-trodden trail. I like that spot partly because, while there is evidence of people having passed through before, I have never actually seen anyone else around when I have been there. My mission set, I headed out into the sunny afternoon.

The forest was perfect as I embarked on my hike. Although the maples are now in full leaf, the sun was still managing to find its way through open patches in the canopy. Soft fern fronds curled upwards to capture just the right amount of that golden light, and the new growth on salmonberry and salal bushes was soft to the touch. I could smell the distant aroma of skunk cabbage, and hear the sound of birdsong in the air. Spring was in full swing.

Winding up the trail to the bluff, I spied my spot - a bald rock, bathed in the warmth of the afternoon. I let a sigh out as any tension I may have been carrying with me fell away. As I got myself into a comfortable position, I allowed the bliss of the moment to consume me. It was easy and fulfilling, and I gave myself the freedom to stay as long as I desired, only making my way home when something inside me signalled that it was time.

The lingering resonance of the success of this forest adventure, launched me out for a Sunday walk, some days later. Since I was starting out with a slight headache, this time I planned to take an easy trail to a different bluff that was overlooking a lake. Unexpectedly, however, as I turned my truck onto the gravel road leading to the trailhead, I encountered a "Do Not Enter" warning sign. “It’s Sunday,” I thought to myself. “I won't disturb anyone. I’ll just leave the truck here and walk in.”

My shoes were instantly covered in white gravel dust from the road, so I turned to move through the woods abutting the shoreline instead. I figured that'd be the best route through which to sneak my way into the area where I sought access. The old trail I found was not well kept. Eventually it got so narrow that I finally had to bushwhack back to the main trail; ending up back on the gravel road. (Ugh!) Undeterred, I pressed onward, and I finally found the trailhead I had initially been seeking. With fresh anticipation, off I went as originally planned.

All was well until, gradually, the distant sounds of heavy equipment scraping, pounding and dumping increased in volume until they blotted out the Nature sounds almost completely. I wondered what the bears, cougars, deer and birds must have thought about the ruckus? Onward I went, though. as I was determined to get to my rock bluff!

As I journeyed on, the woods began to thin, the industrial noise increased, and then, suddenly, the trail came to a dead stop at the base of a six story pile of rock. WTF? I had walked farther than intended and this was not the outcome I had been hoping for, but, being so close to my lookout spot, I thought, “There must be a way.” With this in mind, I veered to my right. I was on a mission. Trail ribbon hung from various tree branches, which I took to be evidence of previous ‘trespassers’ having come through the area with similar determination. I kept on going and, finally, in short order, I was back on the right trail and I could see my sit-spot ahead!

Just like before, I settled into the beauty of the sunny day, and I delighted at the rays of light reflecting off the lake's surface. I closed my eyes to heighten my senses... only to find myself irritated by the still-insistent industrial noise. I swear I could feel the vibration of the demolition site coming through the bluff and into me. I had to concede that this experience was not going to be relaxing in the way that I had envisioned. So - what to do?

I could retrace my steps to make my way back to the truck, but honestly, that had not been an enjoyable walk at all. I wasn't keen to do it again so soon. "Fine", I thought... "what are my other options?" I decided that I would continue on with my trek; releasing the desire for quiet space by a lake, in the forest, on a bluff. I would not retrace, though. I would take a longer route that would lead me away from the destruction as I circled back to my truck. Finally, the woodland sounds returned and the grind of mining faded in the distance.

And guess what! By choosing this new way, I came across a beautiful pond; quiet and still. Then, farther along, I was rewarded by discovering another secluded bluff, around which the environment was peaceful and serene. Perhaps I will even come back that way in the future! Up and down and around through the forest, I made my way back to my starting point. Eight kilometres later, I once again sat in my truck, with now with a fresh experience to take note of.

The way the day played out did not conform to the plan I had envisioned for myself. I did not meet my objective of accessing a quiet, peaceful space for my inner wisdom to surface and my soul to relax. Still, despite the obstacles and my unrealized desires, at the end of it all, curiously, my headache was gone and, with it, the weight of fatigue I had been carrying throughout my morning too. This outcome gave me pause, as I considered my unexpected adventure. Maybe there is more to our journeys than meets the eye - more than we may think we know.

Will I go to that area again? Is it the place for me? Only time will tell. I'll know when I know.

I am reminded of the immortal words of Dr. Seuss, from his classic book, Oh, The Places You'll Go"

I have brains in my head.

I have feet in my shoes.

I can steer myself any direction I choose.

I’m on my own. And I know what I know.

And I am the gal who’ll decide where to go.