A couple of days of Magic

Continued....



The bus journey back to the hostel was great and the bus drivers here so friendly and helpfll it is almost embaressing. The people are the bus were kind and interesting. The hostel was near an Indian reserve. The faces of the people a little like the beautiful carvings that we've passed at the tourist stops along the road.



Another warm cosy night at the hostel (they let me stay on a matress). I spent the evening talking to the conservation group leader and learnt a lot more. I was also talking to one of the young people on the scheme. He was from LA and it was interesting to hear his story and how much the scheme had benefitted him. I think it would benefit our young people in the NW in a very similar way. I learnt about the exchange programme that goes on with Australia too so hope I can maybe get some experience whilst there (ACV). There is also another programme; Back Country Trails I'd like to look into more. Once again I'd like to add a huge thankyou top the hoste staff and young people there.



I also met a really generous English man ("Hi Richard!") who has just 'retired' as a horse trainer and was involved in an on-line magazine for young people in the UK. A great photographer and as most people who work with horses a gentle spirit. The site looks really interesting. So, for all you teachers out there...



http://waitforthebell.com/



21/10/08



Woke early again (the team actually fried a piece of bacon for me :-)) and this time made the bus. Doris (German cyclist) was also on the bus. It was a beautifully sunny day and the light on the mist was magical. We saw lots of Elk: the males and females in separate groups. Both magnificent. The local bus driver stopped for us and all on the bus explained lots. It was an interesting journey and everyone seemed interested in us. Travelling on a bus with a bicycle is not necessarily for the private and shy (!). There were 3 guys on the bus who'd just completed 'time'. It seems that commonly on 'passing rehab' the prize is a greyhound ticket. I think I may have inadvertently saved someone's life by curbing their fighting talk (Ahhh.. being a teacher never leaves you /) . At the bus staion I decided to 'pass' on the greyhound and Doris and I decided to continue on together.



So, we found ourselves in Fortuna (the headquarters of the local CCC). I went off to get a knee strap and Doris headed to get her peddle fixed. I then went to the headquarters of the CCC. The programme is FAB! They were reallly welcoming to me and exceptionally keen and supportive. I love the American positivity and enthusiasm. I actually feel normal here. Everyone I spoke to said they knew the 'big wigs' would be keen to meet with me and there may be a possibilty of a work shadow. Anyway, I now have contact details and will see what happens from this. I have spoken to a number of experienced people recently about C and S America and all have given stories of risk and danger (I won't go in to details but I'm sure you can imagine). Whilst I am aware of these and confident that this isn't a necessarily definite outcome. The stats are pretty shocking. I am hesitant and wouldn't deny that would be tempted to stay here if the opportunity arose. So... a change of plan may be in hand.



THE MAGIC OF THE AVENUE OF THE GIANTS



After lunch we got going to the 'Avenue of the giants'. My knee had a little more support. I think I have now remembered the point of damage, I fell over a root at one of the camp sites a few days ago and twisted it. Then cycled about 60 miles. Anyway, it was sore. Still, we made it to a gorgeous camp site 'Marine Garden Club Grove Park' .

There we were greeted by camp fires and people playing traditional music. I was in heaven! There was a guy near us who approached to ask if it was ok if he made some 'sounds'. He then proceeded to play some of the most beautiful and transcendant flute music I have ever heard. It was clear he was telling a story and almost creating characters with his breath. I had to approach and find out more (sorry!), which probably broke the spell. He was kind enought o allow me to have a little go and I realised that this is what I have been missing. Not that I play anything very well, but making music is such a big part of my life that I never feel right without some instrument to make 'sounds'.

So there I was playing a wooden traditional american flute in amongst the redwoods: it was worth the pain. Life doesn't get much better!

We shared Californian style (tofu and bean) Nachos and salsa; beef and salmon jerky, beer and stories around a camp fire; and I went to bed very happy (although a little chilly). I LOVE CALIFORNIA!

In the morning Pete (the flautist) invited us in to get warm whilst we ate breakfast. His little 'egg' caravan was the dinkiest most compact and well equiped trailer van I have ever been in. It is produced by a family company and seriously cool. He had had the most beautiful image printed on the front of it. with three flautist figures playing to a bright full moon. It brought a tear to my eye: he was travelling to recover from the sudden loss of his 'sweetheart' and wife of over 30years as I remember, and to me this was the image of him treasuring and honoring the memory of her. What a beautiful man. His wonderful wife was a harpist (and forensic scientist) who used to play for the dying. Aren't people amazing? People and music: my two great loves.

How wonderful when heaven has a place on earth. :-)-//

http://picasaweb.google.com/anneb007/CaliforniaSunsetAndAvenueOfTheGiants#

I then hitched my frst proper lift and ended the day providing my injured knee with heat therapy in a hot tub. I'm not sure what to say about this other than "thankyou"!