Desert Spring

“Go take a hike,” took on new meaning this past Monday when George Willis, Kenn Petsch and I did just that. What made it all the more enjoyable was knowing that I was dodging rain, fog, and generally unpleasant seasonal NYC weather. What was it like over here in San Diego? Funny you should ask:

George drove to a destination in San Diego’s North County recommended by fourth friend who wasn’t present(Peter Larlham, you were missed!). We had a great time. Less than a quarter of a mile from were we parked our vehicle, Kenn found artifacts left by Native Americans including bits of thin-walled pottery, stone tools, grinding areas. camp sites, and fire circles. Each discovered item was replaced as we found it with thanks and wonder to those who went before us.Desert plants which are usually greener this time of year were atypically dull and thin. We did discover beautiful, delicate tiny flowers – blossoms less than an eighth of an inch in diameter – of purple and yellow half-hidden in the shadows of rocks.

I will miss this valley in the spring. By March the warm sun will cause the earth to explode with the activity of all manner of living things including a dizzying number of plants which will blossom in near weekly succession. Flowers, insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals will sing and dance the only dance that is and do so knowing that the merciless heat will soon follow.

On the other side of the continent, scurrying between the brick, concrete, and shadow which define Manhattan Island, I will think about this special place.

I will remember my friends, their laughter, and highlights of our conversations. I will imagine what the living earth looks, smells, and sounds like. In that way, even if only for the briefest of moments, I will be free.