i love my walking boots (march 19, 2007)

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After a week of milking Mythy (an unreasonable but expressive goat), castrating two baby lambs (I had to hold them as Matej secured rubber bands on their balls. Apparently, in a couple weeks, we might stubble upon lamb testicles in the pasture...hopefully not with the children), teaching three-year-olds (best quote of the week: me: "so what was your favorite part about your visit to Slide Ranch?" answers: "sheep!" "goats!" "chickens!" "rooster!"...and then one girl yells, "Unicorn!" me: "Wow! You're lucky! I've never seen a unicorn here!"), and demonstrating spinning wool (my yarn looked like a combination of dental floss and dreadlocks), I decided that I would wind down by hiking up to the east peak of Mt. Tamapais.
 
On Sunday morning (yesterday), I stuffed my nalgene, map, and band-aid stash (I've yet to finish a hike without bloodshed) into my satchel and headed from Slide Ranch to the old faithful, Coastal Trail. The original plan was to hike to Stinson and then hitchhike home, but Stinson is only good for hanging out on the beach so I decided I wanted more of a challenge. Sooo, instead of taking the Dipsea to Stinson, I detoured onto the Matt Davis trail and made my way to the West Point Inn and then up to the East Peak.
 
Hiking solo is wonderful. I love the way my thoughts ebb and flow and my energy adjusts accordingly. Walking all alone across mountain ridges and valleys tunes my mind into my legs and surroundings. After descending into Muir Woods, I took the Redwood Creek trail back towards Slide Ranch. This trail is stunning, especially as the sun sets. I didn't meet another soul for about two miles.
 
Sometimes, I get scared about bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, and snakes, but the path's beauty overpowers my fears. I tell myself (like I told the 3 year-old), I'd only be so lucky to see a bobcat or mountain lion. I suppose I need to see one to determine if my mental logic is justified!

Well, its Monday, so I'm still off work and I'm heading for the library to learn more about tide pools and sea creatures for a family program I'm planning for next Saturday. Please email me if you know anything interesting about the ocean!!!! All ideas/knowledge appreciated!!

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