I have
probably flown into and out of San Diego CA 30 times over the last 4 years.
Nearly every time I would look out the window as we were getting near and see
the desert floor rise up to become red and dusty cliffs, and atop those cliffs
there was a sprawling forest, mountain meadows dotted with lakes. I longed to
stand in one of those meadows, and breathe in the last gasps of the cool air
before it descended, unencumbered of its moisture to meet the ceaseless desert
beyond.
I am happy to report that on
this business trip I did just that, I journeyed where my heart was longing to
go. I mapped my route and set off, me and my rental car, and a can of redbull
which I sometimes indulge in on roadtrips. I had a rather sporty car this trip,
so the curves of the mountain road made the journey all the more enjoyable.
As I neared the top and the
shrubs turned to giant towering trees I realized what many explorers these days
realize, others had come before me. The forest was dotted with cabins, and some
of the meadows were fenced for cattle, sometimes l long desperately to be the
first in a truly wild place. Nonetheless the area met my expectations, the road
was the Sunset Highway, it began near Pine Valley and I am happy that I do not
yet know where it ends. Perhaps someday we will find out together as a family.
Even though the area was settled
there was seclusion to be found, quiet places uninterrupted by the thoughts and
footsteps of others. I found such a place where the wind must have been blowing
at 30 miles per hour. I stood on the edge of those cliffs I had seen so many
times from the sky. I tasted the last drops of the cool ocean air before they plummeted
down to the desolation below. I sat and heard nothing but the wind, with no
troubles plaguing my mind, and no worry in my bones.
I often wonder if you will love
wild places as I do, if such love can be instilled by a father to his children.
My father brought me to the outdoors more times than could be counted. He brimmed
with knowledge of plants, animals, native people, and a lot of other things you
will most likely hear about someday whether you want to or not. Did his love
create mine? Or did he simply introduce me to something I longed for all along
and had yet to encounter?
I will certainly be making
frequent introductions. Someday you will be old enough to protest and find
other pursuits to fill your time, but I hope you will find a passion for the
wild as I have. I never feel as at peace as I do in those places. I never feel
as bonded to others as I do when I have shared an adventure with them. There is
simply a poetry to beautiful to wordsmith that stirs in me when I am free of
the cities and the constant distractions of life.
I can not wait to share it with
you someday. As a father I long to share all that I find that is good in this
life with you. Nothing could bring me more joy than to share that which I value,
with that which I treasure. I love you always and forever, and I hope you take
the time to seek out the desires of your heart.
