Autumn Equinox 2017

Return to the Central Pacific

I share that universal reaction, now that I have a home: it is such a pleasure to return.

Admittedly, when I'm traveling I want to keep going, see what is over the next ridge; check out another city.

Family and friends make me welcome; tell me I'm looking well.

Keeping connections, long-term, takes an effort both joyful and sad.

Finances and energy levels demand I stop. Mixed blessing. I've done what I could, then let go.

Return to Molokai is sweet. Flying into Honolulu from San Francisco is swift. Seeing my island home from the air gave me a rush, I wanted to point it out to everyone around, 'That's my home. It looks just like the map – rather like a fish. It's so clear from up here.'

yes, a pleasure to return.

[canoe race finish line]

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Four years ago I said I would return to Oregon to see the solar eclipse. And that I did. In August I viewed the eclipse in Lebanon, OR. (east of Corvallis on the South Santiam River). It was a classic celestial event, the slow awareness of change, the suspension of reality during totality with beautiful aurora, then sudden diamond ring glint as the earth keeps turning and the shadow passes on. Being the type of person who watches the credits after a film, I had to wait until the sun was whole again before I would leave.

Previous to that major event I had been in Hood River visiting my older sister Lorraine and her family. Here are my shots of Mt. Hood and Multnomah Falls. This is the area of the Columbia River Gorge that is being devastated by the Eagle Creek fire. The old lodge at the falls was saved, but it's not over yet. As of Sept 19th rain has come and outlook is now much better.

 

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I spent a week in Eugene visiting long time friends and getting quality time with my son Nat and his partner Brandi. He does computer 'stuff' and she makes fantastic wrapped wire jewelry. They arranged time off from jobs and we spent a beautiful long weekend at Newport on the coast. I had the Oscar Wilde room at the Sylvia Beach Hotel where they serve hot mulled wine at night in the library. Ah, indulgences...

Photos of Oscar Wilde room, Sutton Beach Overlook, that's me in the shark's jaws at the aquarium in Newport, and the sea lions in the harbor making an incredible racket.





 
           

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I must mention my detour to Powell's Bookstore in Portland; a book-lovers heaven. I came out with only two books (travel light) plus a free shipping coupon! Then returning the rental car to Portland airport I found my way to San Jose in less than two hours. There I stayed with Carolyn, a dear friend I've known since the 1960's. We worked together in Los Angeles and then were neighbors in New York City; lots of wonderful memories shared. She has consistently inspired and encouraged me over the years.

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My next jaunt by Cal-train, BART and bus got me up to Healdsburg north of Santa Rosa, for a pleasant visit with my younger sister Ellen and her family which increased since I was last there with the addition of her new grandson. The fierce heat and smoky sky kept us indoors while we shared old photos. I brought some from our other sister in Oregon;

[mother, older sister & me early 1940's; younger sister & me early 1960's; mother, me & Nat - 2nd b'day]

The heat limited our usual walking around but we did go to the Armstrong Redwood Grove just outside Guerneville in the coast range to walk among the magic. The time span (1400 years) and size of those trees (300') puts me in different perspective.

Old, large, lovely, 

Impressive trees. 

Non bending, non-burning Redwoods 

capture the sky and keep it anchored to the Earth.

We stand in awe.

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My last adventure was a day in San Francisco. I walked around the Castro district and attended a San Francisco Mime Troupe performance in Deloris Park; their production of Walls. The SFMT does political, musical satire, a longtime institution in the Bay Area.

  

  

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Then the circle was completed as I reclaimed the peace and clean air of home.

My sincere thanks to those who shared this adventure with me, and apologies to all those I did not get to see. You are not forgotten.