On The Path To Big Sur

Can you imagine Paradise on Earth?

Now, can ya? Well, I think I found a small piece of it in California. Look at pictures #1 thru #7. Hey! Really, look at all of them!!!! These pictures don't give this piece of Paradise its due...it is a gorgeous place, filling the senses with one wondrous scene after another...rocky streams of tumbling water moving towards the ocean; wide valleys of splendor rising up to the high peaks above; foot paths of chipped wood inviting all of us to its destinations; birds of prey using the swirling air currents to seek food for their young; cool ocean breezes wafting up the mountain side cooling the hikers brow; and the Pacific Ocean cliffs rising up above the giant waves crashing into them every three seconds. And, for sure, sensual pleasure from driving the 100+ miles of snaking highway (mostly 3-5 feet from the edge of steep cliffs) along the California's mid-coast.

This IS definitely a "left coast" Paradise!

Now, follow me up the mountain path...it was spectacular climb to those California towers...it was a sound machine made sensually exquisite by water dropping towards the ocean across boulders and rocky spaces in between. Follow the path to the summit, thru grassy slopes, darkened woods and switchbacks of worn clay and pebbles. See the vistas at every height...a brook at the bottom, a meadow at the midpoint and a pine forest at and below the summit. What is better than the ocean vistas at each level....the cliffs washed in surf, the white ocean water swirling at its edge, azure blue waters off a ways, and deep blue waters all the way to Japan, the Philippines and Australia.

I drove Highway One (US 1) along this coastline from Morro Bay, thru San Simion, to The Big Sur Forest, to Monterey Bay ... as you can see, it is spectacular!!! You can see the WPA bridges all along the way. You can stop at 100 "View Points" all along the way. You can stop at The Hearst Castle (below) on the way. And, you can stop for lunch and dinner in 3-4 "great vista" cafes along the way. There is beauty everywhere all along the way! It is a perfect lesson in God's tapestry of gifts to us all! You can see the highway snake up the coast for miles and miles. You can see where you've been and where you will be....sensory happiness in every direction, up and down, to and fro!!! I knew I needed to be here...it is heaven on earth to this "poet/biologist/vagabond ."

So, travel these paths with me....up the hill and down the road....either way, you will be at a great loss if you fail in your lifetime to travel these paths yourself!

The Reef of Life

Wondrous is the reef.
Colorful from sun's sheaf.
Lively as the forest floor.
Animals there galore.

Special is the reef.
Layered as sharks teeth.
Commotion from moving wonder.
Eels and squid hide lip under.

Gorgeous is the reef.
Pastels of many motif.
Seething with plankton everywhere.
One lone lobster tarrying to nowhere.

Colossal is the reef.
Mounds of limestone beneath.
Piled with younger upon older secretions.
Coral and god's creations.

Sensitive is the reef.
It is more than belief.
Shallow waters kill 'em new.
Deep waters choke 'em too.

I love the reef.

It gives my soul relief.

I am so relaxed in its presence.

Never needing to touch its essence.

Life is a reef.

The Trip From Hell to LA and Beyond

I was in the high desert in California.
It was raining and blowing.
Can you believe it?
Well, at least it wasn't snowing.

Ha, that's what you think!
I pointed eRV down this 35-mile long hill.
It appeared to be as slippery as my Lincoln hill.
Well, at least it wasn't snowing.

Ha, that's what you think!
The mountains ahead were white.
It was a winter's delight.
Well, at least it wasn't a blizzard.

Ha, that's what you think!
The air was white with swirling flakes.
It was still making wintry lakes.
Well, at least it wasn't sleeting.

Ha, that's what you think!
The "lakes" reflected light.
It gave me a fright.
Well, at least it was slick and icing.

Ha, that's what you think!
Then, thanks, the hill flattened out.
With Los Angeles all about.
It made me shout....for sure it wasn't SMOG!!!

Hummm! Na!!! Not Smog in LA?!

Oh well, by then I was a bit frosted.
I made it down the hill exhausted!
At midnight I saw drivers accosted.
Driving 30 mph above what the law said!

Did you know?

There's no traffic in LA at 1am!
Can you believe it?
To San Diego I went, spent.

But, ya know? At least it wasn't snowing!

Ha, that's what you think!

I woke up with Mexicans mowing!

With sno...Hey, I had you going!!!!

I saw this "H" on a Cavern wall.
It was placed there by Natives of lore.
10,000 years ago or before.
The "H" on the wall is forever small.

Ranger Larry told me a story inconceivable.
The "H" on the wall is handholding lovers.
Her hand in his ... forever joined rovers.
The "H" on the wall is love unbelievable.

I was hoping the "H" was for Hopi.
Natives who lived in these gorgeous cliffs.
Not to be...only contents of myths.
The "H" best gives hope for me.

Seeing the "H" near a small pit of fire.
The couple infused love to my inner core.
Made me happier than many months afore.
Now, their joy shared with friends as I desire.

The "H" stands for the happiness of the Hopi two.
A pair with lessons especially for you.

Popcorn Pops

Popcorn pops, popp-i-de pop!
Popcorn pops, popp-i-de pop!
Popcorn pops, popp-i-de pop!
It just keeps popping along.

Horses walk, clopp-i-de clop!
Horses walk, clopp-i-de clop!
Horses walk, clopp-i-de clop!
They just keep clopping along.

Pidgeons fly, flopp-i-de flop!
Pidgeons fly, flopp-i-de flop!
Pidgeons fly, flopp-i-de flop.
They just keep flopping along.

Firecrackers go pow!
Cicadas go chirp!
Frogs go ribbit!
And, pigs go oynk!
All noisey, here and now.

Natives in the Buttes...A Spectacular High Home

Native Americans lived here 1000s of years ago! Their view!!!!!!!!!

The Front Door!!!

A Butte-i-ful Backdrop!!!!

Waterfall off a cliff near Sedona (AZ)...native Americans lived there for obvious reasons!!!

The Hopi Indians lived in such mountainous caves and rock-constructed homes tucked away in Northern Arizona. They tended to chose canyons with high visual advantage and a lot of water and food resources. Corn was grown on the valley floor...cultivated by the women and ground into flour for tortillas. Hunting away from the canyon home was the primary source of protein in their diets. Safety was a big concern....high and hidden!!!! Such a beautiful sight to behold...thank you Larry and your fellow National Park Rangers!!!!

RABBITS KEEP WARM IN THEIR PRAIRIE DOWN

I was driving through the Midwest in December and I noticed a family of rabbits hopping through a field on the prairie. It was a cold day and the snow was blowing in the wind due to the quick action of their feet. One after another, the rabbits hopped down a path in the snow finally reaching what appeared to be a pile of logs gathered along the edge of the fence. One by one they disappeared under the woodpile...into their den is my guess.



Picture these rabbits in your mind's eye....they are gray, with long ears and white puffy tails. See them, they are round and plump...they bulge with down beneath their furry coat. They are well fed from the winter stores in their den. Midwest rabbits are smarter than those from other regions...they live real near corn fields...a wonderful year-around source of protein and sugar for the long winters rest! Wow, what industrious critters they are!

Now, imagine the papa, mama and adolescent rabbits in their den...huddled together, warm and cozy. Listening in, imagine you hear them chatting about the coming spring thaw, excitedly describing the time when they'll be romping thru the extensive corn fields, often down to the creek in search of fresh water and newly growing grass patches. They will be feeding on exposed corn cob kernels along the way. Dancing and hopping in hopeful glee, preparing for the coming warm, busy breeding season and the eventual arrival of little bodies of fir needing the care of all. Can you see them?

I love watching animals move about in their habitat....such visuals of animal behavior is very soothing to my soul. Join me in this "search for beauty in North America" and beyond.

Merry Christmas from the Desert -- Potpourri

Just think of decorating a Christmas cactus.
It's spines stabbing you through your fractus.
I thought it through...it wasn't to do.
I'll need a lot more practice.

I saw a rabbit with big black ears.
It was running so fast...it brought tears.
It stared at me first...then jumped in a burst.
It wasn't real calming to my fears.

Prickly Pears.
Spikes in sweet fruity pulp.
They say, de-thorn and don't gulp!
Or, you'll emit a mighty yulp!!!

I saw a thorny bush that wreath could be.
Maybe it would be pretty around a picture of thee.
It was so dry and wilt for arid it be.
I doubt it would be an adequate frame for me.

How do they survive?
But, they are quite alive.
Hares, lizards, titmice, and hawk reds.
Finding water and food in dry, sandy creek beds.
Cuz, rain does arrive.

New Mexico's Worst Biologist

Today, I saw a Gila Monster.
It's name was frumpy.
Ya get too close.
And, she gets grumpy.

I widened my path.
And, her eyes followed.
See'in a morsel.
She couldn't have swollowed.

I enjoyed her twitch.
Seeing me fall into a fissure.
Now, I'm forever wounded.
On my big red kisser.

Back to the Swamp This Year

I see it in the mirror of last year.
Tho it is clearer than last year.
Since it is now a new year.
Ti's my best year.

The swamp is clearer this year.
Twas less colorful last year.
The water was tannin last year.
It is golden this year.

A Great Blue Heron arrived this year.
Turtles and frogs splashed last year.
Cyprus horns are spectacular this year.
Contrast that to forlorn cones last year.

I am joyful here this year.
Compared to a wistful last year.
Friends will see a better swamp this year.
Still is the one they saw last year.

I love the swamp this year.
Ti's slog Jim slog...more than last year.
Tho the logs rotted more this year...
They're tastier centipede food than last year.

The beetles, ants and water bugs are happy this year.
And, so am I this year.
Happier than last year.
Being here this year.

Jim's Attention Span

I can be flip longer than serious.
I can be crazy longer than sane.
I can be happy longer than sad.
I can be carefree longer than bound.
But, I can love and be loved forever.

I can be joyful longer than melancholy.
I can be romantic longer than just there.
I can be engaged longer than passive.
I can be fanciful longer than forlorn.
But, I can love and be loved forever.

I can be in eye contact every second.
I can be tactile every minute.
I can talk for an hour.
I can tell stories that last longer.
I can be amorous every day.
I can be on the Irish West Coast for weeks.
I can be “on-the-road” for years.
But, I can love and be loved forever.

It all depends you see.

Now Is A Time For Joy

Joy is my staff of life.
Seriousness is a wife.

Joy is my daily bread.
Seriousness is getting wed.

Joy is fun and frolic.
Seriousness is alcoholic.

Joy is present tense.
Seriousness is recompense.

Joy is playing around.
Seriousness weighs a mighty pound.

Joy is happily carefree.
Seriousness is like sun tea.

Joy is volcanic energy aflow.
Seriousness is plugging the blow.

Joy is a dream come true.
And, seriousness would stop it anew.

Salt Air Is Medication For My Soul

The Sea is in my every pore.
Salt air fills me evermore.
It's medication for my soul.

White sand slowly sifted by my hand.
Soaking up the essence of this land.
It's medication for my soul.

Salty breezes bathing my body whole.
Puffy dunes muting the sound of waves roll.
It's medication for my soul.

Walking the shoreline returns wave heartbeat to my ears.
Soothing cadence of the these waves so clear.
It's medication for my soul.

Being here is medication for Jim's soul.

Arriving In Paradise

Arriving in paradise.
Pristine white sandy beaches.
Bulging dunes piled high inshore.
Vegetation dry and sparse.
Water gleaming from sunny sky's.
And, air soothingly warm.
It's paradise to my mind and spirit.

Seven verses of a personal love affair.
Arriving once more in paradise.
Camping behind the majestic dunes.
Bond fires at night abound.
Wine drinking and good stories be told.
New pals from AL, TN, GA and Ontario.
What a wondrous feeling...this paradise.

Crossing The Ohio River

Recently, I was driving in southern Illinois and came upon a little town named "Cave in Rock" (aren't they all?), Illinois. This little town exists today for two reasons: 1. tourists visit the large cave in the rock located up the river a piece, where criminal gangs hid from lawmen during frontier times; 2. the southern most location where a ferry crosses the Ohio River from IL to KY. My purpose for being there was the latter.

I was fourth in line...a pickup pulling a horse trailer, a SUV with 2 adults, a straight truck hauling furniture for delivery, and a two-seater Toyota MR2, with one unfilled seat. We waited for twenty minutes while a four-section coal barge came lumbering up the channel...being pushed by a good-sized diesel tugboat. It moved so slowly up the river towards some unknown destination in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, or Pennsylvania, WHATEVER!! It took forever! But, kind of interesting to watch, never-the-less!

Finally, the flotilla passed by. When safe, the ferry released from the landing across the river. It backed up the whole trip...maybe a half mile...landing at the dock just below "Cave in Rock." It released the seven cars/trucks in order...the center row first, the left row second, and the right row third. Every system has its interesting quirks, doesn't it!?

Somewhat impatiently, the ferry attendant waved us on....he put my caravan (eRV and Del Sol) in the middle, right behind the straight truck....we two made a full row. The pickup/horse trailer was then brought in on the right, followed by the other vehicles, both left and right. After getting me situated, the attendant gave me a half smile...I thanked him and returned a full smile, which seemed to raise his spirit....actually, I think he was in love with Del Sol!

When all of the vehicles were fully situated on the ferry, the attendant raised the ramp and, then, we were off to Kentucky...yea! The ferry chugged up stream for, say 500 yards, and then veered towards the shore, slipping southwards with the current until we were nearly perfectly lined up 20 feet off of the landing dock. The pilot was really used to this drive .... thank goodness, since the current was quite hardy on the river. He thrust the diesel engine and we docked with a thud...good job!!!!

The attendant tied the ferry to the dock, lowered the ramp and waved the center aisle off first...eRV and Del Sol complied and off we went, following the furniture truck. Del Sol's trailer bottomed out as we exited the ferry....screech!!!! My friend, the attendant, gave me a real grin and ogled Del Sol as she passed by. Then, happily, we were free of the Ohio River Ferry and off through the Kentucky countryside we sped.

"Cave in Rock" was unkempt from years of neglect. The river was brown from agriculture runoff. The ferry was dirty from car mud droppings. But, the scene is positively vivid in my "beauty of North America" memory.

New England Breezes In My Mind

Traveling from Samford to Lake Champlain.
From Bar Harbor to Deleware Gap.
From Niagara Falls to Cadillac Mountain.
And, fresh breezes everywhere.

Watching Bald Eagles soaring above.
Seeing buzzards seeking prey.
Seeing turtles jumping from stones.
And, fresh breezes everywhere.

Climbing short pathways to the sandy beach.
Hearing the sea lap against the shore.
Hearing gulls and terns yapping for food.
And, fresh breezes everywhere.

Smelling fresh hay being cut in the fields.
Touching the petals of heather on the hills.
Touching dragonflies with my hair and skin.
And, fresh breezes everywhere.

I love New England's breezes in my mind.