path less traveled

The journey continues into Poly Cannon. As I walked, my eyes were open; it felt good to be present in my surroundings. To see little blossoms on the trees as I passed. To feel the bark of the eucalyptus soaring high in the sky.

As I continued, my eyes were drawn to a set of log steps going down toward a flowing stream. I decided to enter the path less traveled. As I descended, the water got louder and louder. To cross the stream, I had to use stepping-stones; this is where my adventure began. It's fascinating how nature brings my mind to childhood in so many ways. It was the biggest thrill to hop from one stone to another. I felt brave.

I made it safe across the "raging rapids" and continued on my way. I continued along the path as it ascending toward the sun. As I climbed, my path became narrower and narrower. I ducked under a branch in attempts to continue, but it had different motives. It clawed and grabbed my backpack with no intentions of releasing. I charged with all my might, and sure enough I broke from its grasp. Freedom. But not for long. I continued and all around were green spear like sprouts coming from yucca plants with their black tips at the end, sharp as needles. I initially was able to dodge these plants, but I continued and they began to overtake my path. I could not avoid them, so I decided to trudge through. They gave me no mercy. Some pierced me good, one on my arm, one on my leg, but never on my feet. I felt like the plants were asking me not to continue, like they were protecting a treasure from people like me who wanted to explore and see things few eyes had seen, but I was not a good listener.

I was amazed at all the trails around me as they weaved in and out almost as if I was in a maze, but what was the final destination? If I got off path, there was another path not too far up the hill. I continued to walk, not sure where I was going or what I was in search for. But I was ready for wherever my feet decided to go.

My eyes focused on a bend far off in the distance. As I continued to weave back and forth along the narrow dirt path, dodging trees and trying not to slip down the hill, I finally reached the point beyond the bent. To my left a huge rock formation was displayed. I looked at it for a while and a face appeared almost as if it was watching me, waiting for me to see it's beauty. Its intricate shadows and carvings created a piece of art within nature. I am beginning to realize that this creation that I am surrounded with is ever more diverse and complex than any hand could design or mind imagine. Yes, humans can sculpt and paint and draw, but creative ability does not come close to experience the creation that surrounds us. To my right a steep cliff plummeted into foliage below. I found a flat rock to sit on, and I pondered.


Time spent at this spot went fast. The sun was setting faster than I had expected, so I got back on foot and continued forward. I hoped that by walking forward, I would find a path back to the main road. As I walked, I reached an open field the 3 cactuses growing. I looked in fascination that they could grow in this lush atmosphere. Cactus is a plant I am only familiar with in western movie landscapes as tumble-weed rolls by and dust is swirling in the air, that or it's growing in a small pot in a friends picture-window. I remember slowly approaching this potted plant's needle, touching it, and finding some odd pleasure in the pain it would surge through my pointer. Seeing this in its natural environment not far from lush grass and trees was a memorable moment.


I continued on, and blocking my path was a fence running along as far as I could see. I realized this is where my adventure had to end. I then descended down the hill and met up with Poly Cannon Road, to walk back into civilization with a feeling of greater connection with the beautiful and diverse landscape I have been surrounded with my years at Cal Poly.