Rough Waters

Rough Waters
            Living a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean, when we see an orange Coast Guard helicopter flying toward the beach, our hearts sink. When helicopters and fire trucks hover near the water’s edge, it’s likely that someone got in trouble with big surf or rip tides, or slipped off a cliff or a boat.
            It’s scary, and it’s sad. We check the local news, hoping no lives were lost.
            This disconcerting scene has repeated countless times over long years living at the edge of the powerful Pacific. Yet we still visit the beach. We take walks, we take photos, we absorb quiet moments of nature’s solace where sand meets water.
            We respect the power of the ocean. When there’s a high surf warning, we stay away. We try to follow the rule of never turning our back on the ocean. Sneaker waves really do sneak up on people.
            Despite our efforts, we have been hit by rogue waves, enough to get wet, knocked off our feet and lose some equipment, but not enough to get pulled out away from shore, fortunately.
            There are many forces in the world that swell unexpectedly, sometimes with great danger. Listen for warnings. Stay vigilant. Stay safe and peaceful.
            We don’t stop enjoying the goodness and beauty of the ocean, despite its unpredictable dangerous swells, and we won’t stop appreciating the goodness and beauty of our world, and all the good people in it. Stay safe.
            This week’s Hike Notes are from the archives, Pillar Point Harbor – Mavericks Beach, a place where just offshore, some of the biggest waves a human can ride draw the best surfers from all over the world.
            The long list of Hikes can be found on the Quick View Hike List and on the main Hikes page. All past Insights posts can also be viewed in the Insights/Hike Update News archives.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Please feel free to share.
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 101): Pillar Point Harbor – Mavericks Beach