Nik’s Black And White

Exploring light and dark....

Web...

What a clever spider, spinning a web so so close to the thing of beauty.  

For Sharon... remembering Sassy

My friend lost her cat Sassy ( her best friend, life long buddy) a few months ago.   I planted ten cent seeds from the dollar store and hoped they would bloom in remembrance. 

They did... the first bloom is gentle and small but it got a photo shoot.  Because it’s ok to be gentle and small and not perfect. 

Thanks to "Nik" #sunsetflowers

Dipsea Trail (Mt. Tamalpais) - CA

It was a very cool and misty midday hike on the Tuesday before Memorial Day (USA).   The starting point was Stinson beach and the beach was empty and the town was very quiet.   Upon arrival, there were no fellow hikers and the large parking lot was occupied by only a handful of cars and a group of surfers coming in from the beach.

Then it is just a short trek to the Dipsea Trail Head to Steep Ravine and you loop around and take the Matt Davis trail back.  If you plan to hike it this way, plan for over three and a half miles of incline and then over four miles down...and I mean down down down, back to sea level and a lot of steps.  You will most likely feel this in your knees and hips as the steps are tall steps, perhaps a foot and a half high or more.

This place is green exquisite wonder. I can't say it is one of those trails that is untouched or uncrafted by humans, as there is extensive stone and wooden steps, bridges and obviously under the care of of stellar rangers.   But I can say that the nature is so truly strong and resilient that it seems to over power the man made changes and the Redwood trees, ferns, stone, mountains, and all the wildflowers, berries, ivy etc can not be tamed and the complete balance of the trail is definitely over powered by thriving nature not humans.

I remain forever indebted the those humans  (rangers, tax payers, and yes those stinking bureaucrats) that take care of the planet even though some believe it is encroaching upon our rights and that laws are rotten.   Humans continually show their impact and careless way of maintaining the planet by complete exploitation, litter, and pillage.  (Enough said).  Anyway there is no fee to park or enter this beautiful place. (And if you drive a little Fiat, it cost about 8 bucks in gas...oh yeah)

I did not encounter one piece of litter, cigarette butt etc...thank you trail users!!!!!

It is a wonder, the cycle of life and death, rebirth and growth, the light and dark, and all the elements of the seasons all enclosed and cozy on the side of a coastal mountain trail.  One of many trails in this region.  This trail seems like a play ground, if time were no issue I would suggest going in and spending the whole day inside.  Let yourself be in wonder, I was so completely overtaken, I expected to see fairies, trolls and all things enchanted.

Although at times I was moving very quickly due to time and travel, the point of the trip was to restore and photo hike.   It was all the things I wanted and more.  It was breath taking, and I say that it took my breath in many ways because the few thousand feet of elevation gain did leave me heavy on the breathing side on the way up and the way down.

When you get almost to the top there is a ranger station, bathrooms,  and a place to eat.  On this day the picnic tables were empty and there was only one other set of humans sighted.

Here are some pictures.

















When you climb up with the trees and you are level with the branches you can have a different conversation with the trees.  You get to look them in the eye so to speak, you get to see them as more than just tall.


This picture... seeing the light...even foggy light.... Light is Light... it represents pretty much everything.





Beautiful and life giving in a different form than usually admired.  Imagine that...wise and wonderful trees.

Mostly uncensored and unsolicted thoughts

....And furthermore these thoughts will probably be vague in nature.  Comments and questions are welcome.

My community is up in arms about a homeless shelter being built that will have 400 beds.  I am more afraid of my community that is afraid to help and shelter humans than I am of the shelter.   I hope to find time to volunteer and help feed humans.

I watched a show on Armenia last night.  All the things that I don't know.  It truly keeps me up at night and down the rabbit hole for more Information.

I am surprised with how sheltered I am from  generations of world disasters AKA GENOCIDE when there is not a foothold or oil etc. or any reason for humanitarian assistance.

 I am at a place in my head where I am a bit "grumpy" about being spoon fed "what is important in the world."   Now and in the past.  

I heard a quote (that I only wrote part of)  from an Armenian person on the show.  It had to do with more pride in surviving, than in victim.   That was how they survived, got better, stronger and kept dignity.

I am adding that to my immediate thoughts.  There is a lot spoken there.  So much to chew on.  

I am upset at how long anyone even cares about what is happening in schools.   (Myrdering if children). And how everyone is fighting over it and not looking into the mirror at decades and decades of disconnection and violence.  They say to turn your broken heart into art, but what do you do with the rage born of deception, deceit, and control?

Mountain Lion attacks.... that is on my mind.  You are not supposed to run from them but if you are a trail runner...you are already running. I have to think of this more. Carrying a handgun is not an option for me as I am trigger happy, I know this much is true. 

Part II - Well part two needs to come with clarification from coffee.  Have a great Monday, be spunky - Let's talk.

Edited because my iPad and direct blogger do not get along!!!! 

Filterless Friday - Succulent babies and Flowers

Hold on to the light

The sun was a bit past setting, but I feel as though the rose held onto the sunset just a bit longer. The beautiful light. What a good lesson from the roses to us. Hold onto the light.