Great OutDoors (G.O.D.)

I’m so lucky to have spent a lot of time outdoors this week. First, it was a 7-mile hike with a bunch of friends from the community on what we call, “Peak to Peak.” The trail connects Mt. Pinos, the highest peak (8,847 ft) in Ventura County with Cerro Noroeste at 8,283 ft. They are two of the highest peaks in Los Padres National Forest. It is a well-covered walk under many ancient pine and fir tree species with some ups and downs but not too difficult to traverse. We took time foraging the wild currants, learning that some of the ground covering buckwheat flowers were edible, and of course, taking pictures and snacking along the way.

It was a perfect day for this hike with temperature holding in the 70s. The company was also magnificent — bonded with old friends as well as new friends along the way sharing the joy of being embraced by these mountains that the local indigenous people have considered sacred.

Then my husband and I were invited to spend a couple of days at our friends’ undeveloped land in Malibu overlooking the Pacific. Even though it was relatively close to civilization and our friends had built some small areas to gather around with table, chairs and a firepit , we had no cell signal, no electricity or running water. Sleeping in a tent is always such a delight — listening to the wind and creatures as I snuggle in my sleeping bag.

While I still love the mountains, it was quite refreshing to be by the ocean under the vast sky. Our visit was to get to know this land and brainstorm about how we can steward this land that would be good for people and the planet.. There are so many ideas and possibilities that we will probably have to visit more times to really tune into what this land wants to be. Needless to say, I thoroughly took in the fresh air, good company, and great conversations.

I’m reminded how being outdoor really helps to connect with the Source, the Divine, or I can actually say, “God”…