The Oregon Coast – Living in Lucy
The Astoria Column – Inspired by the Trajan Column in Rome – This hand painted monument stretching 125ft into the sky provides a wicked view of the Columbia River flowing into the Pacific Ocean
June 6, 2012
The final two days of adventure along the Oregon Coast were a true example of the pure joy that can be experienced from nature alone.
As seen from the window of Lucy
We finished hiking to the summit of Neahkahnhie Mountain, and the 2.5 mile journey resulted in an endless panoramic view of the ocean, beach, mountains and trees that resembled The Lord of the Rings. Once we reached the peak, we enjoyed some bird snacks (trail mix) that we packed; eating like an animal with such intense abilities and energy helps you to feel the same way. At the top of the mountain, I read The First and Last Freedom, which is a compilation of excerpts of talks from Krishnamurti. The theme of the talk that I had just finished was gaining true freedom, and how that means moving away from any external authority figure, like religion and society, as well as any internal authority rules that you have created from your past experiences. The only way to do this is take full responsibility of yourself and to experience the “now” in its true essence, devoid of any preconceived notions or ideas. When this is achieved, life becomes exhilarating in every moment, because you truly are the creator of your own universe with God’s blessing to be happy…according to Krishnamurti.
The next day, we woke up in the residential hills of Astoria and decided to eat breakfast overlooking the Columbia River. After opening the side doors of Lucy, we were privileged to view the fishermen at work, collecting their livelihood from the ocean. The first tourist stop was the Astoria Column that elevated us to witness the whole area, an amazing expanse.
Breakfast in Lucy with a dockside view!
Next, we crossed the famous bridge that is lifted so high above the water that monstrous tankards have no trouble crossing beneath. Once we left the bridge and entered the state of Washington, we made our way to the famous Cape Disappointment where Lewis and Clark were sent by President Jefferson in 1805 to discover new trading routes that would help expand the commerce of the USA. Walking the paths of famous explorers creates a nostalgic feeling of the beauty offered by viewing the world as if never seen before. So often it seems as if our experience is minimized because “everything has already been done”, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Until we accomplish whatever it is that excites our fantasies without fear of failure, our spirit feels hungry. But if we come back to our centre and realize that we can only control ourselves and what we experience, then our spirit taps back into the love of creative living, where the only rules are the ones we make for ourselves.
Cape Dissapointment
After our adventures, we made our way back to the Canon Beach RV park and posted up for the night, enjoying our first shower since leaving Canada. Taking even a few days off of this relatively new hygienic practice reminds me to appreciate every drop of water that we use. I find that the more I try to separate from our chaotic society and properly acquaint myself with nature, the more I experience a distinct level of peace.
June 7, 2012
Today we woke up in Newport and enjoyed breakfast and a coffee overlooking the ocean. I could never grow tired of that view.
We had our first stop at Devil’s Churn and had a temporary obstacle of locking the keys in the car, but this was easily solved by a locksmith using his tools as a seeming extension of his person. We walked down the rock cliff and stepped within a few feet of the waves cutting into the cliffside – a magnificent testament to the power of a force that is seemingly soft and malleable, to cut away a solid stagnant growth of rock.
Next, Saud and I hiked around Discovery Loop, full of informative signs detailing the history of the ancient trees. The tallest ones had survived over 200 years of wind, rain, and humans, when finally a fungus infected the roots and brought several of them crashing to the floor of their origin. No matter how resilient you can become to external assaults, internal assassins are just as strong and waiting for their chance to attack. The balance of life works everywhere in every direction.
We were then back on the 101 that carves into the cliffside, making for scenic dreaming while driving Lucy.
Despite all the intensity and amazing nature I am witness to in life, at times my demons continue to torture me. This year has given me stronger tools to deal with these internal battles, and the more that I learn to ignore thoughts that are not peaceful, the quicker they subside. But if I try to force them away, they come back with an even greater vengeance, dredging up past failures, stresses and other problems that I must remember are dead like all thoughts. The best place to live is now, as this is the only place of power. When I find silence, the true beauty of the universe is displayed, and I am able to enjoy the mysterious creation of God.
