Interrupted

My Life Thus Far
2016-05-25 03:22:50 (UTC)

As I Was Sitting On A Log

I'm definitely in a better headspace than I was last night. Or even this morning (at work) for that matter.

Wild horses couldn't drag me out of bed this morning. I think I snoozed for 45 minutes. Yet somehow I still managed to get dressed and make my breakfast smoothie (I worked a short shift, so I didn't need a lunch smoothie). I didn't get to stop at Starbucks, but fortuitously it ended up working out okay, because Jessica bought me coffee out of the goodness of her heart.

Jenna was onboarding 3 new seasonal generalists, and I flat out told her I wasn't in the mood to mentor newbies, and yet she still dumped them on me in the fitting rooms 30 minutes before I was off. I measured them, gave them the grand tour, and explained a little about the wardrobing process. I'm sure all of it went right over their heads. I know it seems like a lot to take in when I first started. Now I can list every bra in my sleep and fit pretty much anyone. I assured them they'd become more comfortable with the process, then returned the to Jenna.

I grabbed a burrito for lunch on my way out of town, then headed for Bainbridge. I didn't really have a plan, but I knew I wanted to go on a hike. Either the east section of The Grand Forest, or Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve (which I'd attempted to do late winter, but the parking lot was flooded and that kind of turned me off). I drove downtown first, grabbed a really nice soy latte from Hitchcock Deli (I'll have to remember that. I'm always looking for good coffee), window shopped the little boutiques down there (secretly hoping I'd find a help wanted sign... I didn't), then headed out to Gazzam Lake. I felt drawn there. It ended up being a great decision.

I didn't know it, but the Gazzam Lake Preserve also has beach access. The main trail to the lake, out past it, and back is about 6.8 miles. I was going to just walk to the lake then turn back, but maybe 1/4 of a mile past the main trailhead, there was a fork that broke off in the two directions. Since I wasn't looking for a major hike today, I chose the beach access trail. It couldn't have been more than 1.5 miles to the beach, I don't think. So I still got in a solid 3 mile hike both ways.

The trail started of pretty flat, but then started to slop downhill substantially. At some spots the trail gave way to stairs made out of rail road ties and logs. It's beautifully maintained, though I'd expect nothing less from a Bainbridge metro park. They're all well-maintained. Once I reached the beach, I had to use two semi-fallen (but still living) old evergreens as steps down. Thank goodness my hip isn't bothering me too much today, because I knew the climb back up was going to be a doozy!

The beach wasn't too exceptional. No white sand or mermaids (that I could see). It was rocky like most Puget Sound beaches are. What made it special was all the sideways trees, semi-fallen but still alive and thriving. That section of beach is experiencing a natural erosion process that also revealed some really pretty rocks in the process. It's sad seeing how many trees have fallen (based on how many giant logs litter the beach), but it's nature, and what nature does. It's good for the salmon population. It creates shaded pools and shallow areas for baby salmon to hang out in and grow.

As I was sitting on a log, contemplating life and enjoying the stillness, a beautiful Siberian Husky came out of nowhere and licked my face. He leaned into me and let me pet him, then just as quickly as he appeared, he turned and left. Like he was on a mission. I think he lives in one of the houses on the beach further down the beach. He seemed like going on this evening walk was just part of his routine. It made my day having a sweet animal friend show out of the blue to say hello!

A little before 6:30pm the tide started coming in and decided for me that my meditation session was over. When I walked back to the trailhead, I took a good long look at the challenge before me. The sideways tree trunks came up to my waist. I had to step on a couple strategically placed rocks, then hoist myself up. I kept thinking I couldn't do it. But then I had to squash that negative self-talk. It wasn't like I was going to sleep on the beach. I had to do it, and I'm sure hundreds maybe thousands have done it before me. So I did it. And I didn't die. Getting back up hill wasn't even as bad as I'd anticipated. Surprisingly, I can feel my strength. I'm getting fitter and stronger. This hike made me realize that. What I originally anticipated to be a great challenge was only mildly challenging. Albeit, it was a short trail, it was still easier than even hiking Hurricane Hill last week. I'll keep plugging away at my fitness... because it's slowing happening! I'm getting stronger, and I love it!

On my way home from the hike several emergency vehicles passed me. Bainbridge Fire engines, Bainbridge Police, and Poulsbo Fire water tankers. Then I saw it, the huge plume of black smoke and flames licking above the tree tops. It looked like it was someone's house, because it was down a mostly residential road. It really made me feel grateful for what I have. My family and my home. I hope everyone is okay, and the damage is contained. It was a sobering reminder to be careful and never take anything for granted. Message received.

I'm getting read to eat dinner (I'm writing early tonight, because I need to get better about that. I keep saying it, but it never happens), then I think I'll take an Epsom salt bath. I know I've got a couple LUSH bath bombs too. I should put those to use... And I get to sleep in tomorrow! Yay!




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