Leaving Carpinteria, I stumbled on the Seaside Gardens (http://www.seaside-gardens.com/) which contains a very nice botanical gardens.
Notice anything? There is almost no traffic noise, allowing other sounds to come into full view. This was taken walking in the early morning in Montecito.
Made it last night to the ABMT (http://www.abuddhisttemple.org) in Goleta, California.
I was pretty exhausted and slept a long time last night. I will be here for a few days resting and making preparations for my next leg of the tudong.
I haven't been writing much but I hope to use this pause to share a little more of my thoughts and experiences over the next few days.
One of things that I really appreciated on this tudong is the time spent near the ocean. There is something healing about the texture and feel of the plants, rocks and sand mixing with the salt water.
Alms round often feel very alive, very unscripted. Most of the time people don't know who you are or what you're doing. So, people are sometimes stepping out of their normal routines and being genuinely curious, inquisitive, kind, generous.
Of course, there is a practical need for calories. So far on this tudong, I have been receiving plenty of food to aid me on this journey. I often feel incredibly fortunate in ways that is hard to describe.
It's rewarding being able to share bits and pieces of my experience on tudong with others.
That said...posting here, even in limited degrees, often feels clumsy and time consuming. A large part of the clumsiness is fumbling with the camera to take footage. It's time consuming to review the photos/videos, and then posting them. It feels like I'm adding an unnecessary layer to everything.
So, I'm trying to find a balance and a rhythm that makes sense. I think it's possible so I'll keep trying.
Yesterday I took Refugio Road from the coast into Santa Ynez. There is a section closed off to vehicular traffic that is highly eroded. The road is returning to its (disorganized) home.
It's beautiful but I'm drowning in allergies. Super itchy, nose is drooling, but beautiful.
A windy day in Guadalupe, California.
(I know it has been more windy before here in Guadalupe. I'm just saying it feels windy today.)
I entered downtown San Luis Obispo yesterday. I can announce that the pilgrimage is now 50% complete.
I do say "the" pilgrimage as opposed to "my" pilgrimage. This is not my pilgrimage.
Without the support and generosity of the hundreds of people, the pilgrimage would not be possible. But beyond the practical, it's also a shared experience, something that is not particular to any individual.
This is why I feel clear saying: this is not my pilgrimage.
Today I spoke with Ajahn Nisabho of Clear Mountain Monastery about the pilgrimage and answered a few questions.
Meet Ryan.
He joined the pilgrimage a few days ago and will be with me for an additional week. He is helping me through some difficult stretches where there is no suitable places to go for alms.
I really appreciate his company.
I'll be staying at the Land of Calm Abiding for at least a few days so I won't be posting updates until Tuesday.
I feel refreshed after my time at the Land of Calm Abiding (https://landofcalmabiding.org).
After much consideration, I decided to abandon the path up the central coast along Highway 1. There are many reasons, but principally:
1) the hard closure at Paul's slide near Lucia,
2) danger, to myself and others, to walk many miles of blind corners with no shoulders on Highway 1, and
3) unable to determine a reasonable way of obtaining alms before Big Sur.
Yesterday, Ryan helped me leapfrog just east of Carmel Valley where I'll now walk the last 80 or so miles of the pilgrimage.
Yesterday, Ryan departed the pilgrimage to attend to (scheduled) family matters.
Thank you for everything Ryan. I'm honoured to have had you as a trusted attendant and friend.
8 weeks ago today, the pilgrimage started from Camarillo, California. Today, it ends in Santa Cruz.
Incredible appreciation to the hundreds of people and other beings who supported this. I hope this has brought some joy and clarity to your life.
