 |
Drove up to Seattle to see my sister. 2530 miles in 5 days (43 hours of road-time, round trip). Not too shabby, considering first 700 miles or so were on Highway 1, up the California coast. A beautiful drive, the Pacific Ocean on the left, miles and miles of forest and farmland on the right. Lunch at a small, quiet restaurant tucked into the woods by the ocean. Across the Golden Gate Bridge and more coastline. A plunge into the redwoods, winding canyon roads, the deep, green darkness of ancient forest, old magic... up, over and through the mountains.
Good to get away, to spend time with my sister, to morn with her over the loss of Eli, her little baby boy. Tears, hugs, and quiet, thoughtful conversation. Tears again at writing this, and again at reading it. A forest walk with her beautiful children. Some insights into our family, and my sometimes awkward place in it.
A bit of guilt at not contacting any of our amazing Seattle friends while in town. The trip is about family, no time/energy to socialize. I'll make it up to you later.
The long, monotonous drive back to Los Angeles, down Interstate 5. Angie asleep in the passenger seat. An impromptu detour to visit our tattoo artist at his new shop in Berkeley, CA. More thoughtful conversation. Hours of road time afterward to meditate on (re)surfacing ideas, to reconsider priorities, and contemplate new paths.
Up the Grapevine, through the high mountain pass. Used to go camping up here, when I was a kid. When was I ever a kid? Always so mature, always so responsible. The burden of the eldest son, of a dedicated, hard working father. Down the mountain and back to all too familiar territory.
Home. Work email is waiting. It will wait. A quarter of my life spent working there, it will wait.
Sleep. Wake. Return the rental car. Walk back home, in early morning silence.
Breathe. Breathe in the air.
|
|
| - Lars |
|
|
|
|
