[Sung to the tune of Lollipop] Sugarloaf, sugarloaf, oh sugar sugarloaf. sugarloaf, da dun dun dun dun dun.
Well, it goes something along those lines. But what I do know for sure is that Cody and I had a lot of fun on our most recent trip, which was to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma County. It was only for two days but they were two very relaxed and fun filled days. Cody's main goal was to boulder in the area and mine, of course, to just scramble on the rocks, which I do enjoy very much even if there is no technique to it. But even whimsical scrambling has its dangers; I almost twisted/sprained my ankle when I slipped off a rock. Thankfully, it only hurt when I pressed down a certain way.
Cody on the other hand, is so much better than I am and looks good doing it too! There was this one problem that he just couldn't get even though he tried and tried. And then, when he had given up, he said, "one more try." But first he closed his eyes and breathed in for a while. I guess he was collecting his mind in preparation for one final try. As he was doing this, an insect started making a whirring sound. It started softly, but it increased in loudness as the seconds ticked off. Then an owl interrupted that sound by hooting softly a few times. With this new motivation, Cody started the problem one more time, by traversing diagonally across the face. But then he reached the edge of the face where he had to go straight up; this is the part where he had fallen all those other times. Everything was quiet and even I was holding my breath. Just as it seemed that he couldn't hold on any longer and was about to fall, the owl gave another singular hoot. It was as if he was cheering Cody on to not give up. That owl lent him the strength to make that final push over the difficult part onto a good hand hold. From there on, the rest of the problem seemed like cake as Cody lifted himself unto the top of the rock. Sweaty, out of breath, and with trembling limbs I believe this problem, along with the magic of nature, reaffirmed Cody's love for this sport. I feel so lucky that he includes me on his trips and lets me witness this.
It was a hot day, so during a bouldering break, we went in search of a waterfall that was suppose to be near by. Cody warned me that this far into the summer, there might not be a waterfall and that we'd be lucky to even find the creek. But I didn't lose hope and so, we kept on hiking downhill towards the water. I guess it would be nice to say that we found a majestic waterfall with circling mist at its base, but we didn't. However, we did sort of find a little one. It was just a small shower falling down the rocks, but it had a beautiful rainbow across it and the water puddled up in a small pond encircled by moss covered boulders. The creek was ankle deep in some places and knee deep in others. But at the base of the trickling waterfall, it was waist deep (at least on me), so I took off my clothes and went swimming in my undies. The water was very, very cold, but it felt so good too. Cody kept a look out for other hikers. And trusting that he would do a good job, I let myself feel free in the small waterfall pool like a little 3 year old splashing in a bathtub.
We got back to the campsite a bit before sunset to shower. Yes, there were showers at this site: 1 quarter = 40 seconds of water (they're on a well system). And the neat thing is that their bathrooms have AC. Anyway, once we got cleaned up, we realized we still had time to visit
Santa Rosa's Night Market, which is like a farmers' market but with live music and stalls for city businesses and organizations. It was very lively and it had cheap food too. We got a big helping of thai food with dessert, and extra sides, as well as tai chai tea all for just $13!! We had a blast at this market and we left with fond memories of Santa Rosa. Oh, and while we were there we decided to use different names: Cody was Crash and I was Evening-Bird-That-Sits-Under-A-Willow Tree-Singing-Songs-Over-The-River; too bad nobody asked us our names.
And this was all just in the first day! The following morning, we packed up and were debating between visiting
Jack London's House or go further north for perhaps more bouldering and swimming adventures. I had always wanted to go to Jack London's House, ever since I saw an episode about it on some show on PBS. How could I have lived so close to all these different and cool places and never even known about it, much less visited! Well, as much as I wanted to visit JLH, we decided to wait until Cody reads some of his books. So then it was decided, MORE SWIMMING AND BOULDERING! I love riding in the car with Cody; it doesn't seem like a chore when I'm with him. We talk and listen to
radiolabs and music and I sing outloud. He is the only one that stands my singing and for that I am grateful because its also very freeing to sing out loud with no worries of people criticizing you or telling you to shut up.
But we hadn't gotten very far when I noticed another creek. I wanted to explore it, so we got out of the car and spent a looooong time there. The further up the creek we got, the more isolated it became. We saw a cool yellow and black dragonfly that kept dipping its tail in the water. I think it was laying eggs! And there were spiderwebs everywhere! So cool! And Cody found a salamander! (But I forgot what kind it was). That creek will be forever in our memories.
But on with our travels! We soon arrived at the Russian River where we swam for a while. The water was cool, but not freezing, and again, it was a hot day, so it was very refreshing. However, this time there were people around, so I couldn't take off my clothes. No matter, we went in the water with our clothes on. I had a lot of fun swimming in that river but hunger drove us in search of food, which the town we were in (what was the name of that town?) had very little vegan options, but at least there was subway. Not that there's anything wrong with subway; we love the veggie patties.
Afterward, we drove on to Goat Rock near Jenner on the coast. It was gorgeous out there with the coast to our backs and the sunset's light casting its golden glow on us. There were other climbers there too, so I think it must be a popular rock. The only thing I did not like about this location is the actual rock; it was too slippery. Rough stones may hurt your hand, but at least you don't slip from them. I got stuck on top one of these rocks and I almost started crying from panic when I was trying to come down. Once I was on the ground I felt silly for wanting to cry because I realized that I was only about a foot off the ground. It seems like no matter what trouble I get myself into, Cody is always there to help me through it. He doesn't solve my problems or gets mad at me for getting myself stuck, he just very calmly reassures me and tries to guide me. I love that about him.
Wow! I've written so much! No worries, we are reaching the end of our trip. After bouldering for a while, we made ourselves a dinner in the back of the car and then drove on home.
As far from home as I felt, it really didn't take long to get back. We were even home in time for bedtime. This was one of my favorite trips because of all the different activities and locations, plus I saw about 8 cute little deer, as well as all the other wildlife. Thank you Cody.
