Arcada

Arcata, California.. I woke this morning after last nights show to gather mythings to move out of another hotel room to head out to California. Jay headed home so now I am on my own until we meet up in Los Angeles in a week for the next batch of shows. I drove down I-5 once again for a long while until I reached Grants Pass, there is where I had to decide same old same old? or the Redwood highway to the coast, I veered right and headed down the much slower but amazingly beautiful, awe inspiring road to the coast. I have done it in the past a few times; in 1988 going to Grateful Dead shows and in 1993 going to Grateful Dead shows, the first trip in my ’72 VW van and the second in my 1965 Bluebird school bus, a long time ago indeed. This time I was in a far newer car so the ride was smooth and quick, with a nice stereo and no fear about a potential looming breakdown. As I got closer to the coast I began to hit the majestic Redwoods, these groves of trees are so mind numbingly beautiful and huge I am left trembling in their awesomeness. I have a deep connection to tree’s, having been a member of a massive forestry family we have lived and died by the tree. They have given me safety and security as well as and grief and despair. There I was standing among these graceful, ancient giants in silence, the occasional wisp of wind triggering a dusting of needles and twigs falling like snow from above, illuminated by the falling sun in the west. I got back on the road feeling energized from the tree’s energy but a little tired from 3 nights of deadhead aerobics so I began to envision my resting place for the evening, Arcada, a small hippy town just north of Eureka. I drove what seemed like a few brief moments and the sky suddenly opened up from the dense forest to reveal the Pacific Ocean, glistening in the sparkled sunlight. I stopped my car, made my way to the beach and fell to my knees, California!, prophet on the burning shore. I sat on a log and watched pelicans dive into the huge waves while the salty wind strained through my soul and spirit, once again the natural world cleansed and refreshed me reaffirming how lucky I feel to be alive and to have the means and drive to be able to be there at all. I love California, if I could live here I would, I am a big believer in Cascadia, the new country that combines British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California.. yes, I am in.. no more borders, it just makes the world of sense to me. I eventually made it to Arcada, settled into my home space for the night and had some sushi and wine for dinner. I am all by myself but I’m good, I do well with my own company. The days ahead are filling up with music, friends, the road and unknown adventures.. I am so grateful to be alive, to be healthy, to be free, to be ready, willing and able to rise above and fall behind.. I just want to be here, with you all.