An unplanned and unstructured adventure with my son reconnected us with each other and nature, providing us with a fulfilling and energizing spiritual experience
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We are travelers by nature and enjoy unplanned exploration of new places and environments. Travels with my son Harry provide us with deep bonding, expansion of mind and soul and the creation of great memories.
On a road trip up the West Coast last week, we stopped in Mill Valley for a visit with friends. Located across the bay from San Francisco and part of Marin County, Mill Valley is an oasis of green, water, cool misty weather and leisurely “country living”. Having a few hours to kill before going back to our friend’s house for dinner, we decided to explore.
Driving up the mountain on a narrow road past Mill Valley center and turning left, we came to a small parking area on the right. As there were a few cars parked there, our curiosity was peeked and we decided to stop. When on these road trips, we usually prefer not to plan ahead but, instead, go with the flow in order to hopefully experience the unexpected delights that come from going at it blind. Although this method of exploration increases the risk of disaster, we have yet to encounter such misfortune, as every unplanned quest provides its own unique delights, if one keeps an open mind (of course risk of disaster can be mitigated with prior research, but, where is the fun in that?).
Unable to resist the unknown, we parked the car and started to look around. Whilst searching, my son found a plaque on a rock reading “Dipsea Trail” next to a seemingly endless flight of stairs. Upon closer examination we realized that we stumbled into a fantastic and historic find.
It turns out that “Dipsea” is the oldest cross-country trail and one of the oldest foot races of any kind in the US. There have been races there almost every year since 1905 (excluding 1932 and 1933 due to economic reasons as well as 1942-1945 due to WWII). There are also double Dipsea races-13.7 miles– and Quad Dipsea races–28.4– held annually. The 7.5 miles Dipsea scenic and hilly route starts at Lytton Square, Mill Valley and ends in Stinson beach on the Pacific Ocean. It includes uneven footing, steep terrain, elevation gains and losses of about 2,200-feet in addition to 676 to 688 (depending on who you talk to) of wood and concrete stairs in three sections (no we didn’t count them but take my word it’s a great workout).
Needless to say, we were not dressed or prepared for the trail, and even less so for the stairs (I am, of course, speaking for myself as my 16 year old son–a cross country athlete–is in a totally different category and took to the stairs like the pro that he is).
Having kids is supposed to keep you young (or give you a heart attack, as the case may be). We also all know that ”whatever does not kill you makes you stronger”. All of these clichés, and more, went through my head as I was huffing and puffing, trying to suck in air and keep up with my son ascending the stairs on increasingly shaky knees (had I known then what I know now, I would have had my 16-year-old a decade earlier and made the age difference a mere 29 years, instead of the 39 years it really is).
Having said all that–thanks for letting me vent–I did manage to keep up and reaching the top of the third section of stairs was an exhilarating spiritual experience which immediately took 20 years off my biological age (not that you will notice it by looking at me). We proceeded up the trail next to the road and got lost in an oval depression field ending in a magnificent tree.
Going around we realized that we had to retrace our steps if we were to get back on track!
Three friendly experienced and savvy residents of the area (having been there before, gotten lost and then found their way), set us straight with a nice smile for added encouragement. Making the right turn into the right path camouflaged heavy vegetation (forcing a close look and attention to detail to see it), we proceeded to come out on the other side onto a paved road which took us up the hill, snaking up among very attractive residences appropriately spaced from each other, trees and unique, horn-like flowers all around.
Finally, we reached the top and were rewarded for our sweat and troubles with a stunning view of the ocean as well as many surrounding hills and trees. Crossing a small highway, we reached a trail sign, which led us to a fork in the road. You take a left to continue on the cross-country track down to the beach and a right to continue up the mountain.
We chose right (in opposition to our political leanings)–the Sun Trail–which looped around the mountain and then climbed up past the Tourist Club to the top. Needless to say, it was well worth the sweat and heart palpitation, with knees about to give up and a back just throwing in the towel. It did help, of course, that we passed two different lovely ladies of advanced years and silver hair walking their dogs. Amazingly, the back straightened, the chest went out, and the breathing got under control, tout sweet (years of evolution do not compete with good old fashion male vanity and pride).
A very knowledgeable person (must have been a wizard) placed a bench at the perfect spot up the mountain for repose and enjoyment of the magnificent view and spectacular cool misty breeze. So we rested.
From there the way back was easy and fun and, although I was tempted for a second to roll down the hill and then race down the stairs, I exercised self control and followed Harry in a responsible trot all the way down to the bottom.
Once back on flat earth, we indulged in sandwiches and spring water at the Depot bookstore and café, and planned our potential future participation in the Dipsea cross- country race, maybe.
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All images by: Harry Gilboa
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Nothing like getting our to nature and exploring with your kids bond, engage in great conversations and build a close relationship. Being in nature also promotes well being, energy and a feeling of happiness. I highly recommend it.
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I agree. Great writer! You feel like you’re there with him and Harry! Can’t wait for the next posting.
Another great piece by Tsach Gilboa. This guy can write! Keep they coming and I will be sure to share with me network of friends and soon-to-be fans!!