Nancy Earl, a new Chemeketan friend from Lincoln City, joined Sumon Montri and Nadene LeCheminant (leader) for a hike up Dimple Hill. The company was wonderful, the spring flowers were abundant, the weather was pleasantly cool, and we were treated to a gentle sprinkle of rain. We even met a cheerful volunteer at the summit, Clem LaCava. This good soul has been clearing out invasive blackberries on the trail for years.
On the way we passed a shrine in honor of Alex Newport-Berra, who gained his love of nature from hiking in this forest. He passed away at age 33. His words are posted at the shrine:
a day spent outside
Today I heard the Earth breathe.
Her slow exhale pushing up
against the bony roots of an old oak tree
I stood still
and watched the horizon drop
She inhaled and I felt my spirit follow
pulling me down
through that space in the soil
cleansing
and I thought how wonderful it would be
to just stay, and lay, naked
my face pressed in Her beautiful
breathing
bosom.
Trip Leader Nadene LeCheminant, Nancy Earl and Sumon Montri on Dimple Hill
Clem LaCava removing invasive blackberries
