Eagle Beach

Yesterday started out as a combination of sun and clouds.  It turned into an outstanding Friday, but both the day and forecast foretold of an even lovelier day today.  I woke up this morning, walked into the livingroom and the entire room was bathed in sunlight.  The pine trees through the widows looked like they were glistening, but they were actually just shining from the sun.  There was not a cloud in the sky.

I quickly drank coffee, skipped breakfast, got dressed in cold weather biking clothes (because even though it was sunny, the temperature was just a couple of degrees above freezing), threw a sandwich and a few other food items into my pack, and rushed outside to grab my bike and experience the freedom of the most outstanding and beautiful day.  I was so pleased, and so happy to have this gift of a day.  And so pleased and happy to have the opportunity to have a day free to explore as I wished.

The picture (above) was taken at the overview just a few miles from my house.

I decided to bike Out the Road to Eagle Beach.  I had not been there before, but had driven past it when I had gone to the end of the road a couple of weeks ago, and had vowed to visit it again by bike on a lovely day.  Today was that day.  It wasn't a long ride - about 9 miles or so each way.  I had left the house fairly early, but surprisingly did not run into a lot of vehicle traffic.  There were a few cars, and as usual, a whole lot of trucks travelling in both directions due to the road construction going on further out.

As usual, I was excited upon my arrival - I am never quite sure what to expect.  What's here?  Are there mountain views?  Trails?  A lake?  River?  The ocean? 

This is what I found.  I was speechless.  How do you put words to this?  I can't......

I rode by bike along a wanna-be trail for just a few minutes before it became too rocky and sandy.  So I dropped my bike, took off my helmet and went for a walk through the field, and closer to the ocean proper.

The beach was sandy, and windy enough that it was very cold walking along the shore.  I kept moving, trying to stave off the cold, admiring the mountain views, watching the ducks and seagulls and Canadian geese, petting a few friendly dogs that were starting to appear on the beach with their owners.

I have no idea what this space-age looking contraption is.  It stood silent and unattended at the top of a small hill.  It did not have any labels or other indications as to either its' owner or its' purpose.  There are a few NOAA stations in the area, and if I had to guess, I would think it might be owned by them.

After heading back to pick up my bike, I rode along a quiet and paved footpath to see what was in the back section of the beach.  Picnic tables, camp sites (no campers yet), fire pits and bar-b-que grills. 

After biking for a few minutes I came to a dirt trail, and for the first time took my borrowed mountain bike off trail.  It felt good, and I was suddenly reminded as to how much I miss riding on trails.  Regardless, today I came to a rocky and sandy area, with lots of old and water/weather worn downed trees.  There was a small stream.  More ducks.  More geese.  Lots of quiet.  Less wind.

A picture taken on the way home.  Glacier Highway once you get to Auke Bay and beyond, heading Out the Road is a beautiful drive - pulloffs to enjoy views, mountains, the channel, pine trees, very little traffic.  There are many people at work who are amazed that I "commute" so far to work every day.  I love the drive.  I love every minute of it.  And even in the short time I have lived "Out the Road" have seen some wonderful things that I may not have had the opportunity to see if I lived closer to town.

I wouldn't have it any other way.........

Taken at a different overlook, close to the Shrine of St Therese

The mile before I got home, taken on the road that I live on.  The city recently added more dirt and gravel to the road - great for filling in potholes, but makes biking MUCH more challenging.

I arrived in Juneau 3 months ago yesterday.

Someday a mountain

© Kaerlek Janislampi

i'm going to be a mountain someday

and just stand all the time

stalwart and mighty

collecting crystal s from heaven

and dispersing them ever so gently

kindly and impartially

to thirsty fields below

i will rise to alpine stature

i will be a mountain

firm and ever a humble beacon

a lofty rising peak

that calls to the brave and strong

urging all yearnings

to look up

to arise

and stop determined storms

and be a rocky sanctuary

more than a point of reference

above the din of banality

and hostile indifference

loving in the purity

the nearness to God

crowned in white that holds all color

fed by the groanings of the earth

standing, always standing

yes, i'm going to be a mountain

someday

for this

i rise up