from Desert Angst to Flagstaff Relief

DEEP SPRINGS COLLEGE - EASTERN CALIFORNIA

We made the trek from Bishop, CA to Flagstaff, AZ via Las Vegas, NV.  We left Bishop around noon.  About an hour later were in a deserted eastern California valley at a place called Deep Springs.  We were hungry and looking for a shady place for lunch.  We saw a sign for Deep Springs College.  Hmmm... Nothing remotely resemling a college was in sight, but we followed the sign.  We came to a small circle of buildings that looked like ranch homes.  We stopped a car leaving the place and asked if it was indeed a college.  The young man told us it was an all-male college for Alfalfa Growers; 26 students and 5 teachers.  We asked if we might take a picnic on the lawn.  He said he thought it would be fine.  We parked in the blessed shade and laid out our food and blanket.  As we settled into our meal we noticed the incredible calm and silence of the place.  The valley surrounded by dry rocky mountains was as still as could be.

Even the small movements of people on the "campus" were like whispers in the thick quiet of this place.  I drank in the peace of it as we munched on salad wraps, kalmata olives, and orange wedges.  As we packed up to leave we drank in the green fields around us knowing we were heading through dry hot desert.

I've heard people say that Las Vegas has a dark energy that is palpable and can bring out the worst in a person, but I had not experienced first hand until two days ago when we drove through.  There must be something about a place without trees and flowing water that is not good for the human spirit.  Suffice it to say, Dave and I were bitter boots and snarly as we passed through.  Even the strange scenes photographed here were not enough to keep us in good humor.   Dave did his best to make me laugh telling me contrived creepy stories of Sand Alligator Jerky and Cactus Spider Salve in his Australian accent.  I smirked.

On top of the desolate desert energy we had underestimated the timing of our trip (Dave calculated based on college boy going 90 mph and never stopping).  We were so tired we had to stop at 9 PM - two hours from Flagstaff and stay at a ratty hotel next to the train tracks.  The plumbing gurgled and the train passed every hour.  In retrospect it was a funny quintessential desert road trip scenario but while we were in it... it was HELL!

Here in Flagstaff we are in heaven!  Before leaving Bishop, CA we posted a request for room sharing in Flagstaff and ended up with an ideal situation.  Our new friend Todd Nelson is the volunteer coordinator for Grand Canyon National Parks.  He is a sweet 45-year old liberal nature lover who is as neat as me.  His house is immaculate! He has a big house with extra rooms and bathrooms and regularly opens his home to volunteers.  We are staying in his shady cool home and sleeping on an amazing bed!  Three miles on a bike path takes us to downtown Flagstaff.  And we are paying the same amount we would for a camp site!  We are in deep appreciation of Todd and his peaceful home.  We will make him some gourmet meals for sure.

The town of Flagstaff is a groovy college town with parks, big trees, vegetarian cafes, wine bars, farmer's markets, outdoor music and Anusara Yoga!  We bought unlimited passes.  In yesterday's class we practiced one-handed handstands!  Dave found a tattooed unemployed climbing buddy and I am taking oodles of yoga and writing for hours in lovely cafes.  We are in heaven.   We may stay here until the middle of July then head to Boulder and Colorado Springs.  If you know anyone in those places who would like to have personal chefs and gardeners stay with them for a week or so, let us know.

Although I loved Chico for its riveers, parks and trees and Flagstaff for its yoga and great restaurants... nothing comes close to the glorious nature of Maui and the high vibration of her people.  I miss all of you.