The sun is shining and finally above the mountains near 10 am. It only stays for a few hours before descending below the mountainous horizon across to the other side of the bay. It’s not a very large bay, maybe 0.25 miles wide where the cabin is nestled up. The cabin rests on a small peninsula about halfway up the bay. The view from where I sit writing this is of dramatic snow covered mountains, soft spruce filled coastline, and the blistery winter ocean.
It’s hard to believe it’s past mid-November, and the kids have been back to school now for several months. A sea lion pops up just off the beach as I write this, breathing its hot steamy breath into the icy air. I can see it’s big, dopey eyes from here. They are very curious and friendly and check on us often. An aside, last night while taking the dingy from our main beach after a water haul back to its mooring, two sea lions came surprisingly close and were playfully watching us. They certainly add to the fun and excitement around here.
Anyway, the kids are back at school but are here many weekends and long school breaks. With all of the trips back and forth I have yet to settle into a “winter routine” at the cabin. Although coastal homestead life is somewhat predictable in nature, it certainly comes with its variables. The weather, and ocean conditions being the two main ones, especially this time of year. Living in the flow of nature’s powerful force is invigorating. At times, on these shorter, blustery days, it’s temping to stay inside nestled up near the fire with a hot cup of tea and my journal or a good book. But, as we enter the beginning of the “dark times”, I’ve had to really consider what is going to help me maximize this wonderful life in the shortened daylight. With this in mind, I’ve concluded the “non-negotiable” on productive days, which I hope to be most, are to spend time outside, challenge my body, drink plenty of water, and write. Writing for me includes taking time for self inquiry and reading about teachings of awareness. I also enjoy writing poetry. And for fun, I’m sending stories from Tutka Bay as a way of sharing the magic of living here, and also to stay in touch with so many of my past and current communities that I hope to stay connected to. But for now, I’m heading to gear up to go do some land clearing. Good for the body, and the mind. Stay wild.