dream walkings

Northern California 2020

The Eucalyptus, here I go again. I know they are an invasive species here in California and considered dangerous with their shallow roots, but oh how I love them! This place wasn’t exactly easy to find, but I was in search of a new adventure.

Here there is a grove planted specifically for the abuse of man. Erected as a barrier for dynamite blasts when in the late 1800s a dynamite factory and its workers once toiled here at the edge of San Pablo Bay for over 60 years. Intrigued I searched for the source of the name, what does it mean? Where did it come from? After all, Dynamite Point seems more obvious. It turns out to be very interesting. Pinole is of Aztec origin and used by the Nahua people, their Nahuatl language is still in use today, centuries after conquest of the Aztec empire. Back to the grove…

In the midst of the grove returned to nature, is a small owl refuge where one can enjoy, if one listens, to their discourse and communion. They may be mating calls or perhaps they seek to warn one another of the humans entering their safe space. I tried to photograph the nearest to me by following the road as they made their back and forth signals. A very large brown owl safely in the canopy of the old ones far from danger. Alas, lens not long enough, story of my life.

As you leave the thick of the grove mankind assaults the senses. The shore appears and with it the bikes, sirens, fog horns, and the smell of their machinations. I will look over the cliff and return to the grove where I can bathe in its healing embrace. Ancient stumps share life with a fantastic assortment of beautiful fungi. More proof of the circle of life.