Here I sit basking in sunshine on the south side of Pinnacles, with amazing rock formations spread below and around me, and raptors enjoying the wind currents above. I’m about 2,400 feet above sea level on a brisk spring day. As the sun warms my body, I am surrounded by silence. No phones, computers, cars, muzak – nothing but the humming of insects, the calling of birds, and the sound of the wind.

This is sacred space. Pinnacles National Monument near Soledad California was formed over 25million years ago from “an ancient volcano and movement along a rift zone.” Jim and I have hiked here since the late 1980’s and over the years, it has become an especially sacred place for me – a place to challenge my body, to reflect on my life and to gain perspective.

The hike is steep, climbing about a total of 1,200 feet. This is one place where I’ve learned to really treasure the journey itself – so I stop and rest at numerous places and enjoy the wild flowers, watch for California condors, and drink in this eco-system – pines, scrub oaks, lichens on the rocks – in all its uniqueness. By the time I’ve made my way to the top, I’ve given my muscles a good workout and I’m ready to sit and be. I am filled with peace and grateful for the stillness around and inside me.

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Fast forward 24 hours: I'm seated about 1,800 feet above sea level on the Rocky Ridge trail in Garrapata State Park, just south of Carmel. The Pacific Ocean is spread before me and even at this distance I can hear the surf crash below.
Sweaty from the steep climb, I sit on the bench Jim had described as being about 2/3 of the way up this very strenuous hike. We’ve been bathed in sunshine all the way up through the low undergrowth of the chaparral and the beautiful wildflowers. I’ve taken about 25 close-up shots of California poppies, a favorite flower since childhood. Sunshine, sweat, and silence and magnificent vistas heal and renew my spirit.


A friend asked recently what I was doing for Lent. She’s a priest so I was a bit embarrassed to confess that I wasn’t doing anything at all. But now I’ve found the answer to that question. My Lenten journey this year is sunshine, sweat and silence, vast panoramas and the tiny details of flowers.

May it be so. Amen.