The Crash of waves, the Scurry of Squirrels, the Echo of Wisdom

I spotted a Long Beach man trekking our shore that reminded me of my days in the Corps. I see many people walking along our shore, but not with a full military-style backpack.

I asked him, "What’s up with the pack?"

He told me he’s preparing for a forty-mile hike along the Appalachian Trail. He’s very physically fit, of course; he usually walks our shore eight to fifteen miles twice a week. Twenty-mile hikes on our beach twice a year.

Oh, did I mention, he’s fifty-eight years old.

But it’s not the physical good shape he’s in, but the mental that goes along with it that impressed me.

He told me what he does while walking our shore to stay that way. I loved what he had to say. For me, when I heard it, I thought, Yes, once again, I see hope for humankind.

We live in some messed-up times, to speak prudently. I don’t know how parents can put a TV on and risk their children hearing—and seeing— what we’re doing to each other today.

But there is another world, the one we personally chose, the world this man decides to focus on. It’s healthy for him, and all of us.

Let me show you how he lives with The Crash of Waves, the Scurry of Squirrels, the Echo of Wisdom.

Be well,
Leebythesea