Wildcat Canyon - Tilden Regional Park

The seasons are strange here in California. If the constant gray of Seattle makes people depressed, the constantly changing weather this time of year in California seems to make people edgy. People seem to get sick here more often, and the large range of temperatures that a day can fluctuate amongst reminds me that the climate is much more like desert here. But in these parts at least, the heavy rains make the landscape lush and rich which explains the wonderful gardens and produce. Don't hate on the rain.

This afternoon I ran what is one of my favorite runs in the East Bay -- an out and back climb from Inspiration Point to the top of Wildcat Peak along the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It is a rolling and undulating run with the option of both paved path and dirt trail for most of its length. It is nice to go back and forth. The landscape in Tilden is tremendous this time of year. It is an extremely rich green in parts, and there are many lovely fields of white and yellow wildflowers (or weeds as some might call them). There are many shades of green in the landscape here, something that wasn't the case as much in the Pacific Northwest.

As you wind around the Tilden hills, you run along a ledge above Wildcat Canyon, with views out over the Bay towards the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, the Bay Bridge and Oakland. For the final climb up the side of Wildcat Peak you are mirrored by this view as you suffer upwards along an uneven dirt path. Knowing that you get to bask in this view, and see over to the lakes and hills of the further East Bay keeps me moving diligently and focused up the short but steep climb. It is pure bliss, I tell you. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The fog and the wind today only made it more beautiful.

I thought today often of paying homage to the wildcat, and the Earth through physical exertion in the outdoors. It is sadhana, and it is important even if nobody else thinks so. Nature knows your path -- it just gives you the choice to struggle along it if you want to. It must be very amusing.

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