After returning from Japan to our ‘regular’ lives in America, we found after a few weeks we needed a breather. So we went down to Bernardo wildlife refuge to see the cranes. It brought a freshness to our perspective and brightness to our day, kind of like the sound Molly Tuttle generates with her acoustic guitar in this video makes me say WOW!

We were lucky that day, the birds were right up next to the loop road through the refuge. The cranes and snow geese didn’t seem to mind us watching them. The sounds of all the squawking were loud! A couple from Colorado said they’ve visited before, but today’s display of nature was “stunning”! And so much subtlety. At one point a herd of deer walked right through the flocks before disappearing into the corn field.

It brought us into the present moment, the now of nature’s originality. Kind of wakes you up from your civilized slumber and brings you back into that flow of wonder. As daylight faded we moved to the ponds area where the birds roost for the night.

We love going out and observing nature. Renews our spirit. This last picture is from Bosque del Apache, further south on the Rio Grande. I’ll end with a quote from the N. Scott Momaday, who passed on earlier this year. I’ve used it before, but I don’t think he would mind me repeating it since much of his writing was circular. He articulated with words what I had been feeling since I moved west to Reno in 1997 and started cycling everyday. Such a beautiful string of words creating continuity with our interior and outside worlds. Renewing traditions. Returning home and realizing where we live. Appreciating things fully. Reminds us of what a beautiful world we live in. Revitalizing!

What is it that awakens in my soul when I walk in the desert, when I catch the scent of rain, when I see the sun and moon rise and set on all the colors of the earth, when I approach the heart of wilderness?  What is it that stirs within me when I enter upon sacred ground?  For indeed something does move and enliven me in my spirit, something that defines my very being in the world.  I realize my humanity in proportion as I perceive my reflection in the landscape that enfolds me.  –N. Scott Momaday, Testimony, 1996.