Created 23-Nov-22
At the suggestion of Chairman Valentin Lopez of the Amah-Mutsun Tribal Band, Green Foothills is leading a series of outdoor experiences, Healing in Nature. Moving mindfully through the land, we deepen the connection between the natural environment and the self. Windy Hill is a fitting place for this.
Arriving early, I walk toward the summit. A raven greets the morning and me with raucous calls. Not quite a symphony, but an extended communication. Yes, I agree, this is a nice day and a wonderful place to greet it. As I move up the trail toward the summit, a raven (I feel, the same one) glides silently overhead, dipping a wing, then soaring out over the broad distant view. A gift!
After we have gathered for introductions and a centering greeting to each direction, we notice coyotes hunting on the nearby hillside. Four of them, moving easily through the grass. Three move on to the ridge overlooking the spectacular view. One pauses, waits patiently and silently -- then suddenly springs straight up in the air, landing with four feet planted. Success! Then comes the process of masticating the prey, breaking the larger bones, preparing it to be swallowed whole.
Sensing this, their three companions return. They each comb the hillside in their hunt. We finally decide to continue with our hike, buoyed by this vision.
We stroll together along the Lost Trail, through different ecosystems: chaparral, grassland, woodland, in and out of sunlight. Stories and legends are shared, and natural history.
At the junction, we descend along Hamm's Gulch Trail amongst an ancient forest of Douglas Fir. Their twisted branches loom overhead, their broad trunks stand silently beside the fern-bedecked trail. Some of these trees are probably hundreds of years old; they have seen the coming of Europeans to this land; much has changed during their lifetime.
We pause at an overlook, looking down to the cities and Bay far below. Alice Kaufman, Policy and Advocacy Director at Green Foothills, points out the Cargill Salt Flats at the Bay's edge, and tells us of Green Foothills' determined quest to save this important land from ill-advised development. Green Foothills and allies were successful in turning back the Trump Administration's attempt to allow this development.
On our return hike, we pause at the base of a giant Douglas Fir to commune. Then back, ecosystem by ecosystem, shade and sunlight.
Most of us decide to extend the morning by walking to the north summit of Windy Hill. We pass a lone California Poppy in bloom, unusual for November here. We are rewarded at the summit by a stunning view of ocean and bay, mountains and our familiar civilization. Windy Hill lives up to its name: a chill wind blows, clearing away any hint of haze.
A raven -- maybe the same -- waves their wings at us for a final farewell at the summit.
The first gallery here shows our group and our hike together. The next focuses on Raven and Coyote, spirit animals to many, companions today. Views from on or near the two summits of Windy Hill are next. The last gallery shows a few more photos of the coyote devouring prey.
Enjoy!
Arriving early, I walk toward the summit. A raven greets the morning and me with raucous calls. Not quite a symphony, but an extended communication. Yes, I agree, this is a nice day and a wonderful place to greet it. As I move up the trail toward the summit, a raven (I feel, the same one) glides silently overhead, dipping a wing, then soaring out over the broad distant view. A gift!
After we have gathered for introductions and a centering greeting to each direction, we notice coyotes hunting on the nearby hillside. Four of them, moving easily through the grass. Three move on to the ridge overlooking the spectacular view. One pauses, waits patiently and silently -- then suddenly springs straight up in the air, landing with four feet planted. Success! Then comes the process of masticating the prey, breaking the larger bones, preparing it to be swallowed whole.
Sensing this, their three companions return. They each comb the hillside in their hunt. We finally decide to continue with our hike, buoyed by this vision.
We stroll together along the Lost Trail, through different ecosystems: chaparral, grassland, woodland, in and out of sunlight. Stories and legends are shared, and natural history.
At the junction, we descend along Hamm's Gulch Trail amongst an ancient forest of Douglas Fir. Their twisted branches loom overhead, their broad trunks stand silently beside the fern-bedecked trail. Some of these trees are probably hundreds of years old; they have seen the coming of Europeans to this land; much has changed during their lifetime.
We pause at an overlook, looking down to the cities and Bay far below. Alice Kaufman, Policy and Advocacy Director at Green Foothills, points out the Cargill Salt Flats at the Bay's edge, and tells us of Green Foothills' determined quest to save this important land from ill-advised development. Green Foothills and allies were successful in turning back the Trump Administration's attempt to allow this development.
On our return hike, we pause at the base of a giant Douglas Fir to commune. Then back, ecosystem by ecosystem, shade and sunlight.
Most of us decide to extend the morning by walking to the north summit of Windy Hill. We pass a lone California Poppy in bloom, unusual for November here. We are rewarded at the summit by a stunning view of ocean and bay, mountains and our familiar civilization. Windy Hill lives up to its name: a chill wind blows, clearing away any hint of haze.
A raven -- maybe the same -- waves their wings at us for a final farewell at the summit.
The first gallery here shows our group and our hike together. The next focuses on Raven and Coyote, spirit animals to many, companions today. Views from on or near the two summits of Windy Hill are next. The last gallery shows a few more photos of the coyote devouring prey.
Enjoy!
11/13/2022 Healing in Nature at the Top of Windy Hill
Visitors 44
18 photos
Created 25-Jul-26
Modified 25-Jul-26
11/13/2022 Raven and Coyote
Visitors 37
65 photos
Created 25-Jul-26
Modified 25-Jul-26
11/13/2022 View from the Summits of Windy Hill
Visitors 8
45 photos
Created 25-Jul-26
Modified 25-Jul-26
11/13/2022 Bonus: Coyote Devours Prey
Visitors 22
23 photos
Created 25-Jul-26
Modified 25-Jul-26
Dan Quinn