Just inside the entrance to Windermere Ranch you can take a little dirt road that winds through a grove of oaks, past a pond that looks like the sky and through a gate that opens to what is fondly called “the lower property.” The road slips past giant limestone rocks and curves downward out of the oaks above and opens to a vista that is as vast as the blue sea beyond. Sometimes a gentle breeze works its way upward from the ocean and kisses you right on the cheek. A bit pretentious, but I don’t mind. The road works its way downward and if you take the ‘right’ fork (when you come to a fork in the road, take it) you descend off to the West toward the National Forest boundary. You might feel a little envy coming from the National Forest, because it truly wishes it were a part of Windermere, but you can just send it the Light rather than sticking out your tongue and saying things like, “bad karma dude.”
Just as you get to the actual boundary line, you have to stop and turn to your right and receive the blessings of the coolest little canyon of rocks and trees and ferns this side of the astral. You just find yourself walking slowly off the road and into this little kingdom. There are trees here. Lots of them. They tower over your head and yet seem so miniature all at once. It is an intimate setting not unlike a little country kitchen with a window allowing the morning sun to light up your corn flakes. You can scramble up on some boulders all decked out in their best lichen and just sit a spell. And spellbinding it is. An amazing place to just get really quiet and experience the stillness. The wisdom of Spirit is palpable here. The love you project is returned a hundred fold and you know you’re physically in a wonderful place. And emotionally in a land of forgiveness. Mentally? Even a guy like me can be smart here. And, of course spiritually it’s just like anywhere else. Spirit doesn’t play fair, but then when I play in Spirit’s yard who cares?
I’m thinking of a name for this little canyon tucked away in the folds of Windermere’s heart. Some Chumash name that speaks of peace I guess. Or, fry bread on a stick. I don’t know. The name doesn’t matter. Or does it? I mean, I’m glad I have a name. I think that was really considerate of my folks. So for now, if I may be so bold, I’ll call it Peace Canyon or Canon de Paz or Fred Schlucht or Shalom Canyon.
If I’m at the ranch when you are, just ask and I’ll be glad to take you there. It’s so much more fun when you share your treasure.
God Bless
Dave Wright
