Blustery winds, rugged terrain, exquisite turquoise beaches, and profusions of wildflowers can greet one at every turn along the Cornish Salt Path, or Coast Path as it is known locally. Up, up and away, and then down, down and onward, we trudged during the heatwave hovering over Western Europe this summer. When Kent expressed strong interest in taking a week of courses at the University of Cambridge, I thought about tagging on a hiking adventure, i.e., the Salt Path. My sister joined us, agreeing that this could be another grand adventure for the three of us.
Cornwall boasts beautiful, unique scenery even in July. We hiked and hiked and hiked, usually eight or nine miles a day. And yes, there were blisters and bandades and tired legs. But whenever we passed other hikers, which wasn’t that often, they would say, “Hello,” in that melodic, sing-song British accent. Always polite.
Here in the backcountry of San Diego County, we also have a plethora of absolutely amazing hiking trails. Of course, here during the summer months, it’s usually more enjoyable to start out very early in the morning and head back before the heat of the day sets in. We just have to be creative. And walking along is a great way to see and experience the natural environment of a place. It allows us to slow down and be in the moment.
After a week it was on to Cambridge. While Kent attended lectures, Bo and I hiked to Grantchester, punted along the River Cam through the university, and meandered in the surrounding meadows, watching swans with their cygnets, blue herons, geese and ducks float by in the river. It really was quite idyllic.
When I visit a new place I don’t usually read or watch movies because that would color the way I experience it. I want to feel its true essence as much as possible. One of the takeaways from there is how old the buildings are. Parts of the University of Cambridge were built as early as 1200 AD! We just don’t have anything like that here. Those walls have stood the test of time. Ours really don’t. And now I’m afraid that we’re all heading in the opposite direction.
It seems that nowadays we’re not happy with our own abodes for long. Time to remodel or add on or get the latest furniture… In the past large families existed fine with only one bathroom. Furniture was not replaced until it was worn out beyond repair. I was even taught to darn socks and I still do it if they are a nice pair and otherwise still serve their purpose. At least thrift stores, yard sales and hand-me-downs still exist and allow us to recycle and reuse. This mentality that we must have new is destroying our precious resources. I find a certain creativity in making do with less. I even get excited by interesting, out of the mainstream choices. But that’s just me, I suppose.
When a new business comes into town, wouldn’t it be better to occupy an already existing structure instead of building something new? At least the old K-Mart is coming back to life. Out with the old and in with the new? No. How about we give new life to the old?
Cell phones are manufactured to have a limited shelf life. I don’t consider my phone, an iPhone X, to be that old. But several apps no longer function and can’t be updated because of the software involved. Now this is a crime, as far as I’m concerned! I’m doing my best to not take part in this unsustainable behavior. Perhaps if enough of us take the initiative and refuse to buy in, then we can turn this insane practice around. Wouldn’t it be better for our planet Earth if things were built to last, and not require constant updating or buying new?
Perhaps it’s time to head back to the trail. Whether we’re traversing along ancient footpaths or forging new routes, just getting out there can help us to live better. And by this I simply mean to embrace the natural environment and shake off some of the modern contraptions, at least from time to time. I’ll try to remember those Cornish manners and give you a polite “Hello” when our paths cross.
Chi Varnado has published six books including fiction, nonfiction and children’s books. They are available on www.amazon.com. Her collection of essays, Quail Mutterings, can be found on www.chivarnado.com or www.dancecentrepresents.com.
She is available to adults and children for fun tutoring in writing.