My destination of choice was Yosemite, but after stopping in Mt. Shasta City on the second night we went no further. In Mt. Shasta I was comfortable, I was safe, I was home.
For those who have not been to the area, Mt. Shasta City is a little town of a few thousand people at the foot of Mt. Shasta in Northern California. Mt. Shasta is one of the 7 spiritual mountains of the world. It is an incredible vortex of positive energy, and hosts vibrant sub-cultures of all things love, peace and positivity. Wrote naturalist John Muir about the impact of his first vision of Mt. Shasta:
I was fifty miles away and afoot, alone and weary.
Yet all my blood turned to wine, and I have not been weary since.
- John Muir, 1874
Without knowing the history, power, or mythology of Shasta, I too was awed by the mountain the first time I saw her and felt her energy and presence in 1999. I've gone back three more times since then, always drawn by something intangible, something safe.
On this most recent visit, Mt. Shasta did not disappoint. While the Bou lounged in his air conditioned day care, I spent my days trail running and hiking in the area, and found the mountain's reach and power were ever present. As I ran on nearby ridges and mountains Mt. Shasta was always there, either ahead as a beacon to guide me safely, or behind, as a watchman protecting my back. At night, sleeping on the slopes and dirt of Mt. Shasta, under clear starry skies, I consciously experienced for the first time what it is to be "at peace."
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