The Yin and The Yang
Yin yang transform each other. Like an undertow in the ocean, every advance is complemented by a retreat, and every rise transforms into a fall. Thus, a seed will sprout from the earth and grow upwards towards the sky – an intrinsically yang movement. Then when it reaches its full height, it will begin to weaken, and eventually will fall back to the earth in decay – an intrinsically yin movement. Yin always contains the potential for yang, and yang for yin. My California tour was a living example of Yin Yang.
Before I continue let me clarify a couple of things. First, from the moment I bought my Honda Shadow this trip was on. I didn’t know the details, the exact route or any of the particulars but in my head I knew I was taking this trip.
Second, riding up Hwy 1 was a breathtaking experience but Hwy 49 and the Gold Country were always my goal. As I mentioned before I’m not a big beach town guy. A fact that’s kind of strange considering the fact that I live in a small beach town.
Dana Point is a great but having grown up in Northern California (Sacramento) and having lived in Sonoma, Napa, Santa Rosa and other Northern California counties my heart has always been in Northern California.
If it were a perfect world and I could have everything I ever wanted, I’d live in a tiny northern town very much like the ones I’m about to describe. As I rolled down Hwy 49 from Grass Valley into Oakhurst, just outside of Yosemite I either bought or built my dream house at least three dozen times. I saw my wood burning stove. I sat at the local cafe drinking coffee with my mountain neighbors. I cleared the snow from the walk to make my way down to the mailbox – Something I decided I’d only do once a week. I napped in the sun near the stream that ran past my door. I even died quietly and happily in my bed, nestled in a big down comforter.
The California coast is majestic and powerful indeed. But for me the serenity and ancient wisdom of the Sierra Foothills are beyond compare.
I’ve broken down my Hwy 49 experiences into the towns and places I saw. Rather than cram a bunch of information into one long post. These amazing places each deserve a section of their own. Each one has a unique and powerful story. You’ll read about Placerville, Sutter’s Mill, Coloma, Jackson, Sonora and Chinese Camp; the first real Ghost Town I’ve visited.
I hope that my words can come close to describing what it was like to be a part of these places.
