There is a place just minutes from my home, a place that I didn't know about until a few weeks ago. In fact, I think very few folks know about this. And yet, it is right under our noses. 

To the left of the stone wall in the photo above, there is a trail that takes you to the top of a large boulder. This trail hasn't been used much, at least lately. The proof is obvious, it's rather overgrown. I heard about this walk from a friend last month. I mentioned it to another friend a week later, and to my great pleasure, he knew about it. "Sure, I've been there, and yes... it's a real experience to see."

Stunned, I replied, "Do you have some time? If so, let's go, let's go now." I saw him stir in his chair, a bit taken off guard. Laughing, I said, "Are you game?"

His answer pleased me, and I fully expect the photos will force ooos and ahhhs to escape from your lips as I take you with us on this unusual hike.  After passing the fishing boats, referred to as pangas, we meandered past the stone wall where I finally saw the trail head. But before we began our trek up this trail, I found myself astounded at the beauty before us. The rock formations, vast plateau-type layers of stone stretched out into the sea. As luck would have it, my friend had been a science teacher in one of his past life's.  I exclaimed, "Mr. Science, Mr. Science... Oh my! Is it the waves that have polished the tops of these rocks?"

He smiled and went into character. "No little Missy. These formations have risen from deep inside the earth over millions of years. The crustal plates of the earth are constantly moving, creating the rise of each layer over time." 

What a treat our trek was. Not only did I see the scenic views, but I also got a science lesson to boot! With my new-found knowledge, we began our real hike... we were climbing up the steep boulder. My fear of heights kicked in for a moment when the trail took us along the edge of the cliff, but again. It was worth it.  Near the top, I carefully peered down to see the deep pools of clear water below. "How could I have not known about this place?!" Snap, snap... my camera was working overtime. Most of the hike was rugged. It did occur to me that maybe that was why we didn't see any humans. No one! Well, almost no one.  We did meet one man during our trek, a friendly fisherman who has been working his trade off the shores below for years. What a delightful smile he had, and he shared his secrets for where the fishing is abundant. Don't ask me to tell, my mouth is sealed.

Looking at the photo to the right, see if you can spot the face of the troll, the one with the hooked nose. I found him lovely. Yes, I found a troll enticing. At last we made it to the top. I began panting, not because I was out of breath, but rather, because of the beauty below me. I heard a chorus in my head, it might have been Mozart. The small beach below was one I had gone to before, a place where I took my daughter who had visited a few weeks ago. It was easy to get to, just a few rocks to climb over. Oddly, few folks go there just as the trail we were on. There's something wonderful, so magnificent, and the magic flows through your body when you find a secret beach.

What a day that was, the smile was painted on my face until I went to bed that night. I felt rich, lucky, privileged. I was rich, lucky, privileged! So, let me see... Can you spot the hidden trail? Just open your eyes, I'll bet you will see things you didn't know existed, and they might even be as little as five minutes from your home!
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Also enjoy my feature in Mazatlán's monthly paper, the Pacific Pearl... http://www.pacificpearl.com/pdf/pacific-pearl/low-res.pdf
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You can read all about drama in my novels. Check them out at www.cmichaelsbooks.com, author of Twisted Thrillers.
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