Joy and contentment (Part One) July 25, 2013 New Harbor, Maine

(Last summer we were privileged to spend a week at a cottage on the Maine Coast.  Various family members were in nearby cottages and rooms.  This entry was written during that stay.)

Tonight has continued the special joy and magic of being in this place, at this time, while watching the beauty of God's plans and lifetime moments unrolling before us.  Sleeping in and going to get scones and muffins from the baking ladies little shop.  Pumping up the kayak.  Rowing with my grandchildren.  A great healthy lunch.  Kayaking with my daughter.  Dockside watching and conversation in Back Cove with my brother, nephew, Sheila, Brianna, and two grandchildren; meanwhile, lobster boats, and long haulers come and go along with a small mix of vacationers in kayaks, row boats and one large power pleasure boat.  This is a working harbor.  Celebrating clay crafts of seaside "treasurers" assembled by the loved ones.   A robust and peaceful three generation conversation.

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Shore side cottages

Back cove from the bay

The bridge from our cottage - exploring Back Cove at low tide

Brianna and daughter

Rowing lessons

Bridge "conference"

The event board - first and final roll-out

Cousins on the porch - Back Cove

"The water's fine!"  

Swimmers

Splashdown - excellent form

Boathouse deck crew

Treasurers

Dockside afternoon clouds

Puffin cruise

                                   
Even changing Sheila 's bandages is a reminder of how He protects us in the midst of tough moments - and a remembrance of our vows to one another.  "In sickness (injuries) and in health."  And another chapter in Francis Chan's "Crazy Love".   As the clouds turn to sustained rain we head to Pemiquid Park ball field and play three man baseball in the rain (three person, three generation baseball in the rain).

Monhegan in the clouds

Rockscape - Pemiquid Point Lighthouse (photographer - M. Sargent)

The rain begins

In this place with spotty mobile phone and wireless coverage we are surprised by a call from Brian and thrilled with news of his promotion to Lt Commander in the Navy select reserves.  A worthy accomplishment by a most worthy man!  After the 12 mile drive to Damariscotta on errands and to make calls including to Sheila's sister, I power up the iPAD and among the 42 emails is the thrilling news that God has answered our good friends  prayers - the court has approved their two grand-children's move to NH.  They will share in God's win with their son and his children.  God is good!

End of day fire

Joy and contentment. 

Nordic hiking - Leysin, Switzterland (October 27 - November 2)

I wore my hiking boots on the Icelandic Air flight because they were too heavy and bulky to pack.  I did not want to leave them home.  Here in Switzerland that bit of inspiration has been rewarded.  While I have used them elsewhere, here hiking opportunities abound.  Each canton and district has made access to the landscape part of its "public works".   In four hikes I started with three of the trails (published in the Plan Des Promenades by the office of tourism - Leysin Oxygene des Alpes) making a few variations using alternate trails and spurs.  Every hike was amazing as well as strenuous - beautiful scenery, clouds without end - every variant even in rain, mist, and fog.  The photographs present a fraction of the reality.  And what a reality!  Breathing pristine air, exerting muscles until they burn, new views at every turn!

Lake Geneva from Prafandaz

La Riondaz from Prafandaz

Salacyre from Prafandaz

     Western peaks from Carriere des Chamois

Patinoire trail in the fog

Wood carving on the trail

Deer park

Trails end and trees at dusk

Aigle from Prelan - late evening

Colorful foliage and berries

Valley and Lake Geneva from La Grande Crevasse at sunset

Le Grande Crevasse

Afterglow and lights at village below La Grande Crevasse

Farm on hike to Le Fers

Foliage and mountains on hike to Le Fers

Looking down on the small village of Cergnat from Les Fers Trail

Structures old and new

Peaks and clouds at dusk - Les Fers Trail

Most dramatic and unique was the meadow where I encountered a herdsman playing the alp horn, carrying on an ages old tradition.  The sound is unequaled anywhere I have been.  

Meadow view with alphorn player

Alphorn player side view

Priceless

Our residence in Leysin was very well appointed and efficient; and although the exterior was rather pedestrian, the views from the balcony were spectacular!   Every day presented a new cloud journal for Sheila and I to view together (to see earlier entries to the cloud journal see the October 29 post Leysin - Cloud Beauty).  We thank God for giving us this opportunity to travel together and share the encounters and adventure with others.

Walk on!

Bob and Sheila at Prafandaz

Leysin - Cloudy Beauty

We are at Residences Chamossaire in Leysin, Switzerland.  Quietude.  In winter this is a ski resort and in summer an attraction for hikers (mostly) and tourists.  At the market (chosen because it is less expensive and local) we encounter mostly students and local residents.  From our balcony we have a fine view of the mountains - more snow-covered today after last evenings precipitation.  Today is an advertisement for clouds - and that is fine.  Cloud beauty!























Yesterday we arose late (9:40 AM) after the long drive from Venice, Italy.  Venice was overcast - sultry looking.  There was a  marathon - a fine counter-point to the city's unique countenance - but also rendering transportation more difficult (more about Venice later). The drive became more dramatic as we left Italy and the M-4.  The route turned to a series of tunnels - some miles long and then climbed and curved, around, up and down, often narrow roads.  It was fun - downshifting and rounding curves in our rental Ford Fiesta.  Downshifting.  Back to yesterday.   We enjoyed a lunch outside at La Farandole in the village.  We drove and hiked to an overview of Lake Geneva.  Fine views!  The day was crystal clear and reasonably warm.  Pristine air!  While there we also saw a local resident (farmer?) selectively harvesting wood for winter.  

















We returned to the village and shopped.  Sheila made a fine hearty salad with our gatherings.  We have enjoyed the cuisine as we traveled but have had much bread and meat.  Read, write, relax, to rest.  The travel so far has been blessedly event filled.  History, people, churches, architecture, wine, and fine art.  





Here we downshift.  


Quietude.