The Road Rises
Highway 101 curves ahead, shiny with recent rain, a wet silver snake that slithers through forest and along roadside cliffs, leading me from my home in Northern California to my Oregon destination. The weather shifts once again. Rain, snow, and brilliant sun have presented themselves in an ever-changing and unpredictable dance as I make my way north. My goal today is to travel as far as Gold Beach.
The road is my new normal after tragedy struck last year. My husband of 35 years slipped from this life after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. It left me empty, shocked, and emotionally devastated, but from the ashes of my grief a phoenix rose, one that rekindled adventure in my soul. So, I press forward, curious, longing to share through my virtual pen the things I discover.
The bare limbs of winter trees are shrouded in the soft green of hanging moss. They become my muse. Suspended wisps of fog curl between them, adding mystery, and a memory of childhood hikes through coastal forests is sparked. I shudder with an internal thrill and am reminded that it's always been this way. Nature and my soul have intertwined since my youngest years. Now this love affair, long dormant, is reignited, creating a hunger that can only be satiated with full immersion, and later, expression through writing.
To my right, a flutter of wings reveals a hawk diving for prey on a passing bank. Moments later, one flies low in front of me, so close that the details of its feathers are clear on its rounded rust-colored belly and spotted wings. I form words in my head to describe the experience as I drive.
Inspiration comes as a swollen Eel River accompanies me for miles on end. Sometimes I glimpse it through trees, sometimes low in a canyon, where it runs grey-green like jade. At times it matches the road's curves, at others it rushes under an old bridge as the road crosses above.
Redwoods, astounding in their girth and height, kiss the road's edges, so close that a passenger could have touched them had I paused.
I leave the forest, and around a bend, I am welcomed by a rainbow stretched across a field illuminated bright green by sudden sun. Later, a lazy herd of elk passes slowly in front of me, crossing the highway with the nonchalance that their imposing bulk allows. These are the things that feed my soul.
I am closer to Oregon now, and a brilliant beachside sunset presents itself north of the Klamath River when 101 drops to the sea. It's so rare in its stunning beauty that it removes breath from my lungs. I am beckoned off the highway for a photograph, and a jolt of bracing wind and the sound of waves refresh me.
The day wanes into twilight as I drive, and when I reach Gold Beach, it is already dark. Lights twinkle on the wide mouth of the Rogue River, which empties there into the sea. I enter my motel room ready for rest, thinking about tomorrow's route and what I'll find along the way.
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28 comments on “The Road Rises”
Beautifully written. 😍
Yes yes yes and more yes.
Wonderful writing Esther. I hope for many adventures in your future.Thanks, Matt
It took me on a beautiful road trip through your eyes! So peaceful and relaxing! Just what my soul needed! Thanks Esther!
May your travels be many and your troubles be few. Enjoyed your beautifully penned word art…looking forward to hearing of more of your adventures… and perhaps, even being a small part of your PNW adventures. 😊
What a beautiful journey through the Pacific Northwest! Looking forward to more
You my friend make me feel as if I were in the seat next to you driving to this beautiful destination. Hugs and keep this up. It inspires this PNW transplant to get out on the road more and explore.
I loved reading this account. You brought me along with you on this adventure into my home state, which I dearly love. I can’t wait to meet you in person when you cone through our area. I love seeing how God is drawing you into a healing, nourishing experience with the beauty and grandeur of the Pacific Northwest after the loss of your beloved husband. Well done, my friend!!
This is beautiful! You're so talented.
Beautiful writing. You have a gift. You make me want to jump in the car for a road trip.
I love the State of Oregon and you describe it so beautifully. Looking forward to reading about your future adventures. Thank you.
Absolutely amazing. Your recent history woven in. More about your history and developing passions. Your readers getting to know you and oh what palpable sharing of the sights, sounds and feels. Remarkable Esther!
How fun having the photos supplementing the writing (not that they were needed!) throughout!
I feel like I’m with you in your car! Makes me wish for another road trip. We went to Oregon last August to visit our son in Cottage Grove…it’s so beautiful up there. Let’s keep driving!
❤️
Absolutely beautiful prose. Reading you has never been better. Congratulations on this first post. I am anxious to see the next.
Love this. My Dad retired to Brookings, OR and I spent years and years of summers there and traveling all about the Northwest. Fond memories.
Congratulations on your blog, Esther! May the road lead you to new joys and adventures. My heart is with you always!
Beautiful Esther! Makes me want to go with you!💕
Wonderful!
When you make it further north Bellingham area please let us know. It would be great to connect after all these years.
As I said yesterday.. you are flourishing. New chapters beckon you to write them. Such descriptive writing… all my senses were engaged as if I was there with you.
Amazingly beautiful and poetic writing, my dear friend. Through your description of your journey to Gold Beach, you have inspired memories in me of how truly amazing this part of the world is. Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your inspiration and awe. May you continue to heal as you explore the PNW, and know that your soulful writing will heal many others who join you. Looking forward to your next post! 💕
LOVE this Esther. You are indeed a wordsmith! I feel like I am right there with you in the car! How I look forward to taking you around our lovely area so close to the border!! GREAT job!
This is so eloquently written that I enjoyed the experience as if I were there! I could hear as well as see the sights and sounds along the way. What a beautiful gift you have for writing. Thank you for sharing this.
Already looking forward to the next one!
Ester, your writing captures the beauty that mother nature gave us and through your eyes we get to be there too. Thank You. So Looking forward to more up dates.
You need to continue this beautiful adventure. You were meant for this, your words are like poetry and the images are extraordinary. I could close my eyes and have someone read this to me and see exactly what you are describing.
Hugs my friend
Simply beautiful!