Because of the positions of my arm and shoulders while painting, coupled with stress, and forgetting to eat, I woke up with severe pains in my neck and shoulders. I was exasperated since I knew that it would mean at least two days of crippling pain. The headaches I get often cause depression because of the limitations they place on my ability to be productive, not to mention they hurt!!
It is times like these that I must be determined not to allow the negative feelings to take over. As usual, I decided to go for a run. Since I hope to get back to work on another painting for the “Receding Tides” series, I headed for a run along the steep jagged bluffs of Montana De Oro. The new painting is the one I started working on just prior to going to Ohio to assist my father in recovering from a stroke. Creating the oil paintings of the churning tides and ocean waves contributes to a sense of well being. Focusing on the seawater’s movements and transparent swells has a calming effect.
I drove to a parking area just south of Spooner’s Cove. After getting out of the car, it felt good to stretch out. My muscles had gotten into a funk. Deep breaths of ocean air started the cleansing process. The morning sun warmed my skin contrasting the brisk sea breeze that welcomed me. From there I jogged along the steep cliffs that form the south wall of the cove. One after the other waves rolled in, crashing against the orangey brown rocks below. Each swell would heave the ocean water over the artfully abstract forms of rocky stratum. The waves crashed against the ancient layers of rock formed with the founding of the planet as though trying to wash away history. Intermittently certain waves exploded into a mass of white foam made brilliant by the morning rays. Other waves just swelled over the rocks using the foam left by the previous waves climax to trace out swirls and contours of the energies released. The shapes and forms were wonderfully enhanced by the morning light piercing the water and revealing the life in it. With the receding water, came the afterglow of the barnacles, muscles, anemone and starfish glistening on the course rocks.
I met up with Susie and we made our way out to a point in the rocks that inspired the painting I’m working on now. Susanne spotted in the distance what was in appearance like a whale spouting. Only, the skyward spew of mist was coming from the shore at another point of jagged rocks about 250 yards away. We had both heard that there were blowholes in Montana de Oro; however, we had until now, never witnessed one. Jogging along the bluffs, we followed the path past “Castle rock”. We found the blowhole on the second point beyond “Castle rock”.
When we got there, there was only a light mist hovering around the area. We walked out to the farthest part of the point. I couldn’t resist. With anticipation, I climbed down the side of the rock layers to what was a four-foot by an irregular six-inch opening in the surface of the rock. I was amazed to hear the orifice breathing as though I were standing atop some whale of gigantic proportions. Getting in tight for a closer look, I timidly crouched close to the opening, holding my head back in fear. A flushing tempest from behind displaced my hair as it rushed in to fill the massive “nostril” with salt air. I wondered what the cave that acted as this giant “lung” was like inside. Having been satisfied with its “breath”, there was a pause. The ground rumbled under my feet as the rush of the incoming waves built up pressure. With a great roar, moist air from the innards of this giant exploded from the blowhole. The sound was thrilling and quickly followed by rushing gushes of seawater. The atomized ocean must have spewed 30 feet into the air! The morning sun took note of the sudden vapor and a 360-degree full spectrum rainbow formed right before my eyes! I laughed with excitement. This wonderful circle of glowing color slowly dissipated in the aftermath as the mist hung in the air and then disappeared. Water and air expelled, there would be another pause. Then the next breath would start. I felt like a kid with a great big giant whale for a playmate, massive and powerful yet docile enough to let me play on his back. I stayed for several minuets jumping around the rocks and soaking in the salt air and sun. I was reluctant the leave as Susanne urged, reminding me of pending responsibilities. A trip back is a must, as I did not have my camera with me. By the way, one must visit the blowhole at the right time in the right conditions for a similar experience. It was 9am and the tide was high (about 5ft). I hope to return and have a good photographic experience. We’ll see!
By the time we ran back to the car my pains were gone. Fresh air, an awakened metabolism, and a wonderful experience with creation was the cure. I thanked Jehovah for the uncountable ways he cares for us.
—Paul Leasure?
