The last time I visited the Whidbey Institute’s property was in December of 2019, before the pandemic years when we hiked a couple of the trails. It’s out of the way, even on Whidbey Island, so it just doesn’t occur to me to go there to be honest. This past weekend I was taking a couple days of a permaculture class, held at the institute. And while it was an educational time, I had time at one point to go wander.
My goal was to study natural patterns and how even the smallest things can mimic large-scale patterns. With time on my hands, I wandered far and wide, knowing the campus had excellent hiking paths.
I headed up to the labyrinth area and felt the pull to walk it. After a lot of sitting, it felt very good to walk, and let my mind clear.
Tiny chains cascading down rocks.
For I saw in the Douglas Fir’s deep, craggy bark mountain ridges.
Circles in nature are normal, the branches grow into one for you to walk through.
Nature loves to grow in V’s as well.
The labyrinth, its circle shape, relaxes the mind.
After walking it, I continued on my path.
Even the Douglas Fir has patterns in its branches.
The salmonberry branches grow as a river does, with creeks feeding into it.
Fern with lichen, the lichen spreading as rivers do.
Daisy.
Ripe Salmonberry.
But maybe not that. For that jarred my mind, made me think of a burial mound. And with that, I knew I needed to wind my way back to the classroom.
Getting a bonus hike in? Always a good thing.Even if it did end with a tad bit of weirdness.
~Sarah