RHYS BOWEN: Do you have a special place when you need to get away from the world, somewhere you can go to relax, regroup, think things through? During Covid, when we were stuck at home and couldn’t travel I started going to a small cove on San Francisco Bay. It’s only a twenty minute drive from my house but like stepping into another world, along a narrow winding road that hugs the edge of the Bay around a wild peninsula.
The place itself is called China Camp and it was once a settlement of Chinese fisherman. They were driven out of San Francisco because they were competing with the Italian fisherman many years ago. They set up shop here and caught shrimp which they dried and exported back to China. The fishermen and their community are long gone but the houses and pier remain. It’s like stepping back in time. I go and sit on the beach, listen to the lap of the waves, watch the pelicans drift past and feel tension slipping away.
Because the road is narrow and winding I have to concentrate hard but it’s also good for taking me away from the book I’ve been plotting. I find I come back refreshed every time. It’s a state park. I now donate to the Friends of China Camp and thus get a year’s parking permit. I also drag my family out there for picnics.
When the weather is not too hot I also just go out and sit on my balcony where I could watch the view for hours!
So do you have a place near you that is your go-to escape? Or one that you look forward to escaping to every summer? My summer escape is always to Cornwall and my SIL’s manor house. I wish I could go there more often!
HALLIE EPHRON: In a pinch, there’s a pond in the hills near me with a walking trail all the way around. It’s a gorgeous, mile-long walk, relatively flat, and utterly different depending on the season. (Iced over in the winter it’s as beautiful in its way.) It’s good for a quick mind cleanse and recharge.
My extended “escape” is to hang out with my daughters and grands on Peaks Island off the coast of Portland, Maine. Walks abound. There’s a lovely little beach. There’s one grocery store that miraculously sells everything you’d ever need. Sunsets and rock formations to die for. And of course, family.
JENN McKINLAY: I have a park (Hallman Park) with a huge pond at the edge of my neighborhood about a mile away. It really is an oasis in the desert. The Hooligans rode bikes and fished there as kids and now I walk the dogs because they can run it out through several acres. That’s my day to day retreat.
On a larger scale, we have a summer cottage in Nova Scotia on the Bay of Fundy. A trout stream runs through the side yard, and it sits right on the water. Most beautiful place on earth and where our family has gathered most summers for almost 40 years.
LUCY BURDETTE: There is a super-cute, but not at all fancy neighborhood up the street where I walk Lottie most days. It winds past a small beach on the Long Island sound. The water is different every day, and each house is different from the others–it’s a very peaceful break from being inside my head or stuck in the news cycle.
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: As you might imagine, I am terrible at this. But sometimes, if I’m feeling overwhelmed, I just go outside and walk around our yard, seeing what plants are coming and going. And how they’re doing. In tomato season, like now, I go to the tomato patches and check on the babies. Even just the fragrance of the tomatoes is transporting. Or I go into the back yard, and sit very still until the birds arrive. It’s so peaceful. And then I’m fine again.
Longer term, we go to Nevis, where the white sand beaches are deserted, for as far as you can see, and the brown pelicans skim across the water, suddenly dive for a fish, and them come up, gulping it down, and shake their little tailfeathers in triumph. I could watch that for hours.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: I don't really have a local place except for my garden–and even if I did, it would be too hot to go there at the moment. But after last autumn's fish disaster, when we lost all but one of our huge koi, we have restocked our pond. Our remaining koi now has two much smaller koi buddies, and a half dozen goldfish. So whenever I reach the "it's all too much" point, I go outside and watch the fish for a little while. Especially in the mornings when the back yard is shady and (sort of) cool, it is so lovely. There is nothing more calming and mind-clearing than watching fish swim.
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I feel fortunate to live in Maine, where so much of my surroundings are beautiful. Just driving into town I get to see the tidal river coming in from Casco Bay, and heading up the coast is a constant delight of inlets and sailboats this time of year. I also get a lot of respite from my own somewhat shaggy yard and garden, despite always noticing what I have to do when I'm outside!
Interestingly enough, for my clear-the-mind getaways, I like cities. I visit New York and D.C. several times each year. Maybe it's the contrast we crave - and since my town is less that 8,000, I love being surrounded by buildings and people!
RHYS: So how about you? Do you have that special place , even if it's part of your garden, that you go to to escape?
I usually just wander around the yard or sit quietly on the back porch and wait for the deer to wander through . . . .
ReplyDeleteOh, dear . . . ours are very well behaved [or maybe they simply don't like my flowers]. We even had a baby deer parked in the niche beside our back steps for several days; Mom watched out for the Little One, but they didn't eat up the flower garden. Although we don't usually feed them, John will occasionally put out some corn for them [and they do gobble that up] . . . .
DeleteJOAN! You are the winner of the TM Dunn book! Email me at hank@hankphillippiRyan.com and tell me your mailing address!
DeleteSitting on the boardwalk bench watching the ocean and the people go by.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so perfect!
DeleteMe too. I love watching the ocean.
DeleteThere is a very small park along Charlotte Harbor, usually no one else there and it's so peaceful. Could sit there for hours, some times I bring a book but not during this heat. My husband found it driving around one day and knew I would love it and I did.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely getaways you all have. I sometimes walk to the top of Powow Hill behind my house, where on a clear day I can see Maine and the Atlantic. We also have a lovely small lake with a swimming beach a short walk away, but I haven't been once this summer (it gets too crowded until school starts). And the Powow River rushes through our former mill town downtown, with benches to sit and watch and listen to the water. But really, sitting on my deck under the antique dogwood watching the birds is all I need.
ReplyDeleteSounds wonderful, especially to have it close by.
DeleteEdith, I have always wondered how to pronounce "Powow". Is it the same as "powwow"?
Strange. I replied earlier. Yes, same pronunciation - no idea why the different spellings.
DeleteThank you!
DeleteEdith, I walk up to the top of our hill, or did before my knee started acting up. It's very steep.
DeleteOurs is very steep too, Rhys - which is why I rarely attempt it these days!
DeleteSeapoint Beach on a cove that even calms the Atlantic. Unpretentious, we can park because we have a Kittery Maine dump sticker.
ReplyDeleteParking stickers! The best!
DeleteSo many of us are lucky to have ocean views nearby
DeleteIn the city, I can sit in the backyard on the deck and gaze at the tomato plants in the raised bed or I can sit on the patio in the front yard and look at my perennial plants. At the cottage, there is nowhere better than the gazebo that overlooks Lake Winnipeg -- hearing the waves and watching the pelicans and bald eagles is transporting.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, as much as I love the ocean, I prefer a lake house view. You have the water, the changeable weather, with the added benefit of also seeing the flora and fauna - so many wonderful birds around a lake!
DeleteI've stayed at some Canadian lakes. So beautiful! And watching birds is the best.
DeleteThese special places all sound so lovely!
ReplyDeleteJust reading about all these wonderful places is calming to me! Did you notice- almost everyone's special place is near the water? Where I live, here in my woods, is almost anything anyone would want, as for peace and serenity. Usually no water sights or sounds unless you count the sound of rain, as I am hearing right now. We definitely don't need the rain, while so many people do, but it sounds lovely as it hits the leaves and grass, and makes a gurgling noise through the gutters.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I was just thinking that about water, too!
DeleteI was also just thinking that water is important to many of us. In England so many people drive to the coast and just sit in their cars watching the waves. I always thought that was weird. Now I understand.
DeleteRhys, I am besotted with the Thames. I can sit or stand and watch the river for hours, whether in the middle of London or upstream.
DeleteWe have a screened in back porch that is a lovely place to relax, overlooking the green lawns and trees of our yard and those of our neighbors. When the pandemic began, we bought comfortable new furniture, making that space even more delightful.
ReplyDeleteMy family has a summer cottage on a small lake only 40 minutes away. It has always been my special place in the summer, but Irwin has never enjoyed it like I do. My cousins stay there most of the time and we visit with them a few times each summer. Recently, my son has discovered that it is a great place for them to vacation and he has begun to take it for a week or two with his family. It gives me great pleasure to see how much my grandson loves being there.
Interesting! At the beginning of the pandemic, neighbors across the street from us made over their driveway into an absolute outdoor living room. It has couches and chairs and tables, and a big canopy. It’s incredible.
DeleteOne extended walking route from home has me walking on gorgeous white iron bridges built in 1900 to Rideau Falls. The waterfalls overlooking the Ottawa River is serene. In the depths of winter, the waterfall freezes solid and looks like beautiful ice sculptures.
ReplyDeleteKAIT: I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing your book!
DeleteI'm lucky enough to live on wooded acreage in Maine. I love to hike and see how many birds I can identify by song (and sometimes sight) and watch for the glorious critters that inhabit the woods.
ReplyDeleteKait, One of the benefits of my shaggy yard has been a plethora of bird and bee life. I've made it a habit, during these summer months, to sit on my front porch while the dogs are having their after meal sniff 'n pee.
DeleteSome evenings I have seen six or seven different types of birds, including, for the first time, hummingbirds on more than one occasion! It is very soothing to see the bees hopping from my cultivated flowers to the stands of Queen Anne's lace that I was careful to leave when mowing.
I do enjoy hearing and sometimes seeing all the birds in my woods. Yesterday three or four partridges surprised me, coming out from under my deck. Last year I saw a partridge fly up into my poplar tree but everyone laughs when I tell them that!
DeleteThe best bird I have seen is a scarlet tanager, in a tree very close to my deck. Unfortunately i had no camera close by and taking pictures through the screen makes lousy photos.
We are so lucky. Judi, I envy you your tanager. I've heard them, but not seen them. I use the Merlin app to identify most bird song. It's wonderful
DeleteJulia, it is wonderful that you are seeing bees. They are very scarce here, and the monarchs still have not arrived - usually they are the middle of July. We had no cherries - well 2 actually on 2 cherry trees and it looks like no apples - I suspect all because of the lack of bees. This is 3 years in a row for the fruit now. We do no mow-May, have lots of clover and a huge garden of milkweed, and this year I planted a new pollinator garden. It is getting scary. Not a pleasant thought when we are thinking of wonderful places for the summer.
DeleteAs Judi pointed out, most people are focused on a water location...which is why it took me a few minutes to think of mine. There actually is water involved, but it is not the main draw. About 5 miles up a major highway from my home is a metro park with acres of wooded hiking trails. Once I step into the woods the nearby traffic sounds seem to just disappear. It is a little hilly, so many of the trails include challenging grades. It is actually nestled up against a river, so my favorite trail includes both a scenic overlook of the river at a high point and a short trail right beside the river at a low point. Hiking there always refreshes.
ReplyDeleteSusan, are you talking about Highbanks? I lived in Mt. Air, just across the river from Highbanks.
DeleteWe have wonderful trails all around me in the Marin Headlands, and some are too hilly for me now! I used to think nothing of 9 miles. Now... a nice flat walk seems good.
DeleteFlora, yes I meant Highbanks! I love it. Sorry I didn't see this until today.
DeleteSo many homebodies here! And I'm another one; just walking outside and into the garden, or sitting on one of our porches, lowers my blood pressure several points. For one thing, this part of Ohio is lush and verdantly green much of the year, and for another, I've planned the garden for something in bloom or growing, from February to late November. We also have a fairly private spot, and it's fairly peaceful most of the time.
ReplyDeleteThe other place, but which I get to less and less these days, is the creek at our farm. Talk about peaceful and private--it's at the bottom of a deep valley, one side of which is our property. Most of the year the creek is a quiet, meditatively peaceful place to see all kinds of birds and other wildlife. It's soul-soothing.
Karen, I guess the traditional image of the book loving, stay at home reader has some truth to it! I also think for those of us in areas that have long, hard winters, we really appreciate all of the growth and greenery around us in the shorter season.
DeleteIt's hard to escape at home, but I do have the Cottage. And I'm coming up on our annual SinC chapter retreat. That is always a nice escape.
ReplyDeleteLiz, I think a getaway that is combined with a purpose is possibly the most refreshing break of all.
DeleteLong story - skip if you don't want it.
ReplyDeleteSince Jack was always working, and we had farm animals, we tended to not go anywhere all summer Most days were similar to each other – up, breakfast, do the animals, hang about the pool, read a book under the cherry tree at lunch, more pool, supper and bed.
One day, and on only one hot day, we would go on an excursion.
There was no specific day, but the day would come and sometime mid-morning it would happen. Today was to be The Day. Egg sandwiches would be made – 1 each, Oreo cookies would be packed – 2 each, Coke would be gathered – a whole can each, and all would be packed in a backpack. Sandals would be put on, dogs would be collected, and down the driveway we would go. The excitement was palpable! We were off to the river!
We would traverse down the driveway laughing and giggling and flitting left to right – 100 meters (325 ft) to the mailbox. Still hot. Look both ways on a dead-end dirt road and head off to the left. Walk quickly past the Crazy Neighbour’s house and hope he was not there to yell at us. He hated the dogs. Under the canopy of butternut trees, we headed down the hill towards our agenda. Someone always ran. Someone always fell. Someone always cried. Then came a little puddle of light where the sunshine broke through the tree ceiling. Everyone had to wait until we were all together. We have gone 325m (just over 1000ft).
Part 2: There, in front of us was the old steel bridge. You could hear the sound of the river. The air was cooling. Over the bridge we went. We practically flew as the butterflies in the stomach rose with anticipation of what was coming next. Someone pulls the small brush away to reveal the secret path and wee all tumble down the hill to the river. I took the long way around the tree as I was carrying the lunch. The Coke was taken out and placed in a pool of cold water along the side of the stream. Take off the sandals. Put feet in the water. Splash! The air is at least 5o cooler here.
DeleteYou need to understand the river. This was a small spillway control years ago, which left a bit of a concrete pad over which the water bubbled. This bit of left-over concrete was a great place to walk across carrying a stick for balance. The water was deeper to the left, and burbled over the rocks to the right. The Old English Sheepdogs could soak in the left and everyone tiptoed around the slippery rocks to the right. Depth – not more than 10 inches.
It wasn’t long before the sandwiches came out. You cannot imagine how good they were! Pop the tab on the can of Coke – cold, up your nose sprinkles and so refreshing. Then bat a few mosquitoes and have the Oreo cookies – the ultimate summer treat.
Now to play in the water. Sure, we had the pool but this was different. It was magical with the sound of the water on the rocks, the bit of a pull of the water as it crossed on the concrete, the canopy of trees and the silence of nature. Sticks would be found and thrown for the dogs. More sticks would be raced over the burbling rocks. We would walk down the river a bit (about 25 ft) and see what was there. It would be another universe discovered with frogs and more mosquitoes and slippery moss. Back to the bridge to throw sticks from one side to see how fast they went to the other side – what is known as pooh sticks.
Part 3: About a half hour later we would pack up, and head back across the bridge. It was always slower going back across as we just enjoyed the rickety old bridge. Back up the hill and if the Crazy Neighbour was not there, each of us would walk on his property to check for puffballs – they were fun to kick. It is really too early for them, but we would check none the less. Look in the box for mail, and then race down the driveway. Back in the house, put on the bathing suits and back in the pool. We have travelled half a mile in total for an hour and a half, and gone to a place of paradise.
DeleteThe greatly anticipated summer day trip is over for another year. My kids still talk about it as their best memory of summer.
Someday I will tell you of my healing place.
Margo, transporting! So evocative!
DeleteMargo - what a wonderful adventure!
DeleteFrom Celia: Margo what a memory, I’m sitting transported to your bridge and Pooh sticks. Thank you so much.
DeleteOh, this is absolutely wonderful! Thank you for this!
DeleteMargo - this is absolutely fabulous! I grew up in the country on a river and this is so much like my childhood memories. Thank you so much for sharing. Puff balls really are fun to kick :)
DeleteGreat telling of your favorite summer memory, Margo! Thank you.
DeleteWhat a tale of adventure and natural glory, Margo. Thank you!
DeleteBeautifully written, Margo! Took me back to my childhood playing in the local creek! Thank you for sharing! — Pat S.
DeleteYes, me, too, Margo. I grew up on a creek, and that sounds just like one of many summer days.
DeleteMy small property has many trees (20 different ones between my neighbors and myself--great for that 'identify 20 different trees' project the boys did in 4th grade), so even on the hottest days, it will look cool and shady outside. Old apple trees in the back attract wildlife--I've seen deer and fox and rabbits and groundhogs. Along the fencerow to the west is a row of tall pines--the scent of sun on pine instantly transports me to the Rockies. My daily walk down the road leads over the South Fork of Old Woman's Creek, and in every season takes me back to my grandparents' farm just to see and hear the water gurgling, rushing over smooth stones.
ReplyDeleteThe Cove is a magical place with sea lions, sea birds and interesting reef fish including the California garibaldi. On rare occasions you might see a sea turtle (I never have) and leopard sharks (not dangerous and about a mile out near another beach shoreline where they give birth each spring). Rugged cliffs surround on the south side of the Cove. You walk down stairs to the protected beach and I swim out to the first buoy which is a 1/4 mile marker. It is teaming with life - including many swimmers. I used to swim with a small group of women and we met up around 6:30 am when the sun was coming up over the horizon and sea birds flying overhead. Very peaceful and the water is nurturing and relaxing.
ReplyDeleteAnon, is “The Cove” you describe La Jolla Cove? Beautiful place. —Pat S.
DeleteYes it is Pat S. :)
DeleteMy special place is a walk through the woods to a pier at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut. It’s usually a quiet place where I can sit and relax. Our stays at Hammonasset are in the late spring and early fall and I enjoy seeing the seasonal changes there.
ReplyDeleteMy special place is the Berkeley Hills near where I live. Your story about China Camp reminded me of a place that I loved to visit. Angel Island is so beautiful. You can hike there.
ReplyDeleteWhen I visited Wye Valley in Wales on a rainy day, it reminded me of Tilden Park.
As a child, we went to Tilden Park where they had ponies for little kids to ride. There was also the Merry Go Around. Another favorite as a child was Children's Fairyland.
Another place to escape is in books.
Diana
My special place is my home. It's very cozy and comforting. Nothing calms me like being home, curled up in a blanket and reading a great book.
ReplyDeleteYes. 1000 times yes.
DeleteYes - nothing better than being in my bed, and like you say, curled up in a blanket and reading a good book!
ReplyDeleteMy town in Connecticut is on Long Island Sound. If I need to organize my thoughts, I drive to the closest beach, about a mile or two away. Just sitting in the car and looking at the water is calming. A couple of times when I was recovering from surgery, I had my sister drive me to the beach, and I found peace and comfort just watching the sea gulls and the water. I could never live in a town that’s not on a body of water!
ReplyDeleteDebRo
DebRo, except for a short time in early 1970s, my homes have always been close to water…lake, river, ocean, bay, and in a close call, Litha Creek in Ashland OR. Water, essential for our well-being. Elisabeth
DeleteOut the door, down the stairs, left at the pool, across the lawn, and down the steps…exhale, beach and Atlantic ocean…deserted except for turtle nests right now. Peace. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteThat sounds heavenly
DeleteLand-locked in Ohio, but a long walk with the dogs or hitting some of my favorite gardens to take arty flower photos, or a stroll through Cincinnati Art Musuem.
ReplyDeleteMuseums are great too!
DeleteLast year when I took up paddle boarding, it was the lake for a paddle. But I'm hurt my shoulder, so I haven't been able to go out and do that this summer. I miss it.
ReplyDeleteI know how you must feel. I had surgery on my ankle this summer and wasn't allowed to swim. Now I've missed most of the summer! This too shall pass, Mark
DeleteI hope both of you heal up easily and soon, Mark and Rhys!
DeleteDuring the pandemic we spent all our time at Astoria Park walking by the river. It was close enough to take our kids there when the workday ended and still get us back home quickly for dinner or in case of meltdowns. Now we've moved out of Queens and are slowly exploring the parks and green spaces in our new town. We just found a peaceful, tucked away park off the main streets with beautiful willow trees and benches to sit at. That's where I like to walk when I need to shake off the day and loosen up my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I spent our honeymoon in Mendocino and we go there every spring for our anniversary. Closer to home, and someplace we go more frequently, is Villa Maria del Mar in Santa Cruz. It's a retreat house and we attend weekend and weeklong retreats several times a year. It's a place of extraordinary beauty, perched right on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and I get completely filled up every time I visit. I wish for everyone to have such a place. ~Lynda
ReplyDeleteI love Santa Cruz, Capitola, all of that coast!
DeleteAren't we lucky to live where we do?
DeleteSuch beautiful getaways! I love Maine, too, Julia. You're lucky to have such a beautiful place to relax. While it may sound a little corny, my favorite getaway place is my lower deck. We have a lovely little table with four chairs, a lounge, and tons of privacy. Hubs has installed lattice work that shields us from neighborly views but doesn't feel confining.. Even when the temp. in GA is 90 + degrees, we always have a cool breeze on the bottom deck. We have hummingbird feeders and tons of flowering plants. I go down there to breathe and meditate.
ReplyDeleteWe are so drawn to water, even if it's only a pond or a fountain, it's so soothing.
ReplyDeleteWater and outdoors are the themes - and how lucky we all are to have access to both. In all the health related advice for aging, over and over *walking* even a little each day seems to top the list.
ReplyDeleteIf I just need to clear my head for ten minutes, I go out on my small balcony, which is overflowing with flowering plants, and I deadhead. If I need a little longer, I have a thirty-minute walk that takes me along one bank of a pond, through a meadow with grazing sheep, past a small vineyard, and to one of the city's largest cemeteries, where every grave is kept covered with flowers by the city gardeners. I have a standard walk I do through much of the cemetery, and then I walk home a slightly different way. I find it a great way to soothe mind and spirit. Sounds like the countryside, yet a fifteen-minute walk from our apartment in the other direction takes me to the center of Bern's medieval Old Town. I'm very lucky.
ReplyDelete