Unexpectedly Interesting

One of the many pleasures of living in the East Bay is when I feel like going for a hike the Sierra Club usually has something to offer. This Saturday I checked the schedule and sure enough a walk through a nearby park, led by one of my favorite leaders was set for the afternoon. I didn't read any of the details of the description, I didn't much care where we went I just wanted to go for a walk. Not many people showed up, which was fine it makes for faster walking. The leader had plotted a mostly shady route, which we were all thankful for. We did break into the sun at the top of a ridge then looked down and in a small valley before there was one of the Sibley Labyrinths. I'd never paid any attention before when I heard mention of these mazes I sort of assumed they were small stone things. And they are, created back in the 80's probably by some ex-hippies. Over the years they've been well trodden, and shored up with additional stones. People leave offerings in the center, there was quite a pile last weekend leftover from summer solstice activities. Our small group walked the labyrinths and those of us who had something in our packs we could leave did so. It was rather peaceful. I think a lot the peacefulness comes from the quiet respect people have in an area which has been marked as spiritual. It was a sort of special moment on an otherwise average but enjoyable hike. You never know what you'll discover when you walk out your door.