Camelot or Cadbury? An Iron Age fort or the home of the once and future king? The legend if a chieftain or a romantic fantasy? Perhaps both are true as part of an enduring legacy. After all, once there was a spot, that for one brief shining moment was known as Camelot.
Yaxchilan Is one of my favorite Mayan sites deep into Mexico. It can be reached only after a small boat ride that takes people into the jungle and the temple where epic story of Lady Xook is told . But should I have found a geocache hidden among the ruins?
When visiting Mayan ruins, we entered the world of Chaac, the God of Rain who brings the Sound of Thunder, even as acid rain threatens what remains. In an area where entire cities and kingdoms depended on rainfall, his importance was clear. He could require sacrifice. In today’s he calls on us to care for the air and water. His voice calls as a warning.
The condor flies above the rocky crags of Pinnacles National Park. They were almost lost to lead poisoning and a changing world. Captive breeding brought them back, and once again, they soar. A creature of myth, legend, and spirit. They endure as part of our soul.
Milk Farm. A sign that is now a roadside attraction, where the cow jumps over the moon. A story in two part harmony, one part fable, about when there was more than a sign here. And when you could get anything you wanted.
Anne Rice escapes definition. She found the divine in the dark and beauty in our eternal longings. She gave vampires a soul. Her portrayal of Christ embraced a miracles to find a deep humanity. Her legacy is one of soul.
Bigfoot, Jerry, and Patty still symbolizes the search for the Hairy Man. And a geocache took us to the Klamath River where it came together. The River defines it all, and since we were last here the dams that held it back have been removed. The salmon again swim upstream.
Frank Sam’s Cabin is on Kootzaduka’a land, the tribe that encompasses Mono Lake. It is a story of endurance, both for the lake that faced depletion for Los Angeles taking its waters and for the People who struggled to maintain their tribal identity even as their land was taken. Even today they seek federal recognition.
AI and geocaching allows Nano Banana to meet Wyatt Earp in Tombstone Territory. That may or may not be for the best, but it’s here. Geocaching has decisions to make. Wyatt just needs to defeat the Clantons at OK Corral. Again.
On a cold rainy day we stopped at the North Pole, Alaska. We encountered memories of Santa Claus Lane, wondered about the Naughty List, and recalled a special story, The Santa Within Me. Our inner Santa is more important than ever. Watch for the Diaries to return in the New Year.