To Paradise

The entrance to Wilbur Hot Springs

I left Douglas's house and checked out Wilbur Hot Springs, a quaint old sulphur springs where people go to "take the waters." I took the waters, soaking in deep troughs called flumes, and having a massage. This place fairly faithfully maintained 19th century style. I personally am nat a great fan 19th century, other than the flowering of homeopathy, and the founding of our first national parks, that century does not to much for me.

Paradise, CA

Going across the central valley, through Chico I felt more and more depressed. Perhaps it was the right wing radio, the after effects of the wine the previous night. Or it could have been an inner knowing that... yes, I left my medicine and my cell phone in Lakeport and would need to go allll the way back the next day. I spent the night in Paradise, because I know it has good views of the Sutter Buttes--which are a personal obsession of mine. But I barely glaced at the Buttes as I raced back across the state the following morning.

South Butte

Two views of South Butte

I stayed an extra couple of days at the Hampton Inn in Yuba City, just to enjoy my solitude, quiet, and air conditioning--which gave me some relief from the awful allergy season we've been having.  Later in the day, when the pollen had subsided, and leisurely morning practices were done, I circumambulated the Buttes by car.

The Maidu people of the central valley called the Buttes Histum Yani, and believed that people's spirits (I guess we would say bardo being in Buddha-speak) come to the tallest mountain in the Buttes when they die, as a layover spot.  I can believe it.  If there are any Maidu people reading this blog, I would love to talk with you about that. According to modern calculations, I suppose this would be South Butte.  I feel it is appropriate now, that this is a telecommunications place for antennae and dishes--invisible links from great distances.  Apparently, Homeland Security has some interest in the top of South Butte also.  That's good, keep that place secure!  It's on a private ranch anyway, that doesn't allow visitors.

Just give me a ride up there one day, please.  One way or another.

Shaeffer Ranch

The general landscape

View of North Butte

The Shaeffer Ranch tour took us into the interior of an old family ranch in the Buttes, a rolling landscape studded with Blue Oak Trees and and volcanic rocks.

The interpretive guide from the Middle Mountain Foundation, and Mr. Shaeffer himself, shared lots of information about the history of the ranch, and the geology and spring wildflowers there.  I noticed how much I have changed.  I used to love that stuff, history and labeling objects.  Now, I am more interested in keeping to myself and watching what comes up internally and externally in the present moment.  There is always plenty of that!

It was a lovely day, with goodhearted people.