Philip Yorio

Opening the Ocean

This trail leading to the Pacific Ocean from a small town in Northern California is as majestic as it gets. Couples go there to propose to their loved ones and artists go there to dream up the next great piece of art and literature. For me, I was lucky enough to call it a backyard. From the first time I took a step down this beautiful around 2 mile trail I was hooked. Along the way there are beautiful plains and hills as well as horses and stables all leading toward the ocean. When I think of great writers and artists who have or may have been inspired by this trail, I think of Jack Kerouac, Mark Twain, a calm Jackson Pollack, a whimsical Andy Warhol and Alan Ginsberg to name a few. I only get to visit home a few times a year these days and when I’m there I always try to get a group or my family to walk the trail. But if that’s not the case which is only natural, making the trip solo with a nice podcast or playlist still makes the trip worthwhile. In the end it’s all about the journey and the wild road that guides us to the destination we all strive for. And when the destination is a view like this, I work my tail off day in day out to see it a couple times a year. When you think of wonders around the world, some that come to mind are: Machu Picchu, The Great Wall of China, The Pyramids of Egypt, and The Grand Canyon to name a few. Then you have those natural wonders like the Amazon, Italian Alps, the Cliffs of Moher, any California Sunset, the beautiful deserts of the Southwest in the United States and the Australian Outback. If you never got to see some of these places, Tennessee Valley would suffice. I honestly am occasionally moved to tears at the end, from a perspective that the struggle from year to year can be brutal. We battle medical problems, financial problems, social and emotional problems, and overall political problems. These days simple things like a calm and beautiful walk bring respite to all of us who battle hardships day in and day out. Having that sanctuary to fall back on can bring us hope, a simple smile, a tear and sometimes a wonderful memory that can turn what seemed like a horrible day into a good one. I think of stories like Cheryl Strayed and Forrest Gump going on epic runs and walks over vast landscapes running for hope, happiness, salvation and in the case of Forrest, he just felt like running. I like to think given those shoes by his love Jennie pushed him out the door and brought them back together in the end and that gives me hope. Everyday we step outside the door not knowing what we'll run into. Sometimes our day to day lives can get stagnant but something as simple as feeling the wind hit your face as you walk out, the sunrise as you walk to the train or exit your driveway can bring a smile and a sense of curiosity for one. This trail is one that may not be in the record books or bring the world together, but if there was a place to escape for a short while with a loved one or to be at peace Tennessee Valley would fit that description. When you look over the hill looking down at the ocean, with the mist tickling your face a sense of tranquility comes to mind for me and that is paradise. In conclusion, we all come to that fork in the road at some point whether it be at 10, 20 or even 40 where we have to confront a vital and sometimes life changing decision but before I take that step, a walk down Tennessee Valley makes that choice far more simple.