Contact Michele
Welcome to Coastland Contemplation, a column intended as inspirational entertainment. I'm Michele Oksen.
My home, since 1983, is a remote cabin in the Santa Lucia Mountains between Cambria and Paso Robles. I overlook Lake Nacimiento from land my grandfather traded a horse and some tires for in the early 1930's.
My sincere hope is that each month you will join me for an online nature walk somewhere in these magnificent Pacific coastlands. Each time we step into the virtual great outdoors together I aspire to, with nature's guidance, encourage you to find opportunities to contemplate life and evolution.
Contact Marcia
In 2004, Marcia Rhoades and her husband, John, moved from Salt Lake City to Cambria. Life at their Grace Meadows Ranch in the Santa Lucia Mountains gives Marcia endless opportunities to photograph wildlife and the natural beauty of the Central Coast. |
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Coulter Pines – From Earth to Heaven
by Michele Oksen
Years ago it was customary that my parents, brother, and I venture into the heart of the Santa Lucia Mountains to our property, select, and harvest the perfect Christmas tree. Of course, nowadays we buy a live tree and plant it after the holidays, but back in the 1960's we had a different tradition. Somewhere to the side of the truck trail, usually on the uphill slope, we'd see an appropriate sized Coulter pine, cut it down, strap it onto the top of the station wagon, and haul it home.
Never seen a Coulter pine tree? Look at much of our SLO coast's mountain ridge line and you'll see their silhouettes tickling the clouds. Coulter pine trees grow to heights of eighty feet and are also known as the 'big cone pine' or sometimes the 'widow maker.' Their pinecones are the size of pineapples and are the heaviest in the world.
Akin to a Charlie Brown Christmas tree, a Coulter pine tree has to have stout branches to support its fruit—branches that are far enough away from each other they're quite climbable. The spacing of them may be atypical for hanging ornaments but seem perfect for steps and handholds on a spiraling staircase. The perfection, as I see it, is not in its promise to deck our halls but rather in its ability to spruce up our lives with an example of progress toward enlightenment.
Just imagine yourself climbing this towering tree. It has gooey sparkling pitch that drips down the straight trunk and onto the strong branches and cones that could deliver a knockout blow. Okay, now reach out and grasp the rough and gummy surface. As you scale the tree remember to breathe in the refreshing sensations. Marvel at the beauty that surrounds you. The higher you go the more enhanced your view.
Your goal is to ascend the tree in an effort to reach the heavens. To accomplish this you must move past the challenges, annoyances, and difficulties. But as you pull yourself along you notice your fingers are covered with troublesome resin and bark. Not only that, you perceive the cones are threatening to thump you. Feeling uneasy, you—quite naturally—want to rid yourself of the fear and stress immediately. However, when you think about it for a second, you realize anger will distract you and acting out will loosen your grip. Is it a good time for reason and faith as you spiral up this tree fraught with perils? You bet it is.
As with any sticky situation in life, the choices are clear. You can fight, give up, let go, and plummet. You can stay clinging to the current level you occupy. Or, you can decide to enjoy the scenery as you continue your arduous ascent.
To choose to go upward in the face of adversity requires strength. It's not easy to advance while holding on for your life and dodging falling cones. But when your earth experience gets tough and the wind blows your boughs, it can serve as an opportunity for you to take another step in the direction of Christ consciousness.
Merry Christmas from somewhere up a tree in the mountains. See you at the top.
Baby Coulter Pine Tree
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Photos by Marcia Rhoades.
Banner image by Fugle
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