DAY 1124: Landed On a Mountain

I have never been so afraid for my life in the 6,000+ miles I’ve driven Karma as my last 10 miles. They were the end of a fairly pleasant 150- mile drive to New Castle, VA to meet up again with Nat and Don today. (The same Nat and Don who introduced me to Avalon State Beach, replaced my lock and ignition on December 26 last year, and were there when my fridge crapped out - twice.)

I have driven over mountains in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Pennsylvania. They did nothing to prepare me for today. The steep hairpin turns, the drop offs, and the switchbacks going down what had to be the steepest incline I have ever seen. There was some breathtaking scenery, like when I forced my eyes off the white line to see I was at the same altitude as the mountain on the other side of the valley that had a peak at eye level.

I called to every goddess, guardian, ancestors who had driven farm equipment, and everyone else I could think of. I kept reminding myself to paste a smile on my face to counteract fear. I also had to remind myself to breath and loosen my death grip on the wheel. I drove on the inside lane when there was no oncoming vehicles. I practically came to a compete stop going around some corners where the road was pitched downward to slide me over the edge.

But I made it. I f*ckin' made it. This crone did something she would never have thought she could. I stopped shaking on the outside long before I stopped shaking on the inside.

I can touch the stars from here, ending a magical day, from waking up to see the sunrise, a shower at Planet Fitness followed by ten minutes in the massage chair, and time for my morning practice where the word for the day (reflect - which I am), the womansrune I pulled (The Winged Heart for awe, ecstasy, and union with the goddess) and the mood for the day (Can Do!) all set the tone. I had family and friends sending prayers and energy that was there when I needed it. Another big blessing was deciding to stop 30 miles out at a Lutheran church. (Thank you Daddy. And Diane, the labyrinth on the property made me think of you and all walked and all you've conquered, not knowing I'd soon grab the black obsidian always hanging by the shift.) I was hungry and I needed to stretch my legs, so I make a sandwich and just sat for a bit. Had I not taken that time to rest and refresh, and kept pushing on as I am often apt to do, I never would have made it.

It feels like midnight, and it's not even 9pm.

Along with this happy arrival picture, I posted additional photos from previous days. Cold days. Days all I could manage was to get as warm as possible, drive, eat, plan the next day's route, and get under the covers to stay warm.

Thank you for following along.