The Places that Don't Change ...

A Beautiful Day on the Lake.

  There are those places that don’t seem to change. Home tends to change over the years as the place we grew up evolves and our friend’s change with the opportunities that life throws at them. In the many blessing of life, we have those few things that don’t change no matter how long we are away from them.

A Late Winter Hike.

Looking at Mount Diablo from Dodge Ridge.

Pinecrest seems to be that place that does not change. The trees still tower above the forest floor and the lake still echoes the sound of the families that pay homage to this small paradise. The stars seem to shine as they did hundreds of years ago before man created cities of light and steel. I have been coming here since I was five years old, and my family long before that. The marina looks as it did forty years ago and the restaurant, general store and sport shop are supported by the beams that once supported the railroad track in the area. Our funky cabin lies at the top of a small hill, surrounded by the majesty of the wildlife, evergreens, and verdant granite passes that encompass the lake. Before the cabin, we camped at the lake, oftentimes seeing the same families year after year. Memorable days of sailing, kick the can and king of the rock. I would gladly recall the memories I have of this place, but that would take a book, and my cousin has that covered in the book he intends to write about our family.

The calm waters of the morning.

The Inlet.

 

Looking down from Cleo's Bath.

Flying the Hull on the Hobie Cat.

 Pinecrest has always been about the family, as it has been the annual rendezvous. Patiently watching as our family has evolved from a group of renegade children being chased by exhausted parents to a well-rounded group of educated individuals. The many stories and discussions around the campfire influenced the choices made and ill fated conversations eroded by too much wine. The sound of “Elmer” shouted at the top of our lungs and heard throughout the forest, or the annual Conner Roast that would often times recount an embarrassing moment for many of us that year.

Winter Sledding at the Marina.

Enjoying some shade on the river.

The lake drained during the winter.

I had the opportunity to live up here and it was the reason I joined the Coast Guard. Amidst the beauty of this place, I did a fair amount of soul searching. I had some jobs that were enjoyable, met some amazing people and forged some friendships that will last a lifetime. At some point I realized that I needed some change in my life. That there were things I wanted to do that could not be done in this absolutely beautiful place, that does not seem to change. Since then, my life has been a grand adventure.

Dardanelles from Above.

Now standing here after being away, I am reminded of the joy this place has brought me. I can come here to clear my head and get away from everything. No matter where I am, I know that the lake, the stars and the trees are patiently waiting.