June 24, 2016 Rest Day in Ashland

Awoke to another perfectly beautiful day. Cool temps and bright blue sky. Most importantly, good coffee and peaceful silence in which to read, study and pray to start the day. I am a big fan of Richard Rohr, and while on this ride have been studying his book "Simplicity - the Freedom of Letting Go". I especially enjoyed the chapter on contemplative prayer. Emptying out the mind of distractions and everyday concerns in order to create soul space in which we listen and recognize whatever it is that we are meant to hear and/or learn in the present moment.  A way of centering myself as I begin the day. The emphasis here is on "listening" and really "hearing". I confess sometimes I don't hear anything at all when I sit in quiet. Or I have difficulty letting go of anxious thoughts about the future, over which I have no control.  Other times, I may just feel and experience a general sense of well-being or grace - unmerited blessings or favor. Or a comforting awareness that no matter how difficult or sad the circumstances I am facing, I am not alone. I am loved. Every once in a while, I will get a clear message. In any event, and most significantly, I almost always emerge with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I feel thankful for all that I am blessed to experience - good and bad - because it allows me to feel compassion for others in their circumstances. Out of compassion, I can feel love for others. And isn't that what it is all about anyway? Just to be clear, those who know me also know I am no saint and often do not walk the walk perfectly. I am well aware of my own personality quirks and shortcomings. However, I do aspire to learn and grow in my ability to hear, see and do it differently. And contemplative prayer has become a mainstay in that process.

Often, when I ride my bike in such beautiful surroundings as Oregon - especially and most recently the Crater Lake experience - I feel as though I am engaged in a contemplative prayer-like experience. I love the physicality, combined with the awe and wonder of God's creation. It opens my heart, and in that space I know that God's creation is good. And, as one of God's creations, I am good.

On to the day...

I had a wonderful breakfast of granola with fresh blueberries and toasted cranberry bread. John, Suzanne and I started reminiscing and telling Camino stories, as I had my Camino slideshow rolling in the background on my iPad. 

We then took off on a tour of Ashland. Suzanne is an expert tour guide and a wealth of information. I can not even begin to recount all she taught us. But it was fascinating. She educated us on the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and all the history and current goings on in Ashland. We rode through the beautiful neighborhoods surrounding the city, and saw the hills and parks through which John and Suzanne regularly hike. We then parked the car and walked to town.

We saw the various theatres and complex where the Oregon Shakespeare Festival is located. OSF is internationally known and recognized, and the work is amazing. I believe the season is approximately 10 months long. There were a group of college students practicing at a small outdoor stage before a grassy knoll for the performance on the Green Stage later that evening. The large Elizabethan Theatre next door was an impressive stage where the Shakesperian plays are performed. And there are several other theatres adjacent. So, there are all sorts of plays and events going on simultaneously. Suzanne and I went to the box office and were able to purchase tickets for the evening's performance of Winter's Night Tale at the Elizabethan Theatre. More on that later.

We continued to meander down the streets of Ashland, noticing the unique architecture of the buildings and the various shops and stores. Ended up at the spot where the Lithia Water fountains were located. Randy and I took a drink of the rather pungent tasting water.

Suzanne then took us to a side street where the city had commissioned the painting of a huge wall mural. Loreta, the artist whose work had been selected, was present, as well as three others whose work she was directing. A colorful and impressive painting.

We meandered down along the stream to an outdoor restaurant, where we had a lovely lunch. Then headed back to the house to rest and relax for the afternoon.

When we got back to the house, I spread out my tent to air out and tested the new sleeping pad. Suzanne actually got in the tent and indicated her approval of the new setup. Looks like a definite improvement if/when we next camp.

After an afternoon nap, and a lovely dinner on the porch, Suzanne and I drove in to go to the play. Amazingly, we found a parking spot almost right next to the theatre. One of those non-coincidence coincidences, since we were a little short on time and the parking garage was full, as well as all the side streets. We had superb front row seats in the balcony, and the play was fantastic. I had read up on the story behind The Winter's Tale so I would know what was going on. This Shakespeare play was presented from the perspective of the Chinese Han dynasty and the Bohemian American West. If that sounds a little odd, you are right. But it worked. My favorite part was the "hoedown" (?) dance performed by the Bohemians in their colorful Western theme costumes that was performed just before the lead characters returned to the Chinese Han dynasty for the completion of the story. Everything comes together and there is a happy ending. 

Fell into bed exhausted and exhilarated after a wonderful day. I realize after reading this how poor a job I have done describing with any detail all that we saw and did. Like I said, Suzanne is fantastic as a tour guide and I could not begin to adequately summarize all we saw and learned today. We learned first hand why Ashland is such a desirable place to visit and live, and I would love to return some day.