Run off the road, from Behind (just outside Santa Barbara)
It’s tour day #320 and it happened for the 2nd time on our 11,000 mile roadside running journey. Yesterday Steph and I were running along some of the most scenic roadway we’ve set feet on, just outside Santa Barbara. And after JUST thinking “what an amazing section of road, ocean below, thick canopy of trees and almost no traffic”, it happened.
From out of nowhere, a stream of cars (going the posted 20 miles per hour) were being passed by the IDIOT driver of the Dodge Durango in the back, intent on passing with 800 feet to go before a hairpin turn. And using the small single country lane WE were running along, as his path to get there!
Too close folks. This one was scary. I almost lost my breakfast as the roar of the engine screamed past and the energy and force of an SUV doing 50 right beside you from behind, made our lives flash before us when we realized how close he’d come to making us a memory. Even the guy in the back car was shaking his head in disbelief as he too, saw the whole scenario and how close this (did I mention idiot) came to wiping two runners from the Planet because of his desire to get to the front of the line.
We want to say thank you to the groups who are praying for our safety and I tell you all, it’s working! Just keep doing it if you all wouldn’t mind, we have 7 ½ weeks remaining and want to ensure we make it home.
The day ended up being one those “magic run days” (regardless of the aforementioned), and we spent the rest of it running along highway 101, with awe inspiring views of the Pacific beside us, up and down hills covered in fresh spring grass and ended up running along a road at the top of this long climb which looked like it was right out of the movie, “Narnia” (according to Amber). I thought it looked like the picture on the “Hidden Valley Ranch” salad dressing bottle. Amber’s description is better. It was storybook magic!
On the last pull of the day, Steph and I stopped to “visit nature” and realized we were looking at the sign for a beautiful ranch across the street. Steph exclaimed, “it’s a meditation retreat”! I exclaimed, “it’s a mediation retreat”. Bad eyesight, as Steph was correct upon closer reading. We got the full story from the driver of the truck, coming from the property. Steph stopped him and asked some questions about this hidden hideaway in the hills. The drivers name was Haiko, and he works here on the ranch and after telling him what we were doing out here, he said to give owner, Barbara a call and see if we could camp here.
The ranch is called “Sunburst Center” and it is a 4,000-acre working ranch and meditation retreat. Owner, Barbara was most gracious and invited us to camp here for the night and join in the early morning meditation set for 6:30am. As of this typing, that’s about 40 minutes from now.
Have a great day everyone! We are here because of your continued energy and belief in the dream and because of your eyes, reading these early morning two finger, typing sessions.
…that’s WAY too close for comfort. Be safe out there!
Comment by Steve — Monday, March 30, 2009 @ 6:03 am
yikes! that sounds super scary. i’m glad you’re all o.k. and you were able to appreciate the narnia magic scenery the rest of the day.
stay safe!
Comment by lisa — Tuesday, March 31, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Why are so many people in a rush. Perhaps, that idiot driver is
in a rush to die and, unintentionally, take some people with him!
If he leaves this earth now, he will not only fail to enjoy the earth
now, but also fail to enjoy the improved green planet earth that you
incredible people are promoting.
Keep up the good work and don’t let the wolves scare ya.
Keith
Comment by Keith — Friday, April 3, 2009 @ 1:01 pm