Egídio asks us to present photos that “reveal an emotional state of melancholic or profoundly nostalgic longing for a beloved yet absent someone or something.” First, I love this Portuguese word; saudade. Often, I’m taken by a memory that is melancholic or nostalgic, though somehow neither word, alone, captures the essence of the impression. These are elusive whiffs of thought that cause an instant ache when I summon the feelings of the moment, and at the same time, I understand it cannot be re-created.
For thirty years (1983-2013), Creighton and I had our summer vacation at Beach Haven Resort, on Orcas Island. It was a perfect place for me to begin to decompress after another year counseling at a large suburban high school.
We took our 10 speed (alpine gearing) bicycles with us, and every day explored different parts of Orcas, and then ventured further, taking the Ferry to other Islands. Eventually we challenged ourselves to a yearly bicycle pedal from our cabin at sea level, to the top of Mt. Constitution. These photos were taken by Creighton (around 1987) on the road from Moran State Park to the summit, a rise of 1800 ft (548 meters) in 4.8 miles (7.7 K).
Those were the days! There is no way we could make that ride now. Age and balance have taken their toll. Still, I loved visiting the islands and would enjoy returning sometime.
Throughout the summer months Creighton and I stay at our home in Vancouver, WA to avoid the tourist season, and to allow our Long Beach, WA condominium to be available for guests. By mid-August, I start to feel the sense of longing to get back out to the fresh ocean scents, the absence of freeway noise and no air traffic thundering above me.
And, here we are. Which is why I’m so late getting this post completed! Last night’s sunset was another stunner, and the roar I hear in the distance is of the ocean, not of traffic. I feel so fortunate!
Lindy Low LeCoq 