The zig zag path to enjoyment

In the everyday noise and bustle of our lives, we tend to forget the little things that bring us joy, contentment and relaxation. At some point we should just take a step back and allow ourselves to be propelled forward into finding our little slice of wonder and enjoyment.

Take a day or two to forget the everyday humdrum and allow the mind to soar like the birds, letting go of the cares and demands of our everyday existence.

We walked along the pathways leading to the beautiful and scenic English Channel today, taking in the many wonders of nature. Trying to find parking had been a challenge for the bravest of hearts, it seemed everyone had ventured out to enjoy this most lovely of sunshiny days.

The view from the top was a bit daunting, steep steps and the zig zag paths seemed winding down deep and far, while inviting a fragrant trek. The walkway was adorned with a great variety of floral wonders that were easy on the eye but with unusual names like Spurge, Lambs ear and Cabbage trees that looked nothing like cabbages.

The zig zag pathways were built from a queer mishmash of broken pottery, bricks, glass and burnt coal, among other substances which are visible in many spots as one traverses the zigs and zags. There are caves, grottos and rock cliffs, all built from the various substances.

The views going down are breathtaking and divine, the clear blue waters of the Channel appear to invite one in as you make your way down to the multi-colored gravel that leads to the water's edge.

Here you can take your shoes off and actually fall asleep on the therapeutic stones and gravel after a vigorous swim.

This pathway and the sights remind us that such beauty can be found in the seemingly random objects that we would quickly discard as unwanted, yet when blended together, produces an amazing and delectably gratifying enjoyment.

I realize that the same can be said of people. Is there not a great mishmash and diverse mixture of individuals that make up this amazing planet. Earlier we had gone walking along the lovely White Cliffs of Dover. As we walked along the steep, sometimes quite precarious rambling byways, there were folks from very many nationalities going to and from. What struck me most were the many different languages intermingled with the harmony and cacophony of voices that sounded like music to the ears, and I marveled at the wondrous world in which we lived.

Birds were perched everywhere, seemingly oblivious to the foot traffic passing by. That was such a curious peculiarity.

We exist across the distances, yet the marvel of technology and the technologically brilliant can bring us all together on the same day, at the same time, we may not even understand what we each are saying, but the pleasant hellos, a kind gesture, the holding of a gate, making room for each others children, the standing aside to allow each other to pass along a particularly tiny footpath, all combined to make us appreciate, treasure and cherish these refreshing moments in time.

The sun was brilliantly hot early in the day, and the trail meandered and wove into picturesque and amazing views of the waters. In the distance the coastal view of France was visible through the light haze as birds floated overhead. The barges and ferries transporting vehicles and people slowly and lazily floated by preening and flaunting their colors and dissonant sounds.

Having read books, poems and heard songs about the White Cliffs of Dover, they did not at all prepare me for the two and a half miles trek, the ground and embankment being comprised of mainly chalk and gravely narrow trail ways that stretched seemingly into forever along the cliffs. It was absolutely amazing, if very tiring. One had to sit and take frequent water breaks as the miles went uphill. downhill, around and onwards.

Many different varieties of strange floral oddities were blooming everywhere.

Towards the end of this interesting panoramic journey, there is the Fan Bay Deep Shelter, and at the very end sits the Dover Lighthouse.

These historical sites make for interesting reading.

Having conquered the cliffs going forward, it is now time for the return journey. Almost everyone could be seen perched on various levels, crags, overhangs, nooks and crannies as they soaked up the sun and rested for the reverse trip of this scenic adventure. Children were running along seemingly un-winded, enjoying the zeal of youth and the fresh air.

The waters of the Strait of Dover welcomed it's visitors with a peaceful, calm, relaxing and soothing panorama of tiny waves, undulating and lulling one to sleep with the sounds of birds chirping overhead. After a well earned restful and tranquil sojourn, we start the return leg of our walkabout. This was a little harder as there were uphill hurdles to overcome.

We retraced our steps and bade a fond goodbye to a much enjoyable and memorable visit to the Cliffs of dover. This great start to the day propelled us on to the next leg of our visit.

Our next venture was a gentle boat ride with the Canterbury Historic river tour.

Next we espied the gorgeous palatial tops of the Canterbury Cathedral jutting out above the various buildings. Except for the top peeking out, the building is completed obscured from view. A fee is required at the entrance.

There were long lines of folks trying to get a great view of the famous Canterbury Cathedral. The wait being too long for us, we got pictures of the best views available from the outside, which meant just the top section while envying the birds their overhead view.

Finally, after an exhausting but thoroughly enjoyable two days, a final dipping of feet into the English channel ends the days of activities.

Days well spent are priceless.

To the people we meet along life's highways and byways, though our paths cross but fleetingly, a day well spent in good company is worth timeless memories and happy thoughts.

Cheers!

N.A.