30th Anniversary, Part Two

“Don’t run.  Be big and brave.  Fight back.”

These were the words on a poster advising guests what to do if they encounter a bear or a mountain lion while at the resort where Chauncey and Eleanor were celebrating their 30^th wedding anniversary.  Eleanor and Chauncey laughed.  Eleanor said the words were good advice for many life situations.  Chauncey said he hoped he did not have to use them for their original intention. 

They were off to the beach on foot having been told by staff that the bikes were only for use on the resort premises.  As they crossed the road, a family of 8 came riding back from the beach on bikes clearly labeled with the name of the resort.  “Another one of those strictly enforced rules,” complained Chauncey.

Chauncey’s mood lightened as they walked on a footpath to the beach through a jungle of trees, vines and bushes.  Some of the trees had tiny blue berries on them but not the kind you may eat.  Chauncey told Eleanor about the Chumash Indians who had lived in the area and called it ajuilashmu, which means place of celebration, added Chauncey.  Eleanor told Chauncey that the maze of greenery on either side of the path reminded her of Key Biscayne where Eleanor spent her childhood.

Anacapa shimmered like a mirage. 

The sun was reflecting off the ocean when they got to the beach.  Chauncey spotted dolphins and said, “It must be a good beach if the dolphins are here.”  They settled into their chairs and watched the dolphins travel north along the coast. Far off, Anacapa shimmered like a mirage.

Inspired by a group of young adolescent boys bobbing in the waves, Eleanor announced she was going in the water.  No wet suit.  Just a boogie board.  She rode waves that were small but powerful and dunked under the bigger ones.  Chauncey joined her. When the tide came in, the rides got shorter and they got out.

They toasted to 30 years of marriage.

Back at the cabin by the creek, Chauncey and Eleanor sat in directors chairs and toasted to thirty years of marriage.  They toasted to all those who had guided them along the way.  They talked about what drew them to each other and what they most respected.  They considered the times when they had not run, were big and brave and fought back.  A skunk wandered past them just as they finished the last of the champagne.