The sign on Highway 1 for Doran Beach showed that the parking lot was FULL. Since it was late afternoon we figured that some people would most likely be leaving by now so we headed there anyway confident that we’d find a place to park. The road to Doran winds downhill through a small grove of tall cypress trees. As you break through the trees you catch the first glimpse of the beach. This is a gem of a place. The beach stretches over two miles from a rocky point at its southern end to the inlet of Bodega Bay in the north. Rolling dunes give way to golden sand that’s glittering like jewels on this crystal clear day. The sun dances on the water, making diamond patterns upon its surface. Gentle waves break rhythmically onto the shore, scattering tiny plovers that are drilling the wet sand in search of food. Cirrus clouds are broad, brushstrokes against the azure sky.
Today is no ordinary trip to the beach. Since shelter in place took effect in mid-March we’ve been locked down along with the other 39.2 million Californians. The entire Sonoma County coast has been closed. This is the first day that beaches have been opened and we’re taking advantage of it.
Like the prescient refrain of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi, I really didn’t know what I had until it was gone. Stepping out of the car with my family I was hit with the intoxicating smell of the ocean, the sound of the waves and the sight of people as delighted to be here as we were. I was nearly overcome with emotion. I just stood there for a few moments, breathed deeply and tried to take it all in. I felt such gratitude. My family and I were safe and together at a place where we’ve shared so many special times. The fear and paranoia that’s been sitting on our community like a fog has at least temporarily been blown away by the wind and the sun and the waves of this most magical spot on the planet. We grabbed our gear and headed down the beach. I love walking barefoot in sand. It takes some extra effort to get from Point A to Point B so I always feel a small sense of accomplishment when I get to where I’m going. Small waves played out in our path, the frigid water felt invigorating on my feet. I was seeing Doran Beach in a whole new light. There are many people here today. No one wore a mask, no one needed to wear a mask. The beach is the ideal place to practice social distancing. As I saw the joy on people’s faces I realized that one of the things I’ve been missing most is seeing people smile. It seems like all of us here today are letting out a collective sigh of relief.
The ongoing Covid-19 crisis is showing us something that we all know intrinsically but sadly too often forget and that’s how quickly the things we love can be taken away from us. One lesson that I continue to learn is the importance of living in the moment. That’s easier said than done but nowadays I’m trying like hell to cherish and appreciate what I have when I have it. As things gradually loosen up and we begin to get back to some semblance of normalcy, I’ve got some advise for you. If there’s a friend you want to see, make plans with them today. If there’s a place you want to visit, go now. A restaurant? A movie? A favorite hike? How about hugs? Oh my god, when this thing is over and it’s safe to do so, there are a few people I plan on hugging whom I may never let go of. Do it now! Savor the moment! Take part in life! Joni’s words have never rang truer.
Don’t it always seem to go
That you don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone