DO YOU WANT OR DESERVE PRIVACY?-THE WEEKENDER

NOBODIES READING YOUR STUFF, SO...

     It's late, your mate has gone to bed and you are getting to delayed emails. You're sleepy, your patience is waning and something a friend has written prompts you to burn a politician or in a moment of anger-driven overstatement you threaten an act you would never do.  You know you would never seriously even entertain such an idea and your correspondent knows that, but what about the algorithmic watcher?

     There's no way you'd ever cheat on your husband but a foreign account executive with whom you do business regularly loves to flirt, and you flirt back, all in fun and in the sake of business relationships. Nothing serious to it, even when there is an occasional passing comment that might sound akin to Fifty Shades of Gray. It's just play, but does a government cell call listener know that?

     Or maybe you and your lover, frustrated by a long distance and a separation crank up your endorphins with some intimate conversation.  Is that anyone's business?

     Perhaps you and like minded folks find the only way to get some political action is to plan a protest or demonstration and you discuss civil disobedience. You are only talking and the most dangerous outcome of your pipe dreaming would be maybe a sit in. Should big brother be snooping into your conversations?

     These scenarios are modern dilemmas and they are getting no simpler. Exercise your thoughts for a moment by considering what these folks have to say.

THE WEEKENDER LIGHT

    Here's some wisdom for you, direct from the recently poured cement at my daughter's cooperative apartment.

    And some of us may remember getting into trouble for 

leaving initials in new sidewalks or driveways.

THE COLORS OF A CONTROLLED BURN

    The drive south on the Pacific Coast Highway had an extra bit of color in the sky today.  Cal Fire was conducting a "controlled burn" on about 195 acres near the Harmony Headlands State Park.  

See you down the trail.

GET OUT AND WALK

       It is hard to imagine ever being outside enough.  As a school kid, freedom seemed to breath, whenever we were permitted outside.  Working as a journalist gave me plenty of opportunity for being outside, until I began managing news operations or companies. Then I'd bound out, just to walk a few blocks, to get outside, whenever I could.  So as spring envelopes the country, let me urge you to take a walk.  In that spirit, here's a look at 

A WORLD CLASS WALK

          The Harmony Headlands State Park is 784 acres between Highway 1 and the Pacific about five minutes north of Cayucos and south of Cambria. It offers a spectacular approximately two mile hike out to a marine terrace.  It has become one of our favorites and it is often on the Cambria Walking Bunch's list.

          According to locals in the know, the land had been in the State Park System for some five years, but never opened to the public.  The story goes that Clint Eastwood, who lives about 2 hours north in Carmel, was down for an occasion and as a member of a state commission walked the trail.  He asked why it wasn't open and communicated with his friend and then Governor Schwarzenegger.  Shortly thereafter the trail was opened to the public.

            If you spend much time in this area of the Central Coast you get an urge to go wondering over the rolling hills and into valleys and canyons.

            The Headlands trail, gives you that opportunity and takes you by precious wetlands and fragile environs.

              After winding between slopes the trail opens to majestic views of the Pacific.

The trail works along pristine coastal bluffs.

In the spring, it offers a wild flower show.

lots of blooms this time of year

This is a somewhat exotic, called  Humming Bird Sage.

If you like hikes, and are in the area, the Harmony Headlands State Park is a great opportunity. Regardless of where you live, go talk a walk.
See you down the trail.