Flying to Siberia

 The Cosumnes River Preserve was started in 1987 with the purchase of a relatively small parcel by the Nature Conservancy.   It grew substantially a few years later when an adjacent ranch was purchased.  Susan and I were involved in one of the earliest plantings of native oaks right after the land was purchased.  The preserve has been a major part of our lives and we visited it again just last month.  Every time we return it is like going home.  When we lived in Sacramento, we would take our kayaks out into the meandering delta waters often. 

There are many birds in the preserves and one of our favorites is the return of the Sandhill Cranes in late October.  These birds come from Siberia, Alaska, and the Yukon to the Central Valley each year to avoid the freezing cold of the far north and because of the abundant food supply the Central Valley offers.  They come in great numbers to the Cosumnes River Preserve. 

I love this movie “Winged Migration”.  The French movie follows the migration of birds in Europe over the course of a year.  I’ve often thought of how wonderful it would be to fly with the Cranes each Spring when they leave for the far north.  And finally, one day a few years ago it happened. I remember that day vividly, I was lying on the grass at the preserve, feeling the effects of the weed I had smoked.  The sun was shining, and a breeze was blowing (as it always does there) through the oaks, and everything was peaceful.  That was until a sandhill crane appeared before me.  I was shocked because the bird talked to me. 

The sandhill crane introduced himself and asked if I would like to fly with him and his flock to the north.  He told me about his travels and how he wasn’t sure if he would stop in The Yukon, Alaska, or even fly all the way to Siberia.  He told me he wanted me to join him on the journey and gave me a special magic belt that would allow me to fly with him and all his relatives and friends.

I was hesitant at first but thinking of the movie made me want to go.  So, I put on the magic belt and, before I knew it, I was soaring through the sky with the sandhill crane and his flock.  We flew over the mountains and oceans, and I saw the world as I never had before.  I felt free and alive.  I pushed him on and on as his friends landed.  We pushed all the way across the Bering Straits to Siberia.  I felt free and alive and will never forget that incredible journey.  But how will I get home?  About that time, I heard Susan calling from the visitor center and I woke up.  The journey had ended. 

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