Haven’t been back to Indian Grinding Rock SHP for awhile. Different from last time during their annual Big Time Gathering, this time it’s almost empty. It’s a perfect place to soak in serenity.
Strolling around the path, the ground almost echoes our steps. The traditional bark houses quietly nesting on the open field, randomly. It is the largest grinding rock in north America, Chaw’se. in the Miwok language. In their culture, a rock is a living thing, it embodies the seasons that have passed on it and slow grinding by Miwok women for thousands of years. Those well defined holes carrying the Sierra rain, the foothill dust, the songs of Miwok ladies, the food that nurtured their culture and the legends of ancestors. In this regard, history is touchable.
Sweat houses always intrigue me, a vision will be granted through the link of a genuine heart and a sacred place, a call will be answered.
The statue of Miwok dancer with eyes covered caught my attention. It’s said during the ceremony, they cover the eyes to help the individual shut out worldly distractions. This allows the dancer to shift their focus inward, entering the proper spiritual mindset required for sacred ceremonies. Sometimes when the eyes shut, the heart will open. The real connection is not through eyes.
Leaving the mountain, we wrapped up with a true local pizza. In Pine Grove, there’s only one pizza place. We took our chances, inside, seems bigger than outside. A post plaque caught my eyes, by John Muir,” And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” We picked the right place!
The clouds reflecting sunset hanging low on the horizon, the foothills are open and gracious. It’s a wonderful trip, with Miwok enchanted peace, delicious mountain pizza and glorious foothill sunset seeing us off the mountain.
