North Coast Winds by Robin Joy Wellman - July 2019

By Joy Wellman

The Sakha people we met were warm and friendly, much like our friends. ( The Sakha are a Turkic ethnic group who mainly live in the Republic of Sakha in the Russian Federation.) They enjoyed sharing stories about their daily lives which are much like many of your lives if you are blessed to live close to the land. They love the simple life. We met the blacksmiths, the cow ranchers, horse ranchers, local school teachers, the woman mayor, and sweet children. Every home pretty much has fresh milk products including horse milk. And every home has an ice storage area under ground used to keep food cold throughout the summer and fall. No need for refrigerators.

Our connection is Fort Ross. Many of the people who came from Siberia as an employee of the Russian American Company were Sakha people. They lived and worked at Colony Ross and often intermarried the local indigenous people. It is a fascinating history and the connection and conversations continue. So blessed to attend their festivals which are much like ours at Fort Ross with singing and dancing.

So please put on your calendar the Fort Ross Festival July 27 starting at 10:00 in the morning. Enjoying the historic recreated fort as it comes alive with costumed people who love sharing. Enjoy food dancing and singing as well as beautiful landscapes. Here is a link for more info https://www.fortross.org/fort-ross-festival-2019.htm

The Point Arena Fourth of July celebrations and parade are both lots of hometown fun July 6 and 7. Street fair. Spectacular fireworks over the ocean and the next day a true family parade. Check out all the details at https://pointarena.ca.gov/2019/04/independence-weekend-celebration-2019/

Many events take place at Gualala Art Center this month including Global Harmony Camp for kids, a large auto show, art openings and music performances. Please check them out at http://gualalaarts.org/category/events/ and Point Arena Theater has several live shows to learn about https://www.arenatheater.org/. I mean come on now, there is plenty to do. There is not enough space in the column to list it all. If you want to get outside, take a stroll in the Gualala Point Regional Park trails and beach, or venture out to the Point Arena Lighthouse https://www.pointarenalighthouse.com/ area including the Stornetta Lands.

In closing I am reminded of the many gifts of friendships and gifts of beautiful land that is around our planet. Most of all enjoy what is in front of you. It’s a beautiful world.