We gathered at the beach ¹ around 10 o'clock on a misty, April morning. All told, our group was about 30 people strong and ranged in age from young children to Elders. As I approached the Redwood Circles Banner I saw many faces I recognized and quite a few that were new to me; folks from three counties and all walks of life had come to this place to lend a hand.²

We shared the beach with about 20 other people from two environmental organizations: the Marine Sanctuary and another group called Save Our Shores.³ Our three groups got on very well together, not surprising as we all share a deep love of the earth and her creatures.

Jeri from Redwood Circles was in charge of the Clean Up Brigade. She had things well organized when I arrived. Each Clean Up Crew Member was given two trash bags (for recyclable and non-recyclable trash), told the best places to look and what was needed. Redwood Circles also provided a table piled high with munchies, water and sodas. Her husband Bill had warm fire going in one of the fire pits and beach chairs available in case anyone got cold or wanted to rest. Thank you, Jeri and Bill!⁴

Bags in hand, we spread out along the beach, laughing and talking as we picked up stray trash and kept an eye our for larger debris. My favorite spot on this beach is the place where the river meets the sea. This area attracts a good variety of bird life. We used this place to introduce some of the children among us to their feathered neighbors. Much of the trash we collected presents a danger to both avian and human young and our work that day made Twin Lakes Beach a safer place for both.

Our Clean Up Crew worked until 12:30 and then we regrouped around the bonfire for a bit of food and a group picture. Some of our folk then left for other engagements. A core group of about 15 people stayed behind for the Full Circle Beach Party. The sun came out from behind the clouds at around 1 o'clock. The day turned sunny and warm. Guitars, rattles and drums appeared, more wood was piled on the fire and we passed around food and drink while the music makers got a rhythm started. I sat back in my beach chair and watched a young woman teach two little girls how to drum to the beat. I felt grateful for the day and for these people. This is the very sort of community we at Full Circles want to help create, a group of peaceful, fun-loving folk who celebrate and protect the beauty of our planet. I felt very proud and happy to be there.

More folks arrived as the day went on and we sat around visiting, telling stories and relaxing under the sun. The party lasted till about 4:30 and then the day turned cold, so folks hugged one another, said their goodbyes and went on their Merry Ways.

Come July, we'll meet back at this beach again. Why don't you join us?

Blessed Be,

Denise

1. Twin Lakes State beach is a magical place. You won't find the huge crowds here that you find at some other beaches in Santa Cruz. At night it offers a safe spot to sit with friends around a bonfire. Drumming circles love to come and play here. But alas, we humans are a messy species and lately Twin Lakes has become soiled by the debris some beachgoers tend to leave behind. So when Jay from Redwood Circles told us that his group was going out to clean the beach, our Council voted to join in the effort to help restore one of Gaia's more beautiful spots to it's natural condition.

2. The prize for "Traveling Far To Do Good" goes to a gal from Georgia. "Merry Meet" to the Systems Analyst who was in town on business. She came by to help us clean the beach in the morning and stayed to party with us in the afternoon. We all enjoyed meeting her and we hope to see her again, someday.

3. For more information about Save Our Shores, call (831) 462-5660

4. I would also like to say "Thank you" to that nice guy from the Marine Sanctuary who arrived with two large, metal pots of hot coffee which he very generously shared. I didn't get his name, but whoever you are, may the Java Goddess bless your caffienated heart.