Chasing Down the Muse: How many secret locations does Laguna keep hidden?

Change it up. Recently, these words turned a morning walk into a mid-morning walk. It was, as change often is, a good thing.

Birdsong had filled the air for several hours, without letup. The sun was shining bright, creating shimmer on the sea at the later hour. The usual early-morning surfers were nowhere to be seen. Early-morning walkers were off into their day, to be replaced by leisurely strollers.

Encountering two young ladies who had a question regarding a nearby cliff-front park, I asked where they were from, thinking of course that they were tourists because of the question.

“We’re from here,” they said in unison, with a laugh.

After I directed them to Crescent Bay Park, which was where I thought they were wanting to go — “a park on a cliff where you can hear seals” — I walked on, wondering how many “secret” spots there are in Laguna Beach that even the locals might not know about. Even in a small town, it is often not easy to be aware of all the nooks and crannies of the various neighborhoods.

I remembered a time when I had encountered friend Jack Sexton at the north end of Heisler Park. We chatted for a bit, catching up, as we gazed out over the blue ocean, gulls and pelicans swooping overhead. I’m not sure exactly how it came up, but he asked if I had ever taken the pathway right behind us. “What?” I asked, whipping my head around. And there it was, one of those secret spots.

“How long has that been there?” I asked. Jack’s reply of “forever” surprised me. I had lived in the north end near there many years ago, walked the pathways and streets, and somehow missed it. An idea sparked.

What if I sought out these so-called secret places? There were so many possibilities. I knew of some. I was sure there were many.

Several years ago I had set out to walk all the alleyways of Laguna. I actually think I got to most of them. Most folks probably would not find alleyways that fascinating, but I did. It was such a different and mostly hidden view of Laguna.

So when Jack sparked my interest in the “secret” places of Laguna, I thought I was off and running.

Well, life got in the way, and I have not followed the instinct to explore but just a wee bit. Now that the young ladies encountered on my walk awoke the challenge, I’m up for it this time, I think. Just need to shake this nagging cold.

If you are privy to any hidden places, please let me know via email.

And you should check out the alleyways. It never hurts to be a tourist in your own town, to see things with new eyes. Have some fun with it.

CHERRIL DOTY is an artist, writer, and teacher who embraces the mystery and magic of all that is life. You can reach her at (714) 745-9973 or by email at [email protected].