Please join our recent Shuso Joden Bob Rose on a ritual circumambulation around Heart Lake, with ceremonies chanting the Heart Sutra. This new hike in our schedule will be an experience of "Sutra Mapping", extending the words of a sutra across an area of landscape.
THE PLACE: Heart Lake, a State Park managed by the City of Anacortes, is both heart-shaped and the heart of the 3,000-acre Anacortes Community Forest Lands (ACFL). The Lake is surrounded by a forest identified as the most intact Douglas Fir/cedar/hemlock ecosystem remaining in the state at sea level. Joden Bob was a key player in getting this area protected.
THE WALK: We will walk in a clockwise direction, in silence, and stop at 6 points to ritually chant the Heart Sutra with mokugyo and incense, alternating between the English and Sino Japanese versions.
This is an easy, mostly flat walk of less than 3 miles on a well-used trial with one incline toward the end. Wear good walking shoes, appropriate clothing for the weather, and bring water and snacks. There are outhouses at both the Mt. Erie parking lot and at the Heart Lake parking lot.
LUNCH: There will be a stop along the way for eating some trail snacks that you bring for yourself. After hike, if participants choose, there will be an opportunity to have lunch together very nearby in Anacortes at an outdoor seating restaurant.
GETTING THERE: Carpools for this trip can arrange to meet at the Community Food Coop on Forest Street. For Covid precaution carpooling only in mutually accepted bubbles is recommended.
Directions to Mt. Erie, from Bellingham:
- West on 20, over Swinomish Channel Bridge until roundabout for Whidbey Island (towards Oak Harbor).
- TURN South on Hwy 20 towards Whidbey.
- Road drops towards Campbell Lake (visible ahead). Stay in right lane and turn right on Campbell Lake Road.
- Drive Campbell Lake Road along base of Mount Erie.
- Road will curve right at Lake Erie Grocery and becomes Heart Lake Road.
- Drive Heart Lake road, past two prominent old growth fir, about a mile until signs for Mount Erie.
- Veer right into parking area for Sugarloaf trailhead.
COVID PRECAUTIONS:
Hiking and ceremonies will be done at a social distance, and hikers are welcome to wear masks at any time. Only vaccinated participants are allowed.
