Meditations

There may be no better way to appreciate the topography of Santa Lucia Preserve than from the seat of a bicycle. Legs and breath in rhythmic cadence, the only noise that of the wind and the birds, the scenery unspooling like a nature documentary before one’s eyes. More than 42 miles of paved private road roll up and down the hillsides, revealing timeless vistas of peaks and passes, canyons of majestic redwoods, and open savannahs. The views are unforgettable, often spiritual, and regular reminders of what makes our little corner of the world so very special.

 

Equestrian

A word from Kat Livengood

I live in the high desert of Santa Fe, New Mexico, and have made my living as a fine art photographer for the better part of a decade. When I’m not showing my work at my Canyon Road studio, I road trip with my husband, artist Kelly Moore, looking for wildlife and atmospheric western landscapes. We’re always searching for wonder, connection, a good story, and a memorable moment. 

Wild horses are my favorite subjects, and I’ve photographed them all over the West. Some of them live wild; others have survived round-ups and are living untamed on sanctuaries and private land. The longer I do this work, the more I love photographing the latter. I want to convey what will always be wild about them, even if they can’t be in their homeland. Wherever they are now, I want to honor their wild souls.

There is, sadly, less space for wildlife all the time, and less opportunity for us to see them in any sort of a natural setting. I’m happy if my images can bring any of their stories to light, and help others become more aware of the beauty, dignity and necessity of maintaining the wild.

Kat on her subject in Equus - Chief, who resides at Return to Freedom in Lompoc, CA. Chief is a Sulphur Springs mustang, from the western edge of Utah. The Sulphur Springs HMA is pretty remote, retaining a more characteristic Spanish look—the strong dun markings especially. They live in a very harsh environment—real survivors. Chief was rounded up as a stallion along with his band of 5 mares. Return to Freedom tries to keep family bands together if possible, which can be a rarity for those who’ve been rounded up. There’s something about their eyes that is particularly beautiful to me.

To explore these ideas in more depth go to Kat Livengood.

 

Far be it from us to argue with Mark Twain. But really, a good walk spoiled? Besides being a never-ending examination of strategy, skill, and self-control, golf offers the chance to see nature at its finest. That’s particularly true at Santa Lucia Preserve, where Tom Fazio designed The Preserve course to blend seamlessly with its surroundings. Here, the staff goes above and beyond in ensuring that the environment is treated with the utmost respect as a vital part of The Preserve. Spoiled? No, Mr. Twain. We consider golf a good walk enhanced.

Why do we play golf? Each of us has a reason—competition, camaraderie, challenge—and whatever it is about this great game that sears our soul can be found in every step and around every dogleg on The Preserve course. Tom Fazio didn’t so much carve a strategic masterpiece from the California coastal terrain as lay a game board of infinite possibilities upon land that appears destined for no other purpose. His sinuously flowing creation is exacting yet enchanting, formidable yet fun. Because while golf may often be a test, here it is always a treat.

 

This question is posed to us by author Richard Louv in his book The Nature Principle. According to Louv “The future will belong to the nature-smart – those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual and the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”

 

To explore these ideas in more depth go to Richard Louv -The Nature Principle