70 by 70 Water Immersion

Okay, well the waffles is just for some nice alliterative fun. But why not? I won’t particularly focus on those, but every now and then I’ll post a photo of an amazing waffle. 🙂 So…what I have learned about myself after 7 decades is that I need something out there to keep me motivated. When I was a kid, it was working out hard for the next swim meet. In college, swimming, water polo (as well as innertube water polo 🙂 and rowing. As an adult, I trained for (sort of) and ran a couple marathons, did a few triathlons, and even walked the Tioga Pass run (twice). 12 miles and only one hill! Over 3000 feet elevation gain. I would never choose to do a hike that had such challenges. But I love an event! Why? I like a pomp and circumstance of events and the freebies that sometimes come with such things. After all, we got free carnitas tacos at the Mobil Station!

I haven’t quite decided how to score these but as we know from 70by70, I make up the rules. The critical thing for waterfalls and waves is that I have to get in, or at least touch and bless the water. Full point for immersion, obviously. We’ll see what I award myself for others. Oh, the waffles. That’s probably obvious. Must immerse!

My first waterfall was in Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu in Peru August/Sept 2025. And no, the waterfall pool was not caliente! Very cold!

Second was in the Tuolumne River September 15th. And BRRRR

Third was the waterfall up Tahquitz Canyon in Palm Springs early December. I was not prepared to go in (darn), but stood in and prayed.

I’m giving myself a score of 3.
77 more to go!
I wonder how many waffles I’ll be eating near to June 18, 2035!

Thanks for exploring with me!

_{Not a chronological telling but a weaving of musings, memories and images from a pilgrimage.}

For some time now it seems to me that the two questions we should ask of any strong landscape are these: firstly, what do I know when I am in this place that I can know nowhere else and then, vainly, what does this place know of me that I cannot know of myself? Robert Macfarlane, The Old Ways, A Journey on Foot

Friends have asked me to share about my trip to Peru in August/September 2025. This journey was taken as a pilgrimage, my second time to Peru with my spiritual guide, Celia, of Heartstone Healing in Tucson. From a chance meeting years ago (we were guests at her airbnb), there are some things I know of my life’s mystery. I was meant to meet her and to be initiated into the deep earth medicine that comes from high in the Andes as part of my offering and contribution on this ephemeral journey we call life.

I have not, until this moment, told the names I was given over the years in places where I’ve been led by my heart. Years ago, before children but in love with their father, I was given the name Egvnv Mv Mvhe in the Creek tradition as we ceremonied in Northern Florida. This means of the real, true Earth. I had known I was to be given a name, and I was thinking it would be related to my bread making. I was stunned by the depth of this name and did not feel worthy. I rarely shared this with anyone–until now. Fast forward to 2022. In the mountains of Peru at Lagos Humantay, I was initiated into another name, and it happened to be basically the same one, unbeknownst to the Paqo Juan who spoke only Quechua. Pachamama. Mother Earth. Again, I felt unworthy of such an auspicious name, but intrigued by the consistency.

This time, 2025, high in the mountain of Apu Ausungate, a different Paqo Juan had me keep this name, Pachamama. I have timidly embraced this as a living journey, a calling–not a sedentary word but a challenge to boldness, to action, to listening, to praying, to acting. If I am to live up to my name, what would Mother Earth do? What would She say? How would She feel? How can I act through the heartbreak of our species not tending to our Mother?

Last time I was in Peru I had early morning conversations with Apu Wakay Willca, Sacred Tears in Quechua, or Mama Veronica. She’s easy to talk to! On this trip, we got up close and personal with Her. She is beautiful and holy. Even the drive to our ceremony spot was sacred. We purchased candles in a little shop at the pass (where I also found my elusive Peruvian hat) and knelt to make an offering and request for safe travels in a little Catholic church.

what do I know when I am in this place that I can know nowhere else? That is the question. It’s far away and takes some money to go there. And so far I’ve come home both times with covid. But…the landscape itself is a powerful, deep teacher. The sacred mountains speak right into my heart. We can sit and have conversations as though they are my ancestors bequething me some little bits of Mystery. The waters, too, convey joy and comfort and mystery. They acknowledge my connection to water and let me know that my (what I consider) sorry little contribution to groundwater advocacy is important. That my touching the water as prayer is important.

At Kinsa Qocha (qocha meaning big water, in this case a lake), higher than Pisaq at the far end of the Sacred Valley, I went to touch water with my Catholic sign of the cross (in the name of the Father Spirit, Mother Earth, all that is visible, and all that is invisible). I looked down as I touched and saw an interesting rock. Picked it up and it turned out to be a beautiful double crystal. My heart filled with gratitude and comfort. It seemed that this was an acknowledgement of my work with water, prayerfully and politically. It bolstered my heart, and it was a message to me. You’re doing okay, keep going. Hold this crystal as you do your work. Listen, Know what to say and when to say it. What to do and when to do it. Trust.

It’s said that the reason the landscape of Peru is so vibrantly sacred is that Pachamama has been tended. Ceremonies and rituals honoring Pachamama, the sacred heart of this planet, and the cosmos (sun, moon, stars, planets and the Mystery from whence all this arose) are abundant and seen as absolutely necessary for humanity’s survival. Peru’s politics are no less heartbreaking than ours, but their prayer is old and deep. What do I know when I am in this place that I can know nowhere else? I believe it’s the lineage of cherishing the Earth as sacred. Ceremony, ritual, listening, knowing, trusting.

People and Pure joy–baptisms, family, food, connection. We were privileged to take part in a baptism of sorts. A young family from Q’eros drove hours with their little one to take part in a ceremony with us because Celia, my teacher, was to be godmother to their babe in arms. We each cut a little piece of hair from this very tolerant little one and initiated him into ritual, ceremony, earth and family. He is well tended! And loves shaking the rattle, making music and ceremony already!

More of Celia’s godchildren and their families treated us to a BBQ and picnic at Temple of the Moon above Cusco. They drove for hours from Q’eros and graced us with their smiles, wonderful food, and open hearts. Most could only speak Quechua, and most of us only spoke English. But we shared hugs and joy and a lovely walk. And Jordy tried to teach me how to count in Quechua! He was great at English counting but I failed to get past 5 in Quechua. These little ones spent the week in Cusco going to school and the weekends at home in Q’eros. It is said that Q’eros was never conquered by the Spanish, being too high and remote. Thus, the traditions, ceremonies and ritual have survived intact from ancient times. I am so honored and amazed to be taking part in these ancient traditions with such people of heart.

When I heard these words of Robert MacFarlane I knew immediately that these were the questions that would guide my travelogue about Peru 2025. I don’t know if I’ll go back. I didn’t think I was going this time. 🙂 I’m learning to swim in a soup of the Unknown. I’m learning to trust that I’ll know when I’m being called.

Perhaps more to come re some of the sites like Machu Picchu, Sacsayhuamán, etc. But for now…

This blog will now continue with 80 by 80 inspired by a dip in the waterfall pool at Aguas Calientes near Machu Picchu. 80 waterfalls by the time I turn 80. Ten years to pursue this goal! It will be interesting to see what my “rules” are for this.

Okay, so starting with 64. I rowed June Lake and Grant Lake last weekend. That’s 66. Tuesday I did a working swim at Three Creeks pond–weeded and swam weeds and cattails over to the banks, 67. On June 18th, my 70th birthday, I swam laps and soaked at Keough’s Hot Springs, immersed in my Mama River the Wakopee (colonizer name Owens River), and then went swimming up at First Light Ranch. Boom, 70 By 70!

Thanks for supporting me on this journey. I plan to immerse, pray, celebrate, and find joy in water as long as I am able on this truly remarkable blue planet. Urpichay Sonqoy (thank you) Pachamama! Mama Cocha! Riti Mayu! Paquarinas! All waters above and below ground, the clouds, rain, snow, gropple and sleet, the waters in my body, the waters in your bodies. We are connected by life, breath, spirit and waters. Mvtto! Haola!

Love, Betsy

Yikes! Only nine days from my 70th. Gotta tally. 56 was my latest tally. Then I shall add Sea of Cortez kayaking + dip in a hot pool in the Sea + snorkeling, swimming daily with friends, fish and whales off of Los Zacatitos in Baja, immersion in a hot springs pool somewhat close to Miraflores (Santa Rita?), near weekly laps at Keough’s Hot Springs south of Bishop, and a full immersion into Convict Lake just the other day. That’s 63. Today I’ll get in the pool here at a Reno hotel before I head to the oral surgeon. Ack! So that’s 64. I have a planned swim ON my birthday so that will make 65. Between now and then, I’ll need 5 more rows/swims/dips. The plan is to take my boat up to June Lake next weekend. I can row June Lake, Silver Lake, Grant Lake and Mono Lake if all goes well.

Somehow I will have to figure out one more. I should not have procrastinated! Ah well. I can always create a rule that I have all summer to complete this task. 🙂

Convict Lake June 2025

Baja hot springs, Los Zacatitos, Sea of Cortez, Feb 2025

Hot pool, Sea of Cortez, Baja Sur. A delight after snorkeling!

Last week I had the opportunity to do some stewardship work out at Three Creeks. The Three Creeks Collective is the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission and Teena and Jen. They came together to purchase a 5 acre sanctuary as part of a land-back movement. This is an amazing, sacred place, offering the water and land as a place of healing, learning, beauty, food, and medicine . I raked weeds out of the pond, then got my feet wet in a little outflow as I pulled weeds from there. And then I realized that I was ready to immerse in the cold water of the pond. Ah, it was amazing!

OMG, I just emerged from swimming this morning. My heart opening aha moment was that I had not one ounce of fear. I had nourished my relationship with Mama Cocha here, thanks to dear friends and time, and I was patient and respectful. It was a deep joy that I felt when the wave set came up and I allowed it to move me with its force, its energy. And I was surprised, gratified and grateful that I felt no fear (like I did day 1). Maybe this is what trust and faith truly are. And it comes not from the head but from the heart, and from being open to relationship, to oneness. What I’ve learned…

I/we are meant to get to know a body of water just like creating and nurturing a relationship with a person, a human body, or an animal body, or a place body. It was scary at first, a lot of water, some pretty strong undertow, not sure about the bottom :), rocks, and an endless expanse of ocean. It takes time, patience, asking and intention to sink in, to allow, to be one with…

I’m in Los Zacatitos on the East Cape of Baja, where the Sea of Cortez meets theh Pacific Ocean. Whales, both Humpbacks and Grays, are an everyday, nearly every hour occurrence. We are here with friends, old and new. Amigos, viejo y nuevo. It is such a gift and I am and forever will be grateful for this experience.

I’ve got more to add from our kayak trip on the Sea of Cortez and I’ll do the math later 🙂 but I think I’m making good progress on 70 by 70. 🙂

Jean, Eva and I (I’m in the middle 🙂 honored this amazingly beautiful lake in the high country of Yosemite by immersing and swimming the length. Jean asked permission (con permiso) and we offered our bodies and our gratitude for the beauty, for the life giving waters, for the sacred granite of this marvelous place. Jean (right) was the spectacular school counselor when I was principal. I hadn’t met Eva but turns out she swam for Cal 2 years after I did. Small world!

Other Wondrous Immersions

Asilomar beach in Pacific Grove and Spooner Lake in the Hoover Wilderness

Mono Lake

And Two Rows

Tiogo Lake and Tenaya Lake, Yosemite East and High Country

50 + 6= 56, 14 to go!

Last Tuesday I carefully packed the car with my skis, multiple jackets for unpredictable weather, snacks and tea. And I headed off to June Mountain for my first ski day of the season. I love going by myself, I get to listen or not listen to music, podcasts, books, meditations, etc. Hmm, what shall I listen to this morning? My intention was to be as mindful as possible, to practice being awestruck by the scenery that is so incredible, every mile of the way. I plug my phone in, having not chosen anything yet. And the music starts playing before I make the left turn onto Chalfant Road. Drums….and then….O Come Ye, Mother Water, I am diving into thee, float me on your rivers and sing me with your seas...wait, what was that? Played it again and again, sang along until I had it memorized (I know, that’s not too hard, but still…) And then, when I pulled over eventually, I added it to my Itunes library. Because it wasn’t there, it was a gift from the Universe. When I go skiing, I am diving into Thee…when I row or swim or honor the waters, I am diving into Thee. This gives me a prayer to sing, what a gift!

Sometimes random things start playing when I plug in my phone. I listen for whatever might be nudging me. Sometimes it’s something amazing or thought provoking, sometimes it’s some music that gets on my nerves! 🙂 But I’m open to listening, discerning, and smiling at the many ways the Universe has for inspiring us. And sometimes just messing with our minds. :0 But in this case, Urpichay Sonqo, thank you!

O Come Ye Mother Waters performed by Ayla Nereo

The other night under a full moon, I swam in an old warm springs pool, in the same spring waters as the pupfish are swimming in up the hill and down the flow toward the Amargosa River. The Shoshone pupfish were thought to be extinct, but a few were found and then grandly flourished in restored habitat (thank you Susan Sorrells, Steve Parmenter, and all the people and entities who made this happen). For more info on the Amargosa Basin and work to protect it, see Friends of the Amargosa Basin website. And consider joining the Friends and maybe even offering a donation.

The next day we traveled home along the Badwater Loop through Death Valley. Water was everywhere in the valley, it was truly amazing! I assume the massive amounts of rain last winter have made a home for now in what is normally a pretty dry area (thus the name, Death Valley).

At 282 feet below sea level, Badwater Basin is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. It’s normally a salt flat, but right now it’s a big, salty lake! It is SO gorgeous. I did not immerse my body, but I did immerse my feet. And here’s my new rule for this. If I am at a place that is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and there is water there, and if I take off my shoes and wander in, that counts! 
48+2= 50. 20 to go!

Immersed in boulangeries, people, museums, exquisite food, and beloved ones on this trip. I even had my suit and cap in my pack these last few days in Amsterdam knowing there was a lovely indoor pool nearby. But alas, museums took precedence. We did cruise on the Seine in Paris and the canals in Amsterdam. I touched the Seine where I could to send and receive water blessings. And we had some good rain in both places, which is immersion of a sort of one is in that frame of mind, which I was. 😎🌈 And I saw a scull go by on our canal, thrilled to catch a glimpse. More later!! Lots of travel time coming up, heading to mom’s for Christmas Eve.