This song was stuck in my head during the trip. I think you should play it for background music :-)
In keeping with tradition, I planned a little getaway to the wilderness. In the past two years I've gone by bike. I find the solo time perfect for getting very introspective. The sound of rushing wind and the rhythm of pedaling somehow put my mind in a place where I can contemplate life and find answers to questions. This year I am happily cohabitating, in a loving relationship and at a new home which feels a lot like paradise. However, I recognize that spending a little time alone in nature helps me center and feel balanced. When I brought up the prospect of a couple solo days on the bike earlier this year, I was given nothing but support. However, as my legs continue to be plagued by knots, the likelihood of riding long with camping gear was slipping away. I was frustrated. Until Steve suggested a paddling trip with my new kayak.
Steve helping me prepare
It took relatively little planning. I arranged 2 weekdays in a row off, gathered the necessary items for transporting the kayak atop the Mini Cooper, and set Sylvania Wilderness Area as my destination. It's less than an hour and a half from home and offers wilderness camping. Another difference this year besides traveling method would be the inclusion of my canine companion, Willow. She happens to fit perfectly in in the kayak. Clothing and food would be hauled in a backpack, tent and sleeping bag in the dry storage compartment. We were to spend one night, paddling the first day to our campsite and then, depending on how the one portage of the first day went, either lake-hopping our way around or going back the way we came.
Journal on departure day
The morning of August 19, 2014, I woke up to rain as per the forecast. I had been anxiously watching the forecast for a week leading up to this, and there was a 70% chance of rain for the area we would be in. I decided I wouldn't let the weather stop me from having an adventure. I never had before, after all. And I do own a rain jacket. The day started with bacon, eggs, coffee, kisses from my sweetheart and a hug from my daughter.
The drive was easy. Through Rhinelander, Eagle River, Conover, and Land O' Lakes all the way up to US2 at Watersmeet, Michigan. I checked in at the Entrance Station, watched their educational video, drove through some beautiful forest and had the kayak in the water by 9:50. Within minutes I had seen two loons and the sun began to peek out.
Crooked Lake boat launch
A pic before I got too grubby
On trips past I'd have some sort of mission. See how far I could ride in day, get rid of mental baggage, meditate on my direction in life, find out who I really am and what I'm made of, etc. I didn't really have any of this. I contemplated purpose to the point of feeling some stress over it. Then it occurred to me that bathing myself in nature is a fine reason. Maybe I'd meditate some. Maybe I'd just observe the beauty and synchronicity of life. I lost myself in the sound of the paddle dipping in the water. I shed some clothing and felt the cool breeze on my warm skin. I breathed in the pungent forest aromas of cedar and pine as I skimmed close to the shore on Crooked Lake. A copper-colored whitetail deer watched us watching it, safe on land, still as a statue. Crooked Lake narrows and widens. Wild rice grew thick on one of the narrows, and I could see a flock of geese ahead. Above, an Eagle soared. It was all so alive. Then, the geese took flight in a raucous flurry of honks and wings beating!
Eagle soaring above, wild rice growing thick in the water.
Picnic lunch was summer sausage and Swiss cheese. Willow was pretty happy about the fact that I was sharing instead of saying "no begging". She is the perfect kayak dog. A far cry from when I took her for her first ride in June and had to chase her down, carry her to the boat, and set her in it. She willingly jumps in now and there are zero signs of resistance.
We paddled for a few hours, checking out bays and keeping a leisurely pace. The weather was holding out but questionable. I was grateful for the map I'd picked up from Sylvania Outfitters on our way in, otherwise I'd have surely missed the portage! It's rather hard to see from any distance and not marked by any signage.
The photo on the right shows the portage to Mountain Lake, and you can see how green the water is here. It was thick with algae.
The portage is a very short one. 13 rods to be exact, although that didn't mean much to me. I unloaded the backpack and carried it over the hill. I put a strap on the kayak to carry it on my shoulders like a purse and within seconds could feel the tendinitis in my Achilles' flare up. My right hip made some weird popping. Now, this boat weighs probably 60# with the tent and sleeping bag in it. I consider myself fairly strong. But, I have crabby tendons. I put the kayak in Mountain Lake and set to finding our camp site. Beaver 2. It was a short paddle and easy to find. To my surprise, I had nearby neighbors. Looked like Scout tents. I could see a couple of men who were dressed like Scout leaders. Cripes. All this way for some solitude and I'm going to have a Troop for neighbors.
Camp
I set up the old Bibler tent, journaled, ate a bit and headed up to find the latrine. I'm not opposed to a squat in the woods, but at areas like this, keeping human waste contained is a big deal. I respect that. I do hate to see T.P. in the woods, after all. I filtered some water and by then it was 2pm. Looking at the map, there was a nice hike to High Lake, which I was told is turquoise in color due to it's depth.
There was a chilly drizzle, but hiking felt good. We walked through an ancient forest of wise, twisted, gnarly trees. Moss-covered rocks and logs littered the forest floor and ferns were richly green. The random fungus would push through the earth to decorate like accent pieces in beige, red, orange and black. Mosquitoes were thick. I found a raspberry or two and wondered at the beauty of High Lake. In all, we hiked about 1.5 hours. Upon return to camp there was not much to do. I pumped more water and dug out warmer clothes. My hat was smelly :-/. Shoulda noticed that before! Oh well. It was too wet to start a fire in the fire pit. I boiled water for supper and coffee, realizing my relatively new mess kit had bowls but no cups. I brewed a bowl of weak but warm coffee, ate rice and shared with Willow. I practiced meditation for a few minutes with my bare feet in the cool soil.
I contemplated things and wrote them down so I'd remember. They included, in no particular order:
Synchronicity with nature, as in wake/sleep cycles and sun/moon phases.
Playing the fiddle more.
Reducing distractions when it comes to health and fitness. I know what works.
67 days to really form a new habit.
Gratitude for the love of a man who shows me nothing but support and kindness. My kids, who I was missing!
My keen senses, for which I am very grateful. Yoga, which I did a little of.
Morning bowl of coffee, anyone?
It was about 5:30pm. I was chilled and damp, so I decided to just go lay in the tent. Nothing better to do. I read an inspirational book, then the user manual for the MSR water filter. I think I was asleep by 6pm! I woke to the sound of rain, and remembered I'd left a few items out which I should bring into the tent. Headlamp on, I attended to that and my full bladder, figuring it was the middle of the night. Oh and by the way, it was not a group of Scouts next door - just a couple of guys who apparently respected my solitude as I did theirs. I checked the time. 9:40pm. Haha!
I enjoyed a bedtime chorus of loons. I'm used to a loon or two on our lake, but here it was a multitude of them, all with slightly different voices. It was incredible. Red squirrels chattered and moved in close, presumably to inspect my camp cleanliness in hopes of finding bits of food.
As per my usual camping routine, I proceeded to wake up every hour or so to roll over due to sore hips. My camping pad is alright but I do get sore. By 6am I had to get up. I heard the rain drops hitting the tent and wondered if it would ever stop? It had rained all night! I packed everything up, put on my rain jacket and smelly hat, and got out to discover the rain had actually stopped; it was just the wind blowing the moisture off the leaves overhead. Silly me. The old Bibler tent stayed remarkably dry.
Mountain Lake was covered in a thick blanket of fog. I was a little annoyed that I could not connect to mobile data, of all the dumb things, but I wanted to see the radar. I brewed up a bowl of strong coffee, wrote in my journal, and packed up camp.
Based on the short portage the day before, I probably *should* have gone with Plan B and paddled back up Crooked to the short portage to High Lake, which is one I definitely wanted to do. My adventurous side took over, though. I was already dealing with pain; might as well go lake-hopping. Our first portage of the day took 50 minutes and was 96 rods. I unloaded the backpack, tent, sleeping bag and pad, and took them to East Bear Lake. I went back for the kayak and picked it up. I realized there was no way I could carry it that far, with or without a strap. Portaging wheels, which I use at home all the time, are not allowed in Sylvania. So I pushed, pulled, and dragged that thing. It was ugly, and it was hard work. Some portages were sandy and gradual. Some were thick muck and straight uphill. The weather was cool and misty. I got lost a few times in the sound of the paddle in the water and then dripping as it rises. Dip, drip... dip, drip... each lake with a character and distinction. Nothing but beauty and nature. Loons, Eagles, Kingfishers, chattering squirrels....
High Lake was astounding! The water was the color of turquoise. The sun finally peeked out and I just floated along, sharing a lunch of beef jerky and pecans with Willow. I was amazed at how fast it got deep as well as the clarity. High Lake reaches 90' in depth. For a moment I felt a little anxious about that fact. Then, I realized that I was supported. Kind of like life in general. Love and support abound. If you let them.
After the short portage to Crooked Lake, signs of humanity returned. I never saw a motor boat, but several groups of kayaks and canoes.
A pair of loons was fishing on a point to my right. As usual, I gave them a generous padding of distance. They would dive and then come up closer to me. This continued on up through the final channel before the Crooked Lake boat launch. They did not seem afraid, making low noises to each other which I have not been close enough to hear before. I paddled to the opposite side of the channel; they dove and surfaced on that side. Willow quietly watched them. Once we were a ways past, finally, they let out their wails and I had goose bumps. I've never been so close and they are so loud! So beautiful. As I type this in our home on Nose Lake, the local loons have been singing all evening.
This little adventure has helped me to appreciate how good my life is. How fortunate I am to have healthy kids, love in my life, and a job I enjoy.
I would highly recommend everyone take some time to immerse themselves in nature. Bathe in it. Relish it. Soak it in. Return to your life with a renewed sense of spirit.
*Note* The formatting on this post isn't spot on. I'm ok with that.
My eyes are burning as I type this. Why? Well, today was the first of the longer road rides for the year. These are the rides I crave. I had a light schedule today and the sun was finally shining. I was actually so excited about it last night I had a hard time falling asleep, and I was up at 5:30 this morning. I noticed as I was going about my morning business that I felt rather giddy. It dawned on me that what I was feeling was excitement.
Sweet potato mash is my fuel of choice. Today I nailed it. Here's the recipe:
1.5 humungous sweet potatoes
3T virgin coconut oil
A few drops of vanilla stevia
About 1t of cinnamon
Slice the sweet potatoes in about 2" round pieces. Boil them for about 25 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and cool. Add all ingredients to food processor and process until smooth. I put 1/3 cup in a snack-sized plastic bag (until I find a more eco-friendly way to do it). When I want one, I just open about 1" of the zipper part and squeeze it into my mouth. Delicious!
Joining me for today's adventure were Steve on his mountain bike (so he wouldn't be so incredibly fast, which he was anyway) and our friend Phil, for whom this was his first 50 mile ride. He did it on his 1982 vintage road bike (what was the name of it again??). Classic. I was intent on going at an easy pace due to the muscle and tendon issues which still plague my legs. I'm at a loss with that. At this point I just want to live my life. It's nice out.
We rolled out at the crack of about 1:20pm. I was riding a borrowed bike. A Cervelo P2-SL stealth fighter hot rod hang-on-tight-we're-going-to-launch fun machine. I might have a little crush on it. This is the 2nd time I've borrowed this particular bike for a ride.
We made a couple small stops along the way. Every spring I feel I'm being reacquainted with an old friend as I ride familiar roads. It's interesting to note the changes. Water is up on that lake. Horses are not out to pasture on that farm. Fishermen and women are also enjoying this brilliant day.
As we rolled along - usually behind the force of nature who is Steve, on his mountain bike, my mind wandered into that blissful state of meditation. I felt the sunlight showering me through my helmet, down to my toes. I felt the movement of wind, the rhythm of pedals, the sound of tires on tarmac. The pungent aroma of cedar filled my soul. Breeeeeaaaaathe in. I breathed in so deep my lungs couldn't hold any more. I loved the feeling of being independent and yet part of this unit. The three of us friends, sometimes talking and
sometimes just riding. This is biking. I felt overwhelmed with gratitude at times, to be on a bike on an incredible day with friends who I am quite comfortable launching a multitude of snot rockets around. Some were not all that successful. I was trying to breathe through my nose but neglected the Breathe Right strips today. It takes some training to use the nose as an effective method of breathing on the bike.
We rode on, at times Phil and I watching Steve ride the gravel shoulder just for fun, hopping curbs when we were in town and random logs on the roadside out of town.
So, why are my eyes burning?? My eyes are burning due to the wind on them. It turns out in an aerodynamic position, my sunglasses aren't very effective. It's a good burn, though. My legs are tired this evening. My calf is tight and enjoyed a soak in hot Epsom salt water. My mind is at rest. I love this feeling of contentment.
Ah... nature. With the sun shining brightly and temperatures finally out of the single digits, it's time to get outside! Today I took a little adventure. I have been hearing about chickadees that will eat out of your hand at the Anvil Lake trails near Eagle River.
"If there's a light in everybody, send out your ray of sunshine" - from Sunshine Song by Jason Mraz
I went with a bag of bird seed that I swiped from my hens' supply, a bottle of water, and an energy bar. I was happy to be wearing 1 less layer than usual. The trailhead was easy to find and I figured I would set out on the "easy" West Trail, then perhaps take "Nine Mile", which is rated Intermediate, back to the car. No Strava. No heart rate monitor. Just me and nature.
Glitter snow
Conditions at the time were mid-20's for air temp and slick! I would say Anvil Lake is groomed more for classic than skate. Skating was marginal for a few reasons: hikers, dogs, snowshoers and a ridge of a few inches about 2/3 of the width of the trail, for the entire skate-groomed section. It was mildly annoying, but I was more in it for the adventure today than the workout.
The forest is very beautiful. Brilliant sunshine made the snow glitter and I paused for a few photos on the way to the cabin, where the chickadees supposedly are.
West Trail dumps into a central area with a cabin and outhouse. The downhills today were scary fast. I went trucking right past the cabin until I could come to a stop. There was a couple enjoying the birds, and I wandered to a spot a little distance from them. With my mittens off, I scooped a handful of birdseed and held it out, waiting and still breathing with some effort from the difficulty of the "easy" West Trail.
It was truly amazing. Chickadees and nuthatches ate out of my hand for about 20 minutes. The following are a video and many photos. I will write about Lake Loop and East Trail after.
If I had to pick a favorite photo, this is it.
What an amazing experience. Communing with chickadees :-)
Lake Loop
From there I went in the direction of Lake Loop. It appeared to be pretty much groomed for skate. Until it wasn't. Military and Lake split and at that split, Lake turns into class only. Apparently classic and snowshoe. And hill. It was 3k of narrow ups on a path that had been snowshoed, fast downs in the classic tracks for the most part, double poling and falling. Lots of falling. I think it was 5 times in 3k. Here's Ninemile Lake:
And some interesting scenery:
Lake Loop
Back at the cabin where the trails merge, I hopped on East Trail. Similar to West Trail. Hilly, kind of groomed, and via a connector to West I was able to get back to the car with about 12k.
I would recommend going here with classic skis, black oil sunflower seeds (the chickadees have a distinct preference for those), a bottle of water and a camera. Lovely!
Starting these posts is always the hardest part. I mentally compose the key points in my mind over time and when I feel the urge, I write. It surprised me to see my last post was on my birthday, 3+ months ago. I post frequently on Facebook but find this format more conducive to a longer format.
For a quick update: Still feeling the effects of an injury that I thought was overuse. In reflection, it has been going on almost since I started into the world of silent sports. Even before I discovered my love of distance, any time I tried to run I would feel as though I sprained my ankle. It even brought me to the doctor's office on a few occasions. I couldn't recall an actual injury, but it didn't feel right. In 2013 my focus was to experience Wausau 24, which was at the top of the "Bucket List" I wrote on my Lake Superior Soul Ride bike adventure. I only rode my mountain bike a handful of times last year, because of the pain in my right Achilles that I would experience afterward. I logged about 1400 miles on the road bike prior the Wausau 24 and found I could ride 100 miles with minimal pain. I can tell you my saddle issues were far worse than anything. However, my legs did feel tight and I noticed little pea-sized sore spots on my IT bands. I went in to Wausau 24 with kinesio tape and hopes my body would hold together while I found the answer to how far I could ride my mountain bike. I've barely been able to ride since. Even as recent as 2 weeks ago on a spin bike riding "easy", I felt the knots in my calf and pain in the Achilles for days afterwards. I have tried so many things to remedy this, including:
Physical therapy (helped some)
Dry needling
Trigger point therapy
Foam rolling
Stretching like it's my job
Yoga
Ice
Heat
Rest
Walking
Not walking
Energy healing
Massage
High dose curcumin (anti-inflammatory)
Plant-based diet
The relief from any of these was marginal at best. I am currently working with chiropractor, clinical nutritionist and athlete Dr. Marcus Steele and I feel we are on the right track. We started with a blood test for food intolerances and I found that many of the foods I ate on a basis were actually causing inflammation. My connective tissues throughout seem to be affected. Wherever a tendon connects, if I press it with a medium touch it hurts. In addition to a dietary change based on my blood test results, I am supplementing with vitamin D, L-glutamine, and fish oil. I returned to eating meat (meat and vegetables are the least inflammatory to my body and I feel best eating that way intuitively). I rejoined the YMCA, and at this time I am feeling like Crossfit Endurance is the best program for me to address muscular imbalances while preparing me to get back on the bike. It's low volume with a strength bias.
And that brings me to swimming. I have dabbled in it a little in the past, but came to discover the clavicle I broke in 2007 was still broken in 2008 when I was trying to learn the freestyle swim. I put that aside. I've met people in the past few years who would urge me to try swimming. Learning about Ayurveda, swimming is an ideal activity for Pitta types. At Wausau 24, the athletic trainer friend who was taping me up mentioned I'd be well-suited for swimming. Awhile back I was skiing with a friend who suggested swimming. Ok, Universe, maybe I'll try swimming. After all, it is a Bucket List item for me. My mission is to check at least 1 item off of that ever-evolving list each year. I tried it out with a guest pass to the Y from a friend. Didn't hurt my legs. So, I rejoined the Y and have been practicing 1-3 times each week for the past few weeks.
Swimming allows for some good thinking time. There's not much else to do, after all. Of course I am thinking about what I'm doing, but I've been able to enjoy moments of flow, meditation, and the clarity of mind that I have found on 2 wheels in the past. The feeling of movement, the water rushing past as the wind does on my bike fill an emptiness within me and brings me joy. I can be in the moment when I'm in that state of mind.
In regards to the Bucket List, I was specific regarding learning the Total Immersion method. It looks graceful, effortless, and sustainable to me. I am not interested in being the fastest, but I do want to be confident swimming across a lake this summer. What perplexes me is how to determine when I've reached this goal. It doesn't have a finish line like so many of my past goals. I am not in it to compete. As of this time, I have progressed to where I feel comfortable with the breathing, and can swim 1050 yards without feeling very fatigued. My instructional DVDs arrived yesterday. Now to decide what constitutes being able to cross it off my list. There is no beginning and no end, just a continuation.... yet my brain wants to define the reaching of a goal. I have been pondering this for the past couple of weeks and what I will pursue is this: complete the Total Immersion Freestyle lessons and swim a mile without pause.
Interesting tree on the Woodlands Trail,
2nd annual Buck Lake birthday hike.
Today I turned 39. It was a lovely day, including physical therapy, loud music in my Mini Cooper (I love driving that car!), tanning sessions (vitamin D!) I didn't know I still had, shopping for groceries at my favorite store, having company for lunch, Steve coming here to enjoy the evening with me and the kids, and many birthday wishes via Facebook to warm my heart. I feel very fortunate today. I made some healthy-ish food to enjoy - a Thai-inspired raw salad (video here) and a decadent raw chocolate cake (link here).
Last year I spent my birthday alone very intentionally. I was shaking off the events of the previous few years and figured I could be more kind and nice to myself than anyone else would be to me. I took myself out for a nice dinner downtown, stopped home to pick up my dog, and took a moonlight walk on some nearby trails. I remember how the moon illuminated open spaces on the trail ahead, and silhouettes abounded. The air is so crisp at night this time of year and I love the sound of the snow crunching beneath my feet. I enjoyed that evening. I found it very healing. I recall being grateful in advance for someone to share the trail with. Not just anyone, though. The perfect partner for me.
2nd annual birthday hike at Buck Lake
This evening I shared that same trail with my perfect partner. We are pretty sure we even found some mistletoe; looks a lot like conifers. Willow was with us. We did have to use lights. The sky was clear but no moon was to be seen. That's ok. It was about 7°F and the snow was very crunchy.
In reflecting on the past year, there have been some amazing changes in my life. About a week after my birthday last year, Steve and I began dating. I graduated last December. I passed the State Boards exam and secured my first nursing job with Aspirus in March. I pushed my limits on the bike, riding consecutive 100-mile days and winning the 24-hour solo women's division in Wausau 24. Recently I started working as a private duty nurse, participating in the care of an amazing 9-year-old girl. I'm able to share many laughs with my kids as they grow into their teens. Yes, my life is rich. Beautiful. Full. My 39th year is sure to be full of adventure, love, and light. Thank you all for being a part of my journey.
It is about time for an update. I have not forgotten about my blog. I have not stopped loving 2-wheeled adventures. I am still quite injured. My attempts to rehabilitate Achilles tendonitis and IT band syndrome were so incredibly slow, I sought out professional help. I am currently in physical therapy. As of a few days ago, I cannot tolerate a 10 minute walk around my neighborhood with my dog. I have been doing some sort of strength training 2-3 times per week, but despite that, have put on several pounds. I miss the way my body felt after a long ride. So content and at peace. I miss the meditative rhythm. I miss the rush of the wind and the uphill struggles. I miss helmet hair. I miss my favorite jerseys. I miss green light sprints. I miss tinkering with my bikes. I miss planning adventures.
What brought this all on?? I feel it was several things.
- I sit far more than I used to, for work (I do love my job, and cannot put a stand-up desk in the car)
- I bailed on strength training in favor of bike miles, letting my posterior chain muscles atrophy or get "shut off"
- I ate a diet of primarily meat, putting my body into a rather acidic state (chronic inflammation)
- I spent hours upon hours hunched over the handlebars, and neglecting mobility work
It turns out that adds up to significant imbalances. Also, missing out on August, September, and October rides and hikes pretty much threw me into a depression. I hit my bottom when I stepped on a scale recently. Up 15# in a year. And no, it's not muscle. My clothes don't fit. I don't like to go out much.
10 days ago I lost my appetite for meat. I blame it on my backyard hen. She is full of personality and runs up to greet us when we go outside. She comes when called. How is the chicken in the grocery store any less of a living being? I've been struggling for months, looking at the packages of conventionally-raised meat in the grocery stores, having a pretty good idea what kind of inhumane life that animal had in order to be in a nice neat little package, ready to grill. I don't know if this is temporary or permanent, but I do know a burden has been lifted off of my shoulders in this past 10 days. I'm trying to find my place among the fruitarians, vegetarians, raw vegans, lacto-ovo vegetarians, etc. Do I really need a label, though? I think I'll just flow with this and follow my intuition for a change instead of trying to shut it up. Maybe my health will improve.
I've also been struggling with which strength program to choose. I like lifting heavy weights, but I don't want to go to a gym really. I feel very self-conscious. I know better than that, but it's the truth of the matter. Not to mention the expense. The local high school is affordable but has limited hours. The one workout that always, 100% of the time without fail, feels very good to my body in the way of strength, flexibility, and balance is yoga. Every single time, I think I should really incorporate that more. I'm just so inconsistent, always trying to do something harder, frustrated on days that I'm busy and don't have time for all of my stretching plus a good workout. I have not found one form of cardio that I can do without aggravating my injuries, but until then I suppose hitting the yoga mat 5 days per week would get me closer to 2 wheels. The key will be continuing to strengthen and stretch when I am to that point. I do believe I've learned my lesson.
Meditation is something I've also struggled with. This year I finally got it - on the bike. I totally felt that alpha brain state as I worked on deep nasal breathing and relaxing into my rhythm. Since about mid-July, when I tapered down for Wausau 24, I have not had a long road ride and thus, no meditation. I try and get frustrated. Then I quit.
I need a change. I believe 40 days of focusing on these 3 things - plant-based diet, yoga, and mediation - will help me to be back in my state of peace and calm, looking forward to immersing myself in amazing life experiences in the great outdoors. This is day 1. I woke up and did 10 minutes of humming meditation. I enjoyed a solid 50 minute yoga session. And I ate plants. Feels pretty good.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
The drive was easy. Through Rhinelander, Eagle River, Conover, and Land O' Lakes all the way up to US2 at Watersmeet, Michigan. I checked in at the Entrance Station, watched their educational video, drove through some beautiful forest and had the kayak in the water by 9:50. Within minutes I had seen two loons and the sun began to peek out.
We paddled for a few hours, checking out bays and keeping a leisurely pace. The weather was holding out but questionable. I was grateful for the map I'd picked up from Sylvania Outfitters on our way in, otherwise I'd have surely missed the portage! It's rather hard to see from any distance and not marked by any signage.
