Dixon Lake: Peaceful natural paradise or Thrilling adventure land?

Who would have thought the California dream of adventure would be present in my average day at work? When I woke up last Saturday, the adventurous and risky dream was the last thing on my mind. I work with the mentally disabled population, mostly autistic kids. Our activity was to have a small picnic and enjoy a slow boat ride at Dixon Lake, Escondido; the plan sounded very appealing, I mean, Dixon Lake should be a peaceful place for the clients to appreciate nature and connect to the rich, beautiful California landscape, right? Instead, our calm boat ride turned out to be quite an adventure! A coworker and I were in-charge of three young clients on the boat; we purposely got close to shore in order to see ducks. Unfortunately, our boat stopped and got stuck due the extended seaweed maze located just below ourselves. All five of us were in shock; the children expressed their fear by holding on to my coworker and me. This natural crisis confirms the California Dream of great adventure requires to “ expect the unexpected” in any everyday situation. I decided to take the risk and attempt to remove the accumulated sea plants from the boat’s motor. Luckily, my coworker noticed the presence of a set of oars in our boat; which were used to row away from the seaweed labyrinth. The California dream of adventure transmits unwanted aspects such as being stuck in Dixon Lake, client’s anxiety, and time seems to take a slower pace; however, the California dream also conveys positive outcomes such as teamwork and trust. This Dixon Lake occurrence taught me not to take things for granted. Dixon Lake is known as a peaceful, recreational, natural paradise, but the majestic lake serves as symbol for the California dream of thrilling adventure. Wow, it’s interesting how a regular day at work could bring a strong eye-opener of the adventurous California dream!

Comments

[Kelly Thorsch]

It is great that you can find an adventure in a peaceful setting. I think this shows how you can make life however you want it. If you want to find an adventure instead of having a peaceful day then you can find it. I feel as if that resonates with me because I am a very adventurous person and I would love to be able to find an adventure in every situation that I'm in. I also love seeing different aspects of life - the contradicting aspects are always fun to find in a day. I think that can make life more interesting and fun. Most people wouldn't think going to a lake with disabled children could be interesting but it is all state of mind and I love the fact that yours is always positive.

[Ruben Iniguez]

When reading this, I first perceived it as just the California dream of adventure. With all the evidence you provided it was without a doubt a perfect example to support your position on this certain California dream. After reading it all, I then considered the fact that it was at your work. Following this i realized that you not only speak of the dream of adventure, but the dream of opportunity. In this case, the opportunity to mold a lifestyle that best suits an individual. I liked the method of presentation of both of these ideas, because the dram of adventure was made clear, but the other was in a way hidden, but exposed enough to the point that it could be picked up on.

[Ruben Iniguez]

When reading this, I first perceived it as just the California dream of adventure. With all the evidence you provided it was without a doubt a perfect example to support your position on this certain California dream. After reading it all, I then considered the fact that it was at your work. Following this i realized that you not only speak of the dream of adventure, but the dream of opportunity. In this case, the opportunity to mold a lifestyle that best suits an individual. I liked the method of presentation of both of these ideas, because the dream of adventure was made clear, but the other was in a way hidden, but exposed enough to the point that it could be picked up on.

[Alyssa Monroe]

California is defiently a place for adventure. When i read this the first thing i thought about was the commercial that airs on tv with our governer, and a bunch of other acotors, and just shows all the fun things people do here.