Trekker's log, 4-29-07

4/29/07, Sunday, hiking day 3, Segment 7, FR 506 (Little Walnut Road) to NM 15: Pinos Altos

The hiking group today included Jon and Julie and Joseph, in addition to Mat and Pem. The day was cool, with a mix of low-hanging clouds, fog, drizzle, rain, and glimpses of an old and abandoned monastery as we walked along. For yours truly, it was, indeed, a worshipful experience. The feeling was often one of being closed in by nature, and being close to God as a result.

The group actually hiked from the Arastra Site at the north end of the trail back to Little Walnut Road. It was a great hike! Each of us was often lost in his or her own thoughts, and all of us were often laughing and enjoying the experience all together.

It is understandable that on this day we met no other hikers. Anyone wanting a pleasant day hike on a Sunday would have opted out because of the weather. On the other hand, we were there, as we are every day, to experience the trail and to experience all that the trail has to offer.

What a wonderful experience we had on a quiet, rainy, foggy Sunday! Julie was the example for the way each of us felt: wet and uncomfortable on the outside, bubbling with enthusiasm and grateful for the experience on the inside.