Highlights:
1. Stunning ridge hiking with expansive views.
2. A long, peaceful lunch on top, complete with a meditation session.
3. Reconnecting with friends and family via cell service—trail life meets tech.
Daily Summary:
• Distance hiked: 41 km
• Starting point: km 3402
• Ending point: km 3443
• Weather conditions: Sunny
Daily reflections: The Meditative Ridge and the Imaginary Mountain Lion
I had already made up my mind not to rush to the highway, hitchhike into town, and scramble for an overpriced, not-so-relaxing place to sleep. No, today was going to be a leisurely 40 km—a comfortable pace that let me soak up the scenery rather than sprint through it. And let me tell you, the scenery was something worth savoring.
Ridge hiking is a special kind of treat. There’s the thrill of height, the cool breeze that keeps you company, and the panoramic views that make you feel like you’ve won some sort of grand, life-sized lottery. I took my time, snapping photos and videos, enjoying the way the sunlight danced on the distant peaks. It was one of those days when everything seemed perfectly aligned, like the trail itself had decided to play nice for a change.
For lunch, I found a lovely spot at the top, overlooking a valley that stretched out for miles. I sat there, ate, and then decided to have a proper meditation session. There’s something about sitting quietly on a mountaintop that makes everything else fall away, as if the worries and the miles behind and ahead of me were just tiny dots in the distance. I closed my eyes, listened to the wind, and felt an odd, but welcome, sense of peace.
Later, with the luxury of cell service, I had the chance to catch up with my parents and Wild Flower. I also reconnected with a few friends. It’s funny how technology can make the vastness of the trail feel small, how a brief conversation or text exchange can bridge the gap between isolation and connection.
The ridge continued, offering more of its spectacular views, and at the end of the day, I was greeted by a large buck with imposing antlers. It felt like nature’s grand finale. For a moment, I thought I might have spotted a mountain lion lurking in the distance—a thrilling, heart-pounding sight—until I realized it was probably just a squirrel, doing its best to impersonate a predator. Impressive effort, really.
I decided not to camp near the lake tonight, choosing instead to stay 9 km from the highway. I might spend the evening catching up on some administrative tasks or possibly head back out to the trail and aim for Chama and New Mexico as soon as possible. It looks like there’s a chance of rain or snow on Wednesday, so it would be nice to arrive in Chama just in time for that.
I also need to take a closer look at my New Mexico schedule. I have to let hyperlite mountain gear know where to send the fanny pack and figure out which towns I can resupply in and which will require sending boxes. For now, though, I’ll call it a day. Good night.
