Taking it to the Trails

"Thousands of tired, nerve shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home, that wilderness is a necessity..." -John Muir

In the tradition of American self-reliance-that urge to eschew social conventions for a simpler life, most refugees have headed for wilderness. Henry David Thoreau went to Walden Pond, John Muir to Yosemite. We, as Phoenicians in the summer, head for the Mogollom Rim. As former city slickers, type A workaholics and corporate brats, we have found that the act of setting ones foot down on a path through natural areas provides unparalled opportunities to build the human spirit. Hiking is nature's Zoloft. You get a sense that your part of that bigger something. The meaning of life becomes tangible on a trail in ways it will never be while walking down Main Street, (or heaven forbid, through the mall.) Undeniably, there is One True Creator.

Lessons Learned

"The lessons learned from the wild become the etiquette of freedom."
-Gary Snyder

Your descent marks your entry into a world in which planning and preparation,, self reliance, and good choices are crucial.

Here are some tips from the last group of hikers:

• Know where your destination will be and how to get there.



• Don't overestimate your capabilities-stay within your training, physical limitations and abilities.



• the less you carry, the more enjoyable your hike. (the heaviest items should be food and water.



• use hiking sticks to take the stress off your knees.



• wear well fitting and broken in hiking boots


• wear comfortable socks (the fabric closest to your feet has the most impact on them. Moleskin is great when you feel like you're getting a blister.


• underwear that doesn't chafe (there's nothing worse than getting rubbed raw in your nether regions.)



• wear sunscreen, (reapply often), sunglasses and a hat.



• bring a first aid kit.



• walk at a pace that allows you to be able to walk and talk-it means that your legs and your body are getting enough oxygen to function effeciently. Baby steps when the trail is steep means your energy reserves will last longer, and you'll feel better the next day.



• take a ten minute break at least once every hour-many more when ascenting. (in the long run, breaks will not slow you down.) Sit down, prop up your legs, eat some food, drink some water, appreciate the view.



• drink frequently and eat often- eat before, during and after your hike. Eat before you are hungry, drink before you are thirsty. (for every hour, you should drink 1/2- 1 liter of water or sports drink. (you may want to think about filling up your water container with 1/2 part water to 1/2 part sports drink on more strenous hikes.)



• salty snacks high in carbohydrates are good during hikes, apples, energy bars, dried fruit, and pb&j are good ideas. Fresh oranges really hit the spot, peel one before you go.



• eat a healthy breakfast with enough protein, complex carbohydrates and fats.



• watch your time-coming back is hard, plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. (a small flashlight is helpful in case you end up hiking in the dark)



• things you might wish you had brought on a hike: Immodium (speaks for itself), cell phone, two way radios, cell phone, extra water, chapstick with sunscreen, tissue paper, ziplock bag, tylenol or ibuprofen, comb (useful for removing cactus), elastic bandage for sore knees, powdered electrolyte replacement beverage.

These tips can bring more joy to your hike.

Soulful Exercise/Magestic Nature

After a 1 1/2 hour drive on the construction laden highway, a 20-minute ride on a bumpy dirt road, and a short trek to the trailhead of Fossil Springs Trail near Strawberry, a group of 20 (7 families) responded to the call of the wild and set out on a wonderous trek where magic happens and lessons were learned. (Note: 3 photographers from our group are missing in this picture, because they were taking it!)

A sense of anticipation, peace and tranquility overcame us as we gazed out on the sweeping vista of red rocks across the canyon. What a visually impressive grand entrance to the adventure awaiting us. We hiked along an old jeep trail that gave no clue of the downward trek that dropped almost 2000 feet in 4 miles.

We were treated to a wonderous red rock backdrop that beamed through the trees on our way into the canyon. The views never let up. During our descent, there were countless enchanting sounds in the matchless silence. Surely one of the best sounds in the world is the sound of wind through pine trees. On a high place above the canyon, amidst crystal clear air, sunlight, cloud dappled blue skies and space, the wind, at first gentle, gay and reassuring touched the needles and there was the breath of pine sounds as it gained a whispering breeze until it came rushing, and swinging across the canyon bringing with it fragmentary whiffs of pine.

The trail was nice, rugged in some places, flat and sandy in others and downright rock-hopping in others.

The reason that we toiled through the exposed descent and rock hop was found here, amidst a lush, riparian oasis among a tangle of trees, where the flowers and ferns cascade into the clear green/blue pools of water, where moss covered rocks, travertine cliffs, and caves together formed this wonderful place where magic happens. Climb, grab a rope and fly for some magical moments. It was very inspiring to watch the kids revel in "unstructured play" and interacting with the natural world for hours.

Everyone was entranced by the spectacular scenery and sensory experiences of this place. The kids and adults realized that life responds when we risk.

Families and friends connected on a different level and the joy in everyones faces was so very evident.

Water just can't move about without making pleasant sounds, and what a chance to move about it has in Fossil Springs! Down, down, down goes the waterfall and stream....the lovely sound of water. This is one place on earth that has intense psychological power, the power of place, it affects the mood, and soul of people who appreciate it.

The kids and adults alike enjoyed climbing on the fallen trees, and rocks, standing behind and beneath the waterfalls, and sliding down moss covered rock slides, and floating down a lazy river current in the cool clear refreshing water at the dam further down the trail.

All of this beauty distracted us from the draconian steep climb waiting for us on the way out of the canyon. Some of us were woefully unprepared for the relentless ascent and it was amazing to see how a group of our 12 year old boys came up with an organizational/communication plan and came to the rescue through their problem solving. (Give boys a walkie-talkie, and a problem to solve and their imagination and leadership skills kicks in to produce some huge results!)

As we reached the trailhead and gazed back on the vista, we realized that it was well worth it. "No pain, no gain." We had a sense of pride of having the perserverence to make it out of the canyon, and we learned some great lessons on the way (look for next post). We had witnessed many small miracles during our journey as well. What a great way to spend a day with family and friends making wonderful memories!