Munds Trail Workout

Yes. Lot's of pictures here. Because the views along this trail were outstanding. I really didn't expect it. I had decided late in the day on Sunday to go for a hike. Normally, I think it is too hot to go out after 9am. But, I had to go. I decided to go back to Schnebly Hill Road, since it was a Sunday and I wasn't pressed for time. I was thinking to explore the road and check out a trail or two. I pulled off along the road and found what looked like a nice quiet spot.

When I set out on this trail, there were no signs save an thin vertical marker with the word "trail" and an arrow pointing in the direction of an entrance. The trail immediately descended into a grove of dead trees and large grey boulders. First thought in my mind was the Orisha Oya. It looked like a windswept graveyard. In that spirit, I said "Thank You" to Mother Oya; expressing gratitude for her energies and the destructive aspects of creation. What would I find on the rest of the trail?

Well, more gradual descent along a section of "Slip Rock," which a sign warned was dangerous. My limited experience on these trails is that the real dangers are never marked--that's the danger--and the signs usually referred to some limited, specific danger. I was right. This sign was for the equestrian users of the trail and, during times of heavy rain, everyone else. Today those Slip Rocks had little or no water. Just beautiful smooth steps and stones. The views from those rocks were magnificent and things just got better and better.

I had intended to do a short one hour hike, but I felt compelled to stay on the trail and enjoy the beauty. I ran into my friend and colleague EJ, who was hiking in the opposite direction. We both commented on how the unusually cool breeze made it a pleasant experience. Her photo is up above. She took a better photo of me. The other photos are self-portraits of me trying to include my camera in my ki gong practice.

So many beautiful spots for mediation and ki gong here. I had wanted to climb up some of those red rocks, but I did not see the side trail until my return journey. Some other time. Anyway, since I started my trail on a descent, the return was a gradual climb that was a really good work out. I was breathing pretty heavily at certain points and laughed at my naivete. By the time I got back to the car, I could feel the heat in every muscle of my body and covered in sweat. I was excited, happy, out of breath and pleasantly exhausted. So much for my Sunday afternoon stroll!

Discovering Schnebly Hill Road

I decided to take a short hike this morning. I headed down Schnebly Hill Road with the intention of taking the trail adjoining Huckaby Trail, but there was a big film crew there with lots of people and big white trucks. So, I kept driving...down the bumpy, rocky road. Finding for the next trail proved a little difficult because there was another film crew set up along the road. Doh!

I kept driving, occasionally glancing at the breathtaking views, until I arrived a set of small round rock formations. I needed to get out and move my legs. I said "hello" to a jeep full of tourists and strapped on my hiking boots. I walked up the path and went to the top of each of the rocks, enjoying the views. Even though it was a short climb, I felt the boost of challenge in my lungs and beating heart. Walking close to the edge, I found a nice spot to sit. I relaxed, breathed deeply and practiced brain wave vibration for a short while. With a renewed sense of clarity, I fixed my gaze on the rocks and valley below.

Feeling stronger, I walked back down the hill to the road and decided to walk for a while. I greeted the beautiful Datura bush at the base of the rocks and turned toward the road. Even though it was a wide, open road. The angle of its ascension and the views around me reminded me that I was hiking in the wilderness. As I focused on my Dahn Jon I felt power course through my legs. There was a sense of relief as if I had not stretched them in weeks. My body is telling me that I have to be consistent with my suhaeng. I was enjoying this walk and felt like I could stay on this road all day. However, I could see that time was moving faster than I was. I had to turn around, go home and get ready for work. I encountered a giant hawk on my return walk. His wing span seemed as wide as my arm span. I mimicked his movements as he soared above me and then glided toward a cliff to land. Even before seeing him, I felt the wind at this elevation embrace me with its gentle coolness. Seeing the hawk gave me a sense of what it must feel like for those creatures to ride the wind. Love.

I joyfully returned on the bumpy road. I did not get to climb Schnebly Hill, but I did see many trails along the way. I smiled genuinely at the film crews on my return. If not for them, I would not have enjoyed my little adventure in a new place. Everyone one we encounter is deserving of our gratitude in some way. Ashe!