Are you living your life in a way that is worth telling stories about? ~ Mark Batterson
The Organs are not as high as the Rockies. But they’re every bit as beautiful and great training ground for someone getting ready to go on their first 15-mile desert hike.
Someone like me.
I was set to march with hundreds of others in the Bataan Memorial Death March and I intended to finish and finish well. So, for the first time,I hiked the Baylor Canyon Trail.
Baylor Canyon, Organ Mountains
But not by myself. A friend and personal fitness trainer, Liz Roelant, led the way. Liz completed the Memorial Death March twice ~ one time walking, the other time running!
“Trail Boss Liz”
Enjoyed reading this “welcome” sign. Made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Enjoy your climb!
The next time someone asks how a place called “desert” can be considered beautiful, I’ll show them these images.
The 3-mile high view knocked me out.
Baylor Canyon, 3 miles high.
Lunchtime came. The JFC (Japanese Fried Chicken) and seasoned rice balls I had prepared survived the trip intact.
Lunchtime ~ Crispy JFC and brown rice balls.
Then a swarm of flies gathered and began to attack. I ate as fast as I could while waving my arms every which way and got out of there.
The first fly appears, eyes ~ all five of them ~ on MY fried chicken. (Think it was the lemon that sent them over the edge?)
OK, now I know why people usually take power bars or trail mix on these hikes. (No fried chicken on future hikes!)
On the way back down, I observed the hiker tradition of adding a marker to the trail ~ to help guide the next one passing this way.
Another stone to guide fellow hikers
This was, at the time, my only mountain hike of any significant distance ever.
Was it hard?
No. Because I was prepared, having outfitted myself with the right equipment and clothing, exercising regularly in the days leading up the hike. Plus I had a good guide who was great fun to be with. We hit the trailhead talking and never stopped!
What dream of yours seems difficult to bring about? Could it be it only seems “impossible” or “difficult” because it requires learning something new? Could you find someone who has already been successful to help you?
No one accomplishes anything of real or lasting value alone.
What story could you see yourself living with just a “little more” info or training?
So proud of you for seeking a dream and making it happen. You are proving there is nothing we can’t do — I remember going on a camping trip for a weekend and bringing a lot of casseroles — WRONG — your fried chicken reminded me of that moment when I learned “simple is better” —
Have found each step – dreaming, following, and realizing that dream – an exciting one. And, yes, power bars are the way to go!
These pictures are GREAT! I love your point that every challenging task is doable with the right tools, coach, training, etc. So true! Can’t wait to hear about the “big” hike coming up (this one looks pretty big to me!)
Continuing “training” for Bataan right now, hiking the hills of Jerusalem!
So you are training for a march, Melodie. Great cause, I'm sure you'll finish well. I'm not acquainted with New Mexico's mountains at all. They look barren, as our mountains in California, but beautiful at the same time. From your pictures I'd say the area looks a lot like Joshua Tree National Park in California, which we recently hiked.
Looks like a good time was had by all! I’ll just look at your photos, though, because I won’t be climbing!
Yes ~ was surprised how much I enjoyed the hike, you might surprise yourself, too ~ just think of it as a walk up a long series of open-air staircases!
Thanx, Anda ~ with all the open land and mountain ranges here, the training has helped me to truly enjoy hiking, something I never before thought I would do. Our stark desert mountains ARE beautiful. I'll be looking out for your photos of Joshua Tree.
Hi Melodie, I read this with great interest. I was born in Bataan, Philippines where the Death March took place. I didn’t know there was actually a memorial march which I just looked up and learned about its wonderful cause. I wish you all the very best in your march. It looks like you’re in a right track. I’ve done a lot of intensive treks and the best thing to do to prepare is train, train, train. It does not only prepare your body but your mind as well. Goodluck.
Linking through #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Good to meet you, Marisol . . . appreciate you sharing your heart with these encouraging comments! And someday I hope to visit your hometown. Participating in the memorial march with so many others from all over, meeting the remaining survivors, has been a great privilege.