Imagine…
Imagine doing something completely different, for seven straight weeks. Taking a break from your current life, and bringing almost no remnant of it with you.
You don’t drive a car. You don’t talk on the phone. You don’t even look at your phone.
In fact, you don’t look at any screen, whatsoever, for the entire time. No TV, no “smart” phone, not even the read-out on your digital bathroom scale.
Arrival
I walked eight miles today and arrived at the Monastery of Christ in the Desert, where there’s no formal check-in policy… I just went to the guest room I’d reserved, and found my instructions there.
So I’m here.
What, already?
Vacation
So I’m here at this campground, taking my last rest day before walking the final eight miles to the monastery, and I’m joined here by other folks who are vacationing in their campers.
I have no criticism of them – they all seem like very nice people. And I think it’s great that they’re spending their time off in the Great Outdoors. But judging from the “comforts” they’ve brought with them (especially the screens, including satellite TVs), I wonder if they’ve truly “vacated” their normal lives.
River
Today I walked 12 miles to the last place Kathryn needs to place Quester – a lovely campground right on the Chama River. I’m only eight miles from the monastery.
My reservation doesn’t start until Friday, though, so I get to hang out here by the river for two nights. I really don’t mind one more rest day before the final stretch of the Big Walk.
Dogs
Another day, another turnout, this one 13.1 more miles down the road toward the monastery.
My dogs are barkin!’
I’ve tried to take good care of my feet during this monstrous walk. Every morning, I tape them and wrap them and try to cushion the thousands of blows they’ll absorb throughout the day. And every night, I treat them to a special peppermint oil and some time in compression socks.
Escalante
Today I walked from one turnout to another – 12.8 miles to where Kathryn parked Quester while I was walking. Thanks, Wife!
I mentioned that Kathryn’s 50th high school reunion is this year. Mine comes up in 2028. If we have a high school class reunion, I’ll enjoy going. But my best memory from my senior year was the spring break hike a group of us took through the Escalante Canyon in Utah.
THAT would be a great reunion!
Moving
Today I resumed moving through my Big Walk. I walked 10.3 miles to a turnout by the side of the road, where I found Quester waiting for me like an old friend.
I have to wonder whether my unique upbringing forms part of the reason I thought up this long-walking Quest. Here’s what I mean: During the Quest, I sleep in a different location practically every night. When I was growing up, my family relocated about every 3-4 months.
Asthma
It’s a rest day today, so I’ll do some reading and reflecting. But no walking.
Not that things are all that restful here. I’m staying in a motel room above a rowdy bar, and it IS Saturday. But I’m sure I’ll get the rest I need. The Lord takes great care of me that way.
Speaking of which, it’s probably a good day to share a reflection I’ve earned after being asthmatic my entire life. For most of my adult life, my asthma has been easily and well managed. When I was a kid, I had a rougher go.
Breath
Today I came a little way down the mountain, walking 14 miles to a little town where I have a reservation at an inexpensive motel. I’m “winded,” so it will be good to have a planned day of rest tomorrow.
I’ve always had asthma, and now I’m 63 and doing this Big Walk which is taking me to some pretty lofty elevations on some days. So the physical act of breathing is a challenge. What most of us take for granted (and what I take for granted most of the time) – the involuntary inhaling and exhaling that keeps our blood pumping, our heart ticking, and our life on the planet continuing – at certain times, I can’t take for granted at all.
Summit
After a challenging 11-mile walk up the hill, I arrived today at a turnout near the top of a mountain pass, where Quester was a sight for sore eyes.
I lived in the mountains when I was a teenager, and I spent every night at about the same altitude I’m enjoying tonight. It was wonderful living “up here.”
Bills
Today was another beautiful walk down the road through the pine-scented mountain forest. I walked 9.5 miles to another campground, where the owners were kind enough to let us park Quester in their gravel lot. VERY nice people… thanks!
Meanwhile, back in my “real life,” today’s the day I get my July “social security” payment, deposited directly into my checking account. Of course, I’m not there to start spending the money.