Desert Clarity
As we drove into the Chihuahuan desert, I let out a sigh. The expansive land provided immediate peace and zero cell reception, allowing me to recalibrate to what matters – the present moment. On the seven hour haul in from Austin, my thoughts teetered between staying with my current j-o-b in the alcohol industry or leaving to devote my time to creative pursuits.
Propelled merely by a desire to please others, I kept putting off the delivery date of an already drafted resignation letter. Until a large event passed. Until the busiest quarter ended. Until I received my bonus.
I knew how life’s contrast illuminated, but it resonated deeper as I looked at an outer, physical representation of the mountains greeting an open space. I wanted to summit my inner mountains into the vast openness offered by freedom. The peace of the Chisos Mountains allowed me to focus on what I want and inspired action.
I realized there was never going to be a perfect moment to leave. Fear would always craft another reason to stay. So, when I sat down back at my desktop, I sent the email.
I’m not saying to travel to West Texas and quit your job. But, if you’d like a reflective space for insight into a current situation, West Texas works wonders.
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One of our buddies calls it a tourist trap, but I love the ambiance and people you’ll find in this Terlingua spot. What can I say… the place has a soft spot in my heart after pulling into the parking lot and seeing a local hop on the hood of his truck to start hula hooping with a beer. That’s my type of person. I wanted to bottle up his not give a shit to take back home. (In a way, I guess I did..)
A scorpion (sotol) margarita & an antelope burger will hit the spot!
Magical Sunsets & Moonlit Hot Springs
There’s just something about a West Texas sunset. We caught an amazing one on the way to the hot springs in Big Bend National Park. Sit under the stars and relax your muscles after a day hike. It’s also a cool spot to chat with other people about their journeys.
Since the South Rim is a full day commitment, we hit the Lost Mines trail for the first time. Having biked earlier in the day, my quads were burning and I was thankful it was a shorter one. (4.2 miles) You’ll still gain over 1,000 feet in elevation and have incredible views of the Chisos.
Easy & quick hike that gives a different perspective on the canyon. Looking up, I was quickly reminded of how small I am. If you’re feeling a little rebellious, the water is low enough right now to wade to Mexico & back.
Mountain Biking – Lajitas Airport Trails
I’m newer to the sport, but I love the challenge and spinning around in nature. We repeated Loop 3 at the Lajitas Airport every day. It’s definitely one of my favorite trails I’ve been on thus far. There’s just a sense of accomplishment gained from advancing past ‘oh shit, I think I’m about to go end over end into a cactus at 18mph.’