Guaje Canyon Trail and Day 1

Guaje Canyon Trail is my local favorite for a moderate hike with multiple length options. The trailhead is near the parking lot of Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and it takes two miles to reach the fencing at the upper portion of Cañada Bonita (beautiful glen). Another .75 miles takes hikers to the Valle de los Posos overlook of the Valles Caldera, which is a sight that never gets old.  It had rained the evening before, so even though I was out on the trail around noon, the air was cool and the mountain was a vibrant green from the moisture. This time I hiked a bit extra down the trail to a large rock cropping I had never been to before. Jewel was a bit unsure, but I went out as far as I dare to feel how big the world is around me.

                         

Today was also another Day 1, a new beginning in recovery. Every day without an outside substance is a good day, and unfortunately I had forgotten that with the stress, anxiety and unhealthy coping strategies I had rediscovered, or never fully escaped from. Sobriety is tough, but it's also beautiful. Feeling feelings, all of them, can be overwhelming. Today on that rocky ledge, with aging pines and an expansive caldera formed by years of volcanic activity around me, I asked my higher power for help. Asking for help is one of the greatest acts of humility for me. Knowing there is something bigger and more powerful, even if it is only found in the mountains, trees, and rock formations, brings me peace.  




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