Overlandnm

Earlier this year, we had plans to do a Saturday trail run with a group. Friday afternoon after work we were confirming plans and everything seemed like a go. By Friday evening we found out that the trip needed to be postponed. Now what? We really wanted to get out and do something. A run with just a few of us? Or maybe we camp? We hadn’t yet done a shake down run for the year, but this would be a good opportunity. It was too late in the day to pack up and head out. Maybe we could leave in the morning and squeeze in a one-nighter.

After some quick back and forth texts with a friend, we decided to go for it! Saturday morning I went to the store for supplies and then we packed the truck as fast as we could. Once the dogs were loaded up, we met up in town to head out. We all knew that we might be headed into some rain. However, rain isn’t a big deal with the right gear. As soon as we hit dirt, we knew we made the right decision. There were clouds in the sky, but the sun was poking through and nothing looked threatening. Andy and I had been to this area many times before. This time, we got to introduce our friend to one of our favorite parts of the Cibola National Forest and one of our favorite camp spots. We got to camp early, got set up, and got straight to relaxing. Our site was in a beautiful stand of pines, in a canyon. No other people in site, and the only sounds were birds in the trees and the wind whispering through the branches. The dogs got right to napping in the pine needles. Chatting at lunch time quickly turned into dinner time. Before we knew it, we were sitting around the lava box. We enjoyed a nice fire in a light drizzle into wee hours of the morning. We laughed about the rain and decided it felt cleansing.

The next morning we awoke to the sound of turkeys in the distance. The sun was shining bright and the sky was clear. Coffee and a stroll with the dogs were first priority. For some reason, coffee always tastes better in camp. We cooked and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, took the dogs on a long walk and then slowly broke down camp. As we packed, the clouds started to build again. It was sad to leave, and reenter the world of cell service and work on Monday. As soon as we were aired up and back on the highway, the skies opened up. We had steady rain until we got home.

This trail tale may seem utterly mundane. Yet, this was a trip where the unexpected happens. You get exactly what you didn’t know you needed. Friends become family. Part of the core crew. Where you realize you really found your people. And it was all because we said yes to this last minute idea. When plans don’t work out, say yes to the backup plan that may sound a little crazy. You might get just what you need!

Until next time,

Katie