“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation.” ~ Herbert Spencer

I have been hesitant to broach the topic of spirituality because it can elicit a variety of reactions, opinions and emotions. But I would be avoiding a major part of my story if I were to exclude the connection nature, trail running, surfing, free diving/scuba diving and spirituality have in my life. So, if you have already tuned out, clicked to another page or simply find this subject not to your liking, I understand. I used to cringe if someone mentioned anything related to matters of this sort and I certainly practiced what Herbert Spencer described in the above quote. The good news for me was discovering that religion and spirituality are not necessarily the same thing and that we all come to our own understanding of how this mysterious force might work in our lives. I personally find it in nature. What better way to connect to a spiritual source that, for me, provides a sense of well-being and inner peace than to get on a trail and run, hike, walk or go for a surf or scuba dive through a “spiritual realm.”

DAYS 25-28 APRIL 24-27, 2017 (MONDAY-THURSDAY)

Due to forecasted warm temperatures combined with what could be a long day exploring Zion National Park (dogs are not permitted on the shuttle buses that take you to the most scenic trails) I dropped Friday off at On the Spot Play and Stay. As I arrive at the park around 9 a.m. I am surprised at how crowded it is (apparently “Spring Break” is still being observed in certain parts of the country.) I quickly board a shuttle bus to the top which is called Temple of Sinawava and admire the magnificent grandeur that is Zion National Park! I take a few pictures, but it soon becomes clear to me that they will not convey the scale and mammoth size of these massive natural structures. Strolling along the Riverside Walk trail it occurs to me that I’m not feeling as inspired as I normally am by the phenomenal natural beauty all around me. I wonder whether it’s because I am surrounded by so many other people. But then I think “Why are so many people drawn to places like Zion, Yosemite, Glacier and other National and State Parks and Monuments?” Is there something spiritual in them? Do the natural wonders of this world hold some instinctual significance within us? Why are so many of us moved by sunrises, sunsets,  rainbows, waterfalls, mountains, forests, fields of wildflowers, ocean waves and gently falling snow? For me, all of the above listed occurrences (as well as countless other natural phenomena) make me feel a sense of awe and wonder along with a calming inner peace. Now, I’ve experienced these feelings since my earliest memories and as I began to experiment with alcohol and drugs in my early teens I thought I was enhancing my enjoyment of these spectacular scenic vistas. And to a certain extent it did. But as the disease of addiction took over my life I began to believe that the only way I could fully appreciate nature was to use some kind of mind altering substance to find that sense of awe and wonder. The reality being that drugs and alcohol dulled my awareness and connectedness to the natural experience I sought to find in it.

Through practicing a program of recovery from alcohol and drugs in which it is encouraged that we find some form of spiritual connection, I have rediscovered my deep passion and appreciation for all the beauty that exists on, in, above and below the waters of this amazing planet we call earth.

The next morning (Tuesday) I strike out for a less inhabited trail outside of Zion NP and find the J.E.M. Trail in Virgin, UT.

This is a trail utilized mostly by mountain bikers, but it is an ideal running trail! 15.65 miles later (I turn around just past the 7.5 mile mark) I have cruised along the Rim and Canyon Trails that connect with the J.E.M. trail and am feeling tired, satisfied and thankful for having the trails almost entirely to myself (2 hikers and 4 mountain bikers during the 4.5 hours on the trails)!

Acres for Life, an equine therapy facility dedicated to working with people suffering from a variety of mental, physical and emotional health issues as well as those suffering from the disease of addiction is the organization my sister Cathy would like to support for this awesome trail run in the beautiful desert high country of Utah!

As I head back to my campsite in Hurricane I stop in the River Rock Roasting Company for an excellent cup of cold brew coffee and a fantastic sandwich. I highly recommend stopping at this unique spot for their deliciously creative homemade baked goods, sandwiches, coffee and more.

On waking the following morning my legs feel good! It’s time to take little Friday for a hike. We head out to Confluence Park Trail (conveniently located next to the River Rock Roasting Company) and we meander along the river and up the Cactus Hill Ridge trail before turning around and grabbing a delicious lunch at you know where!

Now it’s time to head for the Pacific Ocean!

DAYS 29-30 APRIL 28-29, 2017 (FRIDAY – SATURDAY)

After a long drive from Hurricane, UT to Santa Barbara, CA (on Thursday April 27th)  I arrive at the Sunrise RV Park to discover it is literally a stones throw from the highway. Very noisy and the motor home adjacent to Hobbes is so close that the owners have to walk a foot in front of my door to get to their place. I make a quick search on the internet and book a site at Ocean Mesa RV Campground just up the road in El Capitan Canyon State Park. I will run the Inspiration Point Trail in the morning and then push on up the road in the afternoon.

Friday morning dawns sunny and cool. Friday and I fill the CamelBak , I lace up my Altra running shoes and hit the trail! The out and back hike to Inspiration Point is 6.2 miles round trip and has a fair amount of foot traffic with several people walking their dogs. While there is not much shade along the upper half of the trail, it is beautiful and I love that someone created a labyrinth (using loose rocks along the trail) at the top.

Following this hike I quickly pack up camp and head north a few miles. As I check in to the Ocean Mesa Campground Friday and I are warmly greeted and are assigned a beautiful site with shade trees and no one else to the right side of me. This is my favorite campsite yet!

Saturday morning and this marks the 30th day of this adventure! And while I am throughly enjoying it and so grateful for this opportunity, somehow it feels as though I’ve been on the road much longer.

I learn that this campground is directly adjacent to the Bill Wallace Trail.

A 12 mile loop with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline and the mountain range to the east, I am excited to tackle this trail. Unfortunately, I quickly discover that about a mile in it is so overgrown it is impossible to penetrate the 7-8 foot tall wildflowers/weeds that are choking the trail. I manage to alter course and to somehow salvage a 5.35 mile run which included a detour down to the state beach where I was so fortunate to spot a mother gray whale with her young calf! I am amazed at how close to shore they were and only wish my video footage was clearer so that I could better share this experience with you.

DAYS 31-35 APRIL 30-MAY 3, 2017 (SUNDAY-WEDNESDAY)

I am reluctant to leave my comfortable, quiet and cozy campsite at Ocean Mesa RV Resort and Campground, but am excited to reconnect with my friend of over 35 years John Piera! As I arrive at the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA Campground I quickly get Hobbes set up and make the 20 min drive north to Santa Cruz. I enjoy a visit with John and have the pleasure of meeting his two children. It is a quick reunion, but as it’s a Sunday night and John has to work in the morning and the kids have school (Linda, John’s lovely wife of 20 years and a senior flight attendant for a major airline is overnighting out-of-town), we make plans to get together on Tuesday.

Monday starts with the 7 a.m. “Make My Day” meeting in Freedom, CA. A nice couple I met in Sedona at the morning meditation meeting live in Freedom and told me about their local recovery meeting. It’s great to see their smiling faces as I walk through the door! Following the meeting I have appointments for Friday at the local vet clinic (don’t worry she is fine, just an annual checkup) and for Calvin’s (my new Tacoma if you forgot) 5,000 mile checkup at the Toyota dealership. Once these responsibilities are met we’re off to Monterey to visit my nephew DJ (scientific illustrator)!

We enjoy walking around the waterfront and stop in Poke Lab for a deliciously made to order sushi bowl followed by the best ice cream I’ve ever had at Revival. As I drop DJ off we make a plan to explore Point Lobos and search out a trail a rock climbing friend of his told us about called Soberanes Canyon.

Tuesday morning (sunny with a slight breeze), I pick up DJ and as we drive to Point Lobos he tells me about some of his past trips there and how much he enjoys it. But as we walk and rock hop around the point he mentions that he’s never seen this area so sunny and calm, as it’s typically wind blown and shrouded in a marine fog. While there is a definite swell in the ocean we can see the ocean floor clearly and spot several seals and sea lions lounging on rocks and in the water. We even spy a gray whale and her calf close to shore!

Next we strike out for the mysterious Soberanes Canyon Trail! I find the trail right off of Highway 1 south of Carmel-by-the-Sea. DJ decides to wait while I explore this 4 mile loop. As I head out I tell DJ I should be able to knock this out in a little over an hour. Showing no respect, regard and humility I return about 2.5 hours later. It is a wonderful trail, but after the first mile it starts to turn steep and comes out of the thick redwoods along the creek into the bright sunny fields filled with wildflowers! And once again, my sister Cathy asked me to dedicate a trail run, this time, for the Greener Grass non-profit organization. They assist those individuals suffering from substance use disorders who do not have the financial or insurance coverage resources to pay for their recovery treatment. This also allows me to touch on a topic which I will discuss in greater detail in my next entry regarding Wilderness Recovery programs and centers around the country.

We end the day with Linda, John and their two wonderful children at their beautiful home in Santa Cruz where great conversation, laughter and good food are shared!

The following day John takes me to one of his local surf spots where we’re the only two out in clean chest high waves! A seasoned surfer of over 45 years John makes it look easy and he is so graceful moving across the faces of these beautiful waves! Fortunate to catch a couple waves myself, I can’t contain the pure enjoyment I feel gliding across a liquid wall of water!

These are the natural experiences that make me feel connected to a spiritual source. To scamper through the forests and mountains. To paddle out in a massive ocean and have the privilege to be in sync with a moving wave and ride along feeling the power below my feet. These are my temples. This is my church. The trees, oceans, plants, rivers, the wild creatures that inhabit them, allowing me to join in on the experience (and not get eaten by them…yet) are what my spirituality is based in, around and on. Others find it in music, poetry, art (in all its various forms), in sports, and yes, in religion! I’ve said it before, but it bares saying again. I have nothing against any religion that preaches kindness and lets others live as they chose, provided they don’t inflict harm on others or practice some ritual that involves cruelty towards harmless and defenseless creatures. I’m sure there are those who can find fault with my views, but that’s all these are. My views. And I certainly hope I can remain non-judgemental towards others whose views and beliefs differ from mine. There is a great little book called “The Spirituality of Imperfection.” I encourage those who feel some connection to this article to find a copy. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Until next time!

HAPPY TRAILS!!