#2 conquer the franklin mountains

the views were amazing

#2 on my list was an unexpected adventure, which is great because i love surprises. i went to el paso, tx for a weekend to visit one of my best friends. with little expectations, i searched for activities to do in the el paso area to fill up our weekend with. unfortunately my google search came up with very little. so with zero plans i packed a few essentials and hopped aboard a plane. once i got there, the views of the beautiful mountains sparked a fire in me. i've been hiking in los angeles and malibu before, but those are nothing in comparison.

first cave and first stop

the ron coleman trail at the Franklin State Mountains were amazing. when we arrived a small group of military guys started chatting with us. they asked how far we planned to hike and if we had ever been up the mountain before. neither of us had. they laughed, doubting we could make it, but told us that if we were ambitious enough we could get dropped off at one side of the mountain and climb over the whole thing. challenge accepted.

one of my favorite parts 

they gave us a ride to the other side. (looking back on it, getting in a car with strangers was not the smartest idea, but it happened) we made it to the first cave, then the second cave, climbed up a couple of chain-links attached to the mountain and stopped to admire a beautiful passage way over-looking the city of el paso.

the passageway 

the way up was peachy. we followed a set of faded, blue, spray painted dots letting us know we were staying on the trail. the way down was a different story. in true me fashion, we got lost. i don't know where and i don't know how, but i know we were climbing down an unmarked path. with silent fear in our hearts and rocks slipping beneath our feet, we kept smiles on our faces as we searched for the next symbol of hope, a blue spray painted dot. 

this is my best friend, kim

our happy dance immediately commenced once we saw the remnants of blue paint on a jagged rock. with adrenaline pumping i decided to run the rest of the way down. well, adrenaline or burning desire to walk on a flat surface again, call it what you will. i enjoy running, but running down the mountain was one of the most enjoyable runs i've ever experienced. the scenery was beautiful, the weather was perfect and i was loving every second.


4 hours later we had conquered the Franklin State Mountains. i definitely recommend this trail to any adventure seeking hikers. it gave me such a great feeling of joy and accomplishment.  i have a new found love for hiking. i'm eagerly looking forward to the next time the mountain and i meet. a big thank you to el paso for the wonderful and unexpected memories.

the world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful.

e. e. cummings