News from Jules | 04.18.2022 | Leap of Faith Part 1
This is what happens when you take a leap of faith, not a leap of fear.
Clearing off the four inches of snow from my car added to a later start than planned last Saturday morning. I finally departed from Bend, Ore. around 8:45 a.m. I was nervous about the timing for the day: do a six-mile elevation training hike I’d never done before, drive three (or more) hours over Mt. Hood back to Portland and get home in time for my niece and sister’s birthday party.
Given the unpredictable spring weather and changing driving conditions, it felt tight. There were so many unknowns.
As I drove the 30 minutes from Bend to the trailhead, I was still considering many different options for the day including just skipping the hike and driving directly home to be certain I’d make the party.
I looked out on a blank horizon of white as I turned right on the road toward the state park. Usually, the towering Smith Rocks were already in view and taking one’s breath away by now. Was this even worth it? Was I trying too hard?
I noticed the spinning thoughts and contingency planning and I wondered: Why was I so worried?
Oh right, worry comes from fear.
I was afraid of disappointing my family.
Instead of giving in to the fears, I leaned into my faith. There was plenty of time. And I could always turn around. Why not at least try?
My thoughts had turned from worry to wondering. My mind was open again.
Wouldn’t it be great to have trail mates?
Alas, I was on my own.
After I paid for parking, I put on my REI backpack, trekking poles and Asolo hiking boots and set off solo.
Just as I tapped the button for a selfie at the start of the trail overlooking the surprisingly snowy spring wonderland, I heard a couple coming down the path kindly ask: “Would you like a photo?”
I quickly nodded Yes and handed them my iPhone while subconsciously giving them a once-over: matching REI backpacks, trekking poles, and Asolo hiking boots just like me. This was probably the couple I saw in the Subaru near my car in the parking lot. Interesting.
I returned the favor and snapped a photo of them before asking what trail they were doing.
Just like so many times before, the magic shows up when fear gets out of the way.
“Misery Ridge and Summit Trail. What about you?” they responded.
“Oh wow. Same!! Would it be okay if I joined you?” I asked without hesitation.
It just seemed right.
I was exactly where I needed to be.
At exactly the right time.
If I had left just a minute sooner that morning, I would have been well on my way ahead of them and never crossed paths.
In just 3.5 hours, we speedily grunted our way up Misery Ridge, around the legendary Monkey Face climbing wall, behind the epic Monument rocks, and back to the Crooked River, while also pausing to identify plants, to take photos of the ever-changing landscape, and to look around in awe.
We lingered in the marvel of nature.
We shared life stories and favorite trail beta as well as favorite spots in the neighborhood once we learned that I was housesitting just half a mile from where they live in Portland. Not just trail mates, but neighbors!
These were totally my people.
Back at the parking lot, we airdropped photos between our iPhones and followed each other on Instagram before saying goodbye.
If I wasn’t leaving Portland in two weeks, they would totally be my new adventure buddies.
I smiled at the beautiful synchronicity of the day as I arrived in Portland with plenty of time for a shower, to buy flowers for the birthday girls, and to unpack/repack for the next day’s adventure with my Mazamas climbing team.
Even better than if it was planned.
This is what happens when you take a leap of faith, not a leap of fear.
The universe will provide.
May you leap, skip, hop or inch forward in faith this week.
Love,
Jules