My husband Franklin and I were able to get away this past weekend. We love the quiet of a cabin and El Porvenier Christian Camp in the Santa Fe National Forest was the perfect destination.
Unbeknownst to me, Franklin was excited to finally hike Hermit’s Peak. He’s thought about this hike for 2 years and, coincidentally, the trail head is just a mile from the cabin he booked. Franklin is often at El Porvenier as a sponsor for groups from our church, but Hermit’s Peak is not a group hike for campers during the summer. There’s a reason.
Getting Close!
On Saturday he suggested we hike to Bear’s Cave. A 4 ½ mile round trip hike, Franklin wooed me with a beautiful trail, very little incline, several wooden bridges, beautiful fall leaves, and fantastic, easy conversation. We had a great day and he suggested the same schedule for Sunday. A hike in the morning (“maybe Hermit’s Peak”), a movie in the afternoon, reading and guitar in between. It sounded lovely.
At 9:00 Sunday morning we stopped by the camp’s cafeteria. Franklin wanted some clarification on the trail. I should have asked some clarifying questions of my own when Nate, the camp manager, asked if we needed to borrow some flashlights.
As we started down the trail, I asked for clarification on the distance to Hermit’s Peak. I was expecting 3 miles, but Franklin confessed that Nate had mentioned it being 4.2 miles to the summit. Red flag #2.
At about 3 ½ miles my left knee began to hurt. I’ve never had knee problems but the trail looked like a river bed full of 6-12 inch rocks. Navigating the craggy incline was difficult. Red flag #3. I should have turned around, but I’ve never been one to let a little pain ruin a beautiful day and Hermit’s Peak was just a mile (or so) ahead.
I didn’t think through necessary preparations that morning. That’s really not like me but I was embracing spontaneity. As I reflect, it’s obvious that Being Prepared Really Does Matter.
A few things are a necessity for a big day hike:
- Plenty of water (do the math, don’t assume)
- Band-Aids (apply them the moment you feel a blister)
- Sunscreen (even in November)
- Chap-stick (especially when water is scarce and you don’t have sunscreen)
- Snacks (Nate’s wife sent us with 2 pumpkin scones and bacon (yes, bacon) which we scarfed at the summit. It was truly a highlight of my day.)
- A walking stick (especially with craggy terrain)
- Toilet paper (no need to explain)
- Snug jeans (chaffing is no laughing matter, my friends)
- Wool socks (especially if you’re not going to take Band-Aids)
- An inflatable sled (not gonna lie… I fixated on a Plan B to get off the mountain if my knee were to totally blow)
We hiked 11.6 miles (272 flights of stairs according to my Fitbit) to the tippy-top of Hermit’s Peak. It was breathtaking. I’ve been sore the last 2 days but no real damage to my knee. I’m not sure I’ll hike Hermit’s again anytime soon but ’m grateful for the time and the memories with my Mr.
