Stan Mondragon
May 29 – June 8
My SF2T hike was probably very similar to most hikers physical experience, there was noticeable elevation gains, but the views from Skyline Trail on the way to Lake Katherine were amazing and worth the effort. I was fortunate to crest the top and observe a handful of elk laying in the grass. They too were seemingly taking in the amazing view from above tree-line. My wildlife viewing experiences consisted of multiple bird species, a couple of non-venomous snakes, hummingbirds, deer, elk, turkey, and grouse. In fact two elk walked by my tent, while I was camped in the meadow just past Tres Ritos. One was a bull still growing its antlers for the year. Throughout the hike, I was in awe of the amount of creeks, lakes and water resources along the way. A definite difference from the AZT. I didn’t drink from a single cattle pond this hike, which was a welcomed change.
The low of the trip came in the form of multiple scraps and scratches obtained while trying to navigate over, around, or under blowdowns. There were a few memorable places, like the Lake Katherine trail back to Windsor trail, that took its toll on me. Multiple scrapes to not only my legs, but hands and wrists as well. All in all, not a too bad of a price to pay for the overall experience and enjoyment my soul received along the trail. My only annoyance about the actual trail was climbing out of Indian Canyon. I lost the trail and had to cross a big bog to get back on it. The steep angle added to my frustration. All ended well, but I was definitely frustrated at the end of the day because I was trying to push to Agua Piedra before night fall.
As for my overall trail experience, it was wonderful. I met a handful of hikers along the way, all of which were friendly and welcoming to questions and conversation. The camp-host at Santa Barbara campground, Joanie, was extremely friendly and allowed me to sit under her canopy as a rain shower blew over. She was not a hiker and was unable to provide any information on trail conditions ahead, but she was interested in hearing about my SF2T experience.
On a personal note, I named this hike, “back to my roots,” based on my genetic history being from the Spanish territories historically near Santa Fe and because my grandparents and great-grandparents on both sides of my family worked and raised families between Santa Fe and Colorado. Looking back now at the country in which my family members inhabited, I am amazed at the sheer ruggedness of the land and think about what they likely endured to eek out a living and raise a family in the area. It makes me feel a bit unworthy to say I was roughing it during my hike. A few scratches, chapped lips and a blister does not even compare to what pains they experienced back in 1800s.
I can say without a doubt, the peacefulness and serenity I experienced in the wilderness, while hiking the SF2T has surpasses all my hikes to date! I can’t wait to come back. I am truly grateful to have lived, experienced, struggled through, and to have been a part of the SF2T.