A Sunday recap, one day late but worth every word
I was so exhausted after Saturday’s hike that opening my laptop was simply not happening. I showered, checked into my hotel, and took a nap. No apologies. That’s exactly what my body needed.
But let’s back up to where it all started.
I hit the road a little after 5 a.m. for my four hour drive to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg, Texas. I am a total road trip nerd — and I own it proudly. My playlist opened with a tax podcast I follow and then rolled right into my current Audible book. Yes, I am THAT girl. 🤓
I stopped in Lampasas for a hearty breakfast at the most charming little country restaurant with the warmest Southern waitstaff. By the time I got back on the road the sun had come out and the drive through the Texas Hill Country was nothing short of breathtaking. Rolling hills, open sky, wide open space — I would pack up and move out there in a heartbeat. As I got closer to the park it only got more beautiful.
I had reserved my entry for 10:30 a.m. and rolled in just minutes after. This was my first time at Enchanted Rock and other than a few photos online and a conversation with a hiking buddy, I was walking in fresh. Enchanted Rock has about 11 miles of trails total. I started with the Long Loop — a 4.6 mile trail that circles the entire reserve — with plans to summit the namesake rock as my grand finale.
The loop was breathtaking. And honestly, breathtaking doesn’t even come close to covering it.
The first half opened up into a wide trail winding through stunning rock formations with little pockets of pure heaven tucked in along the way. I spotted a group of hikers having a picnic on a rock cliff and took that as my cue — about seven minutes past them I found my own spot. Peaceful streams and what I can only describe as fairy ponds sat nestled between the rocks, quiet and still. I stopped on a huge flat rock, hydrated, drank my protein shake, and then I did something I never do — I laid back, closed my eyes, and let the cool breeze rock me to sleep. A solid 5 to 10 minute trail nap. When I opened my eyes I had my second wind.
The second half of the loop shifted everything. After crossing a small stream the trail climbed up the side of a rocky hill with real elevation — narrowing from a wide open path into a naturally formed trail tucked between rocks and trees. It was exactly the kind of trail my soul needed.
And then came the rock.
Summit Trail. 1,825 feet. The trail that leads straight up Enchanted Rock itself. I watched little children scrambling up effortlessly behind their experienced hiker parents while I was, not going to lie, fighting for my life up that thing. 😂 My already tired legs had zero interest in this plan. I had to stop and catch my breath more than once, but I kept going — one step at a time — until I reached the top.
I didn’t get to walk around up there. The sky started sprinkling and I was not about to get caught on top of a massive rock in the rain. I made a smart call and headed back down. And wouldn’t you know it — the sprinkles stopped the moment my feet hit the bottom.
Done. Another Texas trail bucket list item — conquered. ✅
But here’s what I really want to say about this hike.
Up on those rocks, something shifted. My mind — which normally runs about forty seven thoughts simultaneously — went quiet. I was able to let some things go up there. Heavy things. Things I had been carrying for a while. I reflected on what it means to slow down, to be intentional, to stop letting the overdrive run the show. Because when I don’t? I end up exactly where I landed last Thursday — burnt out, heel spur and all, exhausted in my chest.
Sometimes things have to break before real change can happen. I’m grateful I can see that now. I’m grateful I’m strong enough to work through it instead of running from it.
No more hiding. No more running. Head on — slowly, thoughtfully, consciously, and with great intention.
Lupe 3.0 is officially in the making. 🏔️
Next up — a few local trails to let these legs recover, and then in a couple of weeks another road trip with my sisterhood hiking group. We always laugh harder than we hike and I cannot wait.
The trail always gives me exactly what I need. Every single time.
Raw. Real. Still on the trail. — Lupe 🥾
Runmom_6 