Walk with Sandra: Junipero Serra Peak Trail, California, USA

To kick-start a new year, I joined a group of seasoned hikers to climb Junipero Serra Peak in Los Padres National Forest in Monterey County. Taking Hwy 101 South from San Jose, we exited at Jolon Road (about 2 hours later), and continued on the road until we reached Mission road where we turned right and entered the Fort Hunter Liggett US Army Base. We continued on the road towards Mission San Antonio de Padua, a historical place that I would love to return to visit. A few turns and a couple of creek crossings later, we entered the Los Padres National Forest and arrived at the dirt parking lot at the trail head.

Standing at an elevation of 5,857 ft (1,785 m), the Junipero Serra Peak is the highest mountain in the Santa Lucia Mountains in California and the highest peak in Monterey County. The elevation gain to the forested summit (from the parking lot) was approximately 4,000 ft (1,219 m). The total distance of the trail was 12 miles (19.3 KM). It took us a little less than 7 hours to reach the summit and return to the parking lot. Fitter hikers can probably do this round-trip trail in less than 6 hours.

Some tips/reminders I picked up on this trail:

1. When you feel like your body is gradually heating up, start munching on a pear or apple. Its sweet juicy flesh will not only quench your thirst, it will give you the much-needed energy boost. I find that energy bars or trail mixes don't have the same energizing effect on me as fresh fruits.

2. While fruits are good, be prepared also to carry lots of water with you (at least 2 liters) for this hike. I find myself drinking more on the way up because of the difficult ascent.

3. Take many "breather" breaks to let your fatigued legs get the oxygen they need to adapt and power-up. While you're at it, enjoy the scenery and take some photos.

4. Go at your own pace but never ever give up. Set your mind on nothing but finishing and reaching the summit. There will be moments of doubts and weaknesses but do not cave. One of the great virtues you will learn and re-learn on such a trail is perseverance.

5. Patience is the other virtue that you will hone. Descending will require it, at least in my case. I was returning the way I came and so I knew how far the distance back to the start was going to be. That dread of descending the same trail of fallen trees, slippery terrains, steep walls, and bushy paths with fresh pain emerging from my toes really tested my patience. I circumvented all the negative feelings by focusing on the terrain and looking at where the next step would be. Being present was the best weapon against impatience and the debilitating effect of pain.

6. Which brings me to the next point - pain is a very good teacher. As I had left my old pair of hiking boots in Singapore, I decided to go on this trek with a pair of worn sneakers. Bad idea. The shoes were great on tarmac but horrible for this trail. So here's an advice - if you're planning on embarking on such trails, get yourself a pair of good hiking boots if you don't already own one. A comfortable pair of socks will help too. Your toes will thank you for them!

7. Some people said they spotted poison oaks while some talked about ticks. I had not personally come across them but I had seen and walked by many thorny bushes and spikes from plants such as the Agave-Americana (Century) plants. So as a precaution, protect yourself by covering your skin as best as you can. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and gloves and to protect yourself from the sun, use sunscreen and wear a hat.

I also try to be aware of how God speaks to me in nature, experiences, people and situations. On this group hike, there were people of other nationalities and religion. While we might come from different backgrounds, all of us had the same goal of reaching the summit and returning - safely and in good time. We regrouped at several points so that we stayed as one. Expanding this further, we are simply different parts that make one body. We all need one another. No part is less or more important than the other. Together, we share in the same joys and pains.

I am grateful to a friend who motivated and guided me along part of the way. His enthusiastic yet respectful-of-my-space presence pushed me to continue on the trail. By his caring and selfless example, I learned that each one of us can be a guide to others on our journey of life. We need not walk the path alone. Be a friend and support one another.

There are times, however, that we must walk the trail alone. Do not fret or fear as we can use the space to learn to listen to God's voice and follow the path that He has created for us. As a prayer goes: "The Lord teaches the humble his way. He guides the gentle-hearted along the right path." Let go and surrender your will and let the Lord guide you along. He knows what's best for you.