Hiking up an arroyo one beautiful fall day in Baja I came across this peaceful little watering hole. Although the hike started easily enough, as I got further along I was increasingly avoiding vicious spiny cactus and brush, keeping an eye out for scorpions and snakes. In some places I had to scale huge granite boulders, not to mention that I found mountain lion tracks near the dry river bed. I didn't know what I was going to find hiking up into the mountains in the middle of the Baja peninsula, but when I arrived at this pool I felt as if all the sweat, scrapes and cactus needles were put in my path so that I may be able to appreciate this lovely place that much more. Once there, I was able to relax and regain my strength for the long hike back down. The entire journey made me feel capable, confident and strong while at the same time keeping me humble and showing me just how fragile I am in this great big world. In order to stay safe I had to stay calm, present and in the moment along the way. Imagine if we all applied this principle to our day to day lives. I find it so much easier to do when I am in nature, but not when I'm driving in traffic...
