Big Bend National Park

A year ago today, I had embarked on an amazing month long journey. Somewhere between 6 state parks, 11 national forests, and 15 national parks/monuments, I achieved zen. All my problems disappeared, all my worries evaporated, and all that mattered was the nature surrounding me and the serenity it provided. My love, awe, and appreciation for the beauty in the world grew. I biked and hiked up mountains; I swam in rivers and waterfalls; I camped and slept under the stars. You can say this trip changed me or gave me answers and direction. Upon my return, I sent in my two weeks notice at work (it took me a few weeks to wrap my head around this decision) and decided to spend my life outdoors training to pursue a dream.

Knowing this background, you'd understand why I'd jump at any opportunity to visit a national park. I had also promised my parents I wouldn't go camping alone ever again, so I had to wait for a partner in crime. Luckily for me, my good friend Katherine Tong had just returned home from her own epic travel around the world and was free to visit Big Bend National Park with me in early May. I knew the timing of this trip was not ideal since I was suppose to be tapering and resting for my ironman, but it's Big Bend!! And Kat Tong! :)

The drive was long but totally worth it and enjoyable. There wasn't much to see once we got out of the city, but we did run into a band of javelinas near the park!

We made it!

We set up camp at Chisos Basin Campground, our home for the next 4 nights. I absolutely love camping and the simple life. Do whatever you want all day, just make it back to camp before dark to eat and get ready for bed. There's nothing to worry about except not being attacked and eaten by bears and mountain lions.

Our backyard :) I never got tired of the view.

 Food makes me a happy camper :D

I'd wake up early to get my training in, whether it be running around the campgrounds or biking 40 miles to another side of the park. Kat graciously picked me up after my bike ride and we'd go on adventurous hikes the rest of the day. I cannot put into words the feeling of climbing up and down a mountain on a bike. Climbing up is painful, and the silence is broken by my pants and gasps for air, but the hard work is ultimately rewarded with a feeling I will never forget or become tired of. Flying down a mountain at 40-50mph is FREAKING AWESOME! There's a sense of freedom that cannot be reproduced. All the bonds and burdens that weighed me down seemed to break as the wind caressed my face and whispered in my ear. Peace, love, joy, serenity. I wanted to close my eyes to fully experience the moment but the surrounding landscape kept them open with awe.

Wheee!

We hiked Saint Elena Canyon, ate lunch in the shade on the edge of a cliff, and cooled off in the Rio Grande River. The canyon entrance was one of the most memorable and gorgeous views of the entire park. It took a lot of effort to restrain ourselves from constantly taking pictures of the same view after every step we took or when approaching it from another angle. Kat failed at that as she took probably 50 photos. I don't blame her; it is definitely worth the extra clicks! :)

Massive rocks, unmassive Kat

Saint Elena Canyon (L-Mexico, R-Texas)

Are we in Texas or Mexico??

We did nearly every hike that was offered in the Chisos Basin area. That was probably bad for tapering, but how often do you get to visit a national park with an equally adventurous and fit friend? 

"Hey Kat, would you mind going on a 11 mile hike tomorrow?"

"Are you kidding me?! Heck no!"

The park ranger suggested we do a little more, tackling all the tough hiking routes in one go, which would've totaled to 16 miles. I considered this for a few minutes before Kat reminded me that I was suppose to be tapering. :( 

Off to see the 'Window'!

Enjoying the view through the window

Atop Emory Peak

View in between the Boquillas Canyon

Keep in mind this is tapering week, so I really need to recover and rest properly. How do you do that in the wild, you ask? You must be resourceful! I bought ice from the camp store and created my own ice bath by using a cooler and plastic bags. My feet were exhausted and my right ankle was sprained, so those were my main targets for healing. I also forgot to bring along my Trigger Point foam roller, so instead, I used a Nalgene bottle as suggested by the brilliant Kat. They sure are indestructible! We also soaked in a natural hot spring which was historically rumored to have healing powers (my ankle did feel better...). 

The most painful ice bath I've ever had

Brrr.

They see me rolling, they hating..

Hot Spring! 105 degrees!

Is it hot in here or is it just Kat?

Lastly, a camping trip is never ever complete without watching the sunset. We ended one of the days early, so we could park ourselves at the Big Bend Chisos Basin Lodge balcony to enjoy this beauty:

Sun setting in the 'window'

It was hard to get high quality sleep every night while camping and to sleep in with the sun lighting up the tent like it was on fire, so I was pretty exhausted as the week progressed. It was particularly hard to sleep at the Rio Grande River campground as it was stifling hot. The lowering in altitude meant warmer weather. Lack of sleep plus long days of physical activity equal one tired ironman. BUT! I do not regret this trip or its timing at all. Yes, it probably hindered me in having my best performance on race day, but due to the mental and emotional relief nature, the outdoors, and adventure give me, I will gladly make the same decision in a heartbeat. 

Life is rough, and its burdens will weigh you down with it. You need to learn to stop and enjoy the beauty and love around you. You'll be amazed at how much lighter your shoulders will feel and how much bigger your smile becomes and how calmly your heart can beat. Peace. Serenity. Zen. Life isn't so bad anymore is it?

Stop.  Soak.  Smile.  Subsist.