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Tales from the Trail
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Buffalo National Forest, Arkansas
Keeping the Four
Be impeccable with your word.
Don't make assumptions.
Don't take anything personally.
Always do your best.
On a chilly October night, six people set out for the Buffalo National Forest equipped with four agreements.
Protected from the rain, the six were tucked nicely away into a warm van, listening to Union Station's bluegrass and DJ Hype's Drum & Bass.
The conditions were grim in the driving rain but eventually the destination was gained and a tarp was spread among four soggy trees.
This would be a kitchen for the morning, for now it was a place to hurriedly set up tents, cover them with their rain flies, and shuffle
them out into the din before diving impatiently into the dry space. A constant monotonous patter lulled each of the six campers into deep sleeps.
Morning brought no respite from the rain. The six slept- dry, but soon the rain could not keep them from rising and congregating below the kitchen tarp.
The silent and patient call of the waiting trail was pervasive. Gear was divided and evenly distributed. At the trailhead they fit their packs so the
load is borne on the bones of the hips, the loyal strength found in the muscles of the legs would bear each his or her passage.
Faces and minds now turned toward the trail; as one they moved rhythmically forward on a soft incline into the woods of White Rock Mountain- home
for the next three days. In these woods the six would discuss the Four, the Four Agreements of Don Miguel Ruiz.
Touted as a practical guide to personal freedom the book brought the six together in a distinctly positive and hopeful atmosphere.
The six would come to learn of themselves, each other, and the four agreements.
By noon the rain had passed and waterproof layers were shed. The tremendous cloud dump of the past twenty-four hours created swollen
streams and challenging river crossings. A break was taken at a waterfall to refuel bodies with grains and dried fruit.
Who are you?
Ruminating on this question, the journey continued until finally, boots filled to the brim, camp was made.
With a warm fire the six began a discussion of the book and themselves until tired bodies and heavy eyes led to bed.
Up at dawn for the hardest climb of the trip, the six hiked on passing flowing waterfalls and sweeping views of the valley- a visual,
emotional, and spiritual reward for the taxing climb.
The six still had more trail time, but traveling would be all downhill from the summit. With the sun shining and the summit behind them,
the six continued to consider the Four. The things one tells about himself on the trail often differs from what is uttered inside the commotion of daily life.
Camping in a glen beside a flowing stream the six pitched tents as a small black bear scuttled away into the forest. Clearly, the bear bag was more than
just a precaution on this night. Using the tarp, which had previously served to create a dry place for a kitchen, made a crude couch hung between two trees.
On this couch the final discussion took place, how would the six keep the Four in their lives off trail.
The six decided:
- An emphasis must be placed on using one's words to build others up instead of tearing them down.
- Remember that everyone lives in their own dream
- Keep the intent always of doing your best, no more and no less.
Hiking out to the van in the parking lot was bittersweet, but the tired body rejoiced. While the free spirit protested being stuffed
back into a confining societal mold, the mind looked forward with hope to the challenge of keeping the four.
-Eryn Pope
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Horsethief Springs Trail
Ouachita Mountains, Oklahoma
Our recent trip to the Ouachita Mountains
On a perfect day in Southeast Oklahoma, our group hit the trail greeted by mild temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful scenery.
The Horse Thief Springs Loop on the Ouachita Trail in Southeastern Oklahoma was our vast playground for the weekend.
We hit the trail with enthusiasm. Rachel and Ashton lead the way, with Jody, Pam, Michael, Young, James, Alicia, Jami, and Joe falling in line,
and Justin sweeping in the rear. We made our way through tall trees growing deep on the gently rolling hillsides until we reached the first river
crossing. A quick but gentle flow allowed the entire group to skip from slippery rock to slippery rock without fail. Once the last person was
across we took a quick GORP break, which stands for granola, oats, raisins, and peanuts...amongst other things. From now on, however, we propose
referring to it as GROMP, because the dried mango slices were far too good to not be included in the acronym.
With satisfied taste buds and dry, blister-free feet the group was ready to get back on the trail.
The pace remained steady and controlled as we began to wind our way towards the Horse Thief Springs. This as our furthermost destination and
undoubtedly the most strenuous portion of the trail, with steep talus and rock gardens, we marched on with anticipation.
We reached our campsite for the night with perfect timing as shortly after our tents were pitched and the kitchen was set up the temperatures
began to drop. We pumped water out of the small stream to refill our bottles and prepare for dinner. Darkness crept in as we were enjoying
amazing burritos stuffed with Mexican style rice, freshly sliced and grilled peppers and delicious chicken, topped off with a little GROMP for
desert. Our first day on the trail came to end under the light of a headlamp powered "fire" where we played a round of Mafia and enjoyed some
riddles. The perfect end to a gratifying and enjoyable day of the wonderful smells, sounds, and sights of the Ouachita National Forest.
Tap...tap...tap...tap, tap, tap, tap, tap, tap. The ideal weather came to end during the night as the rain lightly colliding with the rain fly made
going to sleep easy...but waking up hard. The group staggered to the kitchen area, one by one, over a thirty minute span. As the cold rain drizzled
down, hungry stomachs were satisfied by warm oatmeal with dried cranberries, honey, sugar, and brown cinnamon. Donning rain gear, we began the
final leg of the loop after the tents and gear were packed up. With lighter packs and a downhill portion of the trail, we moved briskly through
the soggy conditions. The rain only intensified the colors and beauty of the grass and the pine needle forest bed, helping spirits to remain high.
After some bonus hiking and as the rain gradually turned to a fine mist, we arrived back at the trailhead, dirtier and more tired than before, but
just as happy. Eleven people, ten miles, two days, one great trip.
-Justin Culpepper
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