Adventure Ministry - Mineral Creek - June 2024
This past weekend, a group of us—Philip, Henry, Isaac, Steven, and Corey, —embarked on a memorable trip to Alma, NM. From delicious meals at the Alma Diner to meaningful moments of self-reflection and camaraderie, our adventure in the mountains was one we won’t soon forget.
Friday: Patty Melts, Blackberry Cobbler, and an Easy Hike In
Our journey started in true road-trip fashion with a meal at the Alma Diner. After nearly 4 hours on the road, everyone was more than ready to dive into a classic diner feast. The burgers and patty melts hit the spot, but it was the blackberry cobbler that truly stole the show. We sat around the table, sharing stories and gearing up for the weekend ahead, filled with anticipation and a good dose of humor.
Fueled up, we headed to the trail, fortunate to find the creek water low, making the hike in easy and enjoyable. True to form, the Sommitz boys blazed ahead, making quick work of the trail, while Corey and Isaac took a slower pace, soaking in the surroundings. Our campsite was ideal, with not another soul in sight, allowing us to feel fully immersed in the peaceful wilderness. We were “blessed” with a sudden downpour of rain, but luckily for us, Philip had his tarp set up for us all to huddle under.
Friday Night: Fireside Conversations and a Surprising "Homework" Assignment
As the sun dipped behind the mountains, we settled around the campfire, unwinding after the day’s hike. But the evening was about more than just enjoying the stars; it was about digging deeper and connecting beyond the surface. We pulled out our journals, each of us asked to reflect on our feelings and memories from childhood—a reflective task that isn’t always easy to embrace. Steven, always quick with humor, quipped, “I didn’t realize there was gonna be homework!” But as the minutes passed and the fire crackled on, each of us found ourselves immersed in introspection, sharing parts of our stories with the group.
Saturday: The Hike to the Cave and Collecting Our “Ebenezers”
On Saturday, we headed for the famous cave, a landmark we’d all looked forward to visiting. The trail was challenging yet rewarding, and the cave offered a quiet, almost sacred space. Each of us picked up a small stone or memento, our “Ebenezers,” to carry back as symbols of the experiences and insights we’d gained.
Afterward, we continued the soul work we’d begun the night before. The time spent in nature—climbing rocky paths, breathing in the crisp air, and pausing to take in the views—had a way of bringing clarity and new perspectives.
Sunday: Reflections in the “Man Van”
On Sunday, we packed up camp and hiked out, each of us with something meaningful to carry back. The final leg of our journey home was spent in the “man van,” where we took turns sharing highlights from the trip, moments of laughter, and new realizations.
Wrapping Up: A Weekend Well Spent
Our trip to Alma wasn’t just an adventure through the wilderness; it was a journey inward, strengthened by the bond of good friends, a sense of humor, and time to reflect. From the burger at Alma Diner to the quiet moments in the cave, we left with renewed spirits, fuller hearts, and maybe even a new appreciation for “homework.”
