What is Life

“Alright, let’s do this one last time” was the phrase from the 2018 hit movie “Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse” that kept ringing in my ears as I began to ascend the mountain at 6:55 am in the morning. Back in December of 2023, I attempted to hike and summit Wheeler’s Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. Throughout the previous months of that year, I had sparsely incorporated a weekly workout to maintain a physically active body. Within the last three weeks before the ascent, I had implemented incline hill repeats to prepare for what was to come. Unfortunately, climbing up a mountain takes more than physical training; it also takes strength of the mind and having the right gear. I got close, but I never summited the peak. A year later, I got to welcome the New Year of 2025 at Wheeler’s Peak, the highest point in New Mexico. It was dope. 

This time around, I began an hour earlier. Truthfully, I wanted to begin at least two hours prior but getting out of bed took a while.. Last time, I stayed at a really rad location called Hotel Luna: Mystica, which is a trailer hotel with cozy amenities and unique personified designs. I would have gladly purchased a trailer again, but all available trailers had been booked for the New Years. I thought about purchasing a hotel room, but the upcharge for each room was ridiculous for the holiday. Luckily, I found a really unique Airbnb near the exit to the road leading to Wheelers Peak. The Airbnb was cozy and had its own charm. For example, there was an American flag designed onesie as a curtain for the bathroom window; different but effective. Honestly, it was a nice stay. 

On Wednesday, January 01 2025, my alarm went off at 5:00 am. Did I jump up with excitement? No, I rolled over and slept for an extra 20ish minutes. Finally, I got up, made coffee, got ready, read my Bible, and began a journey that would start my year off strong. The drive took about 45 minutes to get to the trailhead. It was dark, quiet, serene, and beautiful. It was the time right before twilight. The stars glistened. It was as if there was a distinct song playing in the air for only those awake at that time. Well, when I got to the trailhead, I knew exactly what to do and where to go. I didn’t waste anymore time; I started the trek. To keep myself safe, I did have an Inreach 2 GPs and a Garmin Instinct 2 watch to allow my whereabouts for my family and track my route. I only saw two other fellows at the parking lot getting ready for a day at the Ski slopes. They seemed excited for the New Years as well. 

Going up into the trail was familiar. For the most part, I knew where to go and what to expect. WIth last attempted ascent, I paused and took pictures of the beautiful scenery every chance I took. This time around, I kept my focus to summit the mountain-top. It wasn’t that I didn’t admire the beauty, I knew it was there because I saw it everywhere I looked; I had a goal and that’s what had mattered the most this time around. When I reached the exit point from the Williams Lake trail and into the Wheelers Peak Trailhead, I noticed a family had set up a campsite; these people actually camped on the mountain in winter! Hardcore people if you ask me. I took my break and kept going. About another hour I rested and pondered the dreams and goals for this new year to-be. As I was about to begin hiking again, I met another hiker coming down. This guy was a total beast. He slept in his car at the trailhead and began his ascent around 5:00am. One glance at this guy, and you know he’s experienced. His gear was not flashy or new, but rather used; worn with countless expeditions. He told me I still had a ways to-go, but to trust my instincts and make the tough calls to where you need to be innovative to go off trail. After exchanging information and talking for a bit, we went our separate ways. Cool dude. This interaction was definitely the motivation I needed to keep going. I followed his advice and went off trail a few times. I do not recommend doing so, unless you are comfortable with the dangers that could occur. Coincidently, I started seeing a surplus of avalanche and crevasse videos on Instagram the days after his hike. So please, be smart and trust your instincts when out on the mountains. 

The last stretch was the most difficult. This part was unknown to my knowledge. I kept thinking that I wasn’t going to make the ascent again. The incline was brutal. The winter chill was intense. The Wind speed was blistering. My body ached everywhere. But I kept going. I had a goal and I wasn’t going to stop until I reached it. No matter how many times I stumbled, fell forward to my knees, questioned my ability and existence; I still kept going. And so, eventually I got to the False-summit. As the sun hit my face, I knew that this wasn’t for nothing. Something beautiful and amazing will come out of this expedition. After resting, I got back up and headed up the last section to the final summit, Wheelers Peak. With the wind coming in all directions, I finally reached the end goal. I got to the top. I teared up a bit, fell to my knees and thanked the Lord. Sat down behind a pile of rocks that shielded me from the winds and just took it all in. Once rested, I began making the descent. 

It took me 3 hours to climb to reach the summit from the trailhead branching off from the Williams Lake trail. And it took me less than an hour to get back to that trailhead. Did I fly down? Well, I did accidentally slide down one slope; the scariest 8 seconds of my life. I’m surprised my jacket didn’t break. Almost lost my hiking sticks. But I lived. It’s all good now. I always had a knack to descend down hills faster than ascending. So, perhaps that was the reason for the short time down. Going down, I saw a couple ascending up the mountain in the distance. We took different routes, so we never crossed paths. And then I came across another fellow coming up as I was going down. He was from California. He had guts, but I questioned his ability to make it to the top. It was later in the day and the sun was out, he had all cotton clothing, four layers, and not much gear. He reminded me of myself the last time I tried to hike up the mountain. But who knows, some people actually have a knack to climb mountains with little gear. Hopefully he made it. And if he didn’t, I hope he doesn’t become discouraged. Overall, it was an entire six hour trip. Best six hours to start the New Year if you ask me. 

Thank you for reading, have a wonderful day everyone! Stay safe. Make smart choices. Take those risks. May your 2025 be everything you set it to be! Much love and blessings to all.