10 Eating Snow

Oh taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusts in him. Psalm 34:8 KJV

The ride is a solitary one—from home to the top of the Canyon and back.  The first seven miles are on paved roads; cars, trucks, and 18-wheelers fly by on Hwy 92, and the desire to be off the street mounts.  Finally, the turnoff onto *Carr Canyon Road is in sight.

The quiet spinning of my bike tires, and my constant breathing is all that is heard, except for some birds flying from Mesquite to Mesquite.  From the bottom of Carr Canyon Road to the first parking lot is a consistent uphill climb; with each foot of altitude gained, the temperature becomes cooler. Perspiration begins to evaporate quickly, until at last, I am warm on the inside and fairly cool on the outside. 

The dirt beneath my bike tires begins to turn to patches of ice and mud.  Arizona can be like that—at least on Carr Canyon.  Because on this particular day I hadn’t planned on a ‘’major’’ ride, I didn’t pack any snacks.  The last few miles to the top of the mountain brought wonders of whether or not I would make it. 

Finally, I had reached the pinnacle, and I was overwhelmed by the spectacular view, yet hunger continued to nag at me. Suddenly, there it was, covering the side of the mountain like satin sheets; it glistened and invited me to feast.  The snow turned me back into a child as I crunched ice crystals between my teeth. I was revived as energy flowed back into my body just in time for the downhill!

Riding on ice can be a little challenging, especially when you put your foot down and the metal cleat on your shoes acts like an ice skate! It’s amazing how a change in landscape, weather, or scenery can transform the same “old” sport into a new adventure. Lord, I ask that you would lead me as I step out into the unknown, and open my eyes to your blessings  just as you did today.

Challenge 10: Ride in the snow, through the fog, and over the ice. Let the water vapor flow through your nostrils; move your fingers and shake off the stiffness.  Feel the “white” crunch beneath your bike tires; let yourself taste the flakes as they melt on your tongue, then go home and drink a steamy cup of hot cocoa. It’ll be good for your soul!

 *Carr Canyon Rd. Hereford, AZ Cochise County 85615