“I am here with you. And, this is special for Me too!”

Elk Creek Trail near New Castle, CO 🌿The Hike I Wasn’t Planning, but God was… This morning, I set out to hike one of my all-time favorite trails. Cathedral Lake…I’ve done it many times and was looking forward to returning—but God had other plans. The highway en-route to the trailhead was closed due to a…

Elk Creek Trail near New Castle, CO

🌿The Hike I Wasn’t Planning, but God was…

This morning, I set out to hike one of my all-time favorite trails. Cathedral Lake…I’ve done it many times and was looking forward to returning—but God had other plans. The highway en-route to the trailhead was closed due to a diesel spill. I had a choice: turn around and go back to camp… or stay open. I stayed open.

I searched on “All Trails” for another trail nearby and found one with high ratings—Elk Creek Trail. It looked beautiful. I trusted the nudge, and now I’m certain this entire detour was orchestrated just for me.

Trailhead parking, John Kerry photographer’s land, giving access. ❤️

It’s Saturday. The trail I wanted to do would have been packed. But Elk Creek? Almost no one. Going up, I saw maybe three people the entire time. The 6 mile trail follows a gorgeous creek the whole way—something my dogs were very happy about. With plenty of water and space to roam, they were in heaven, and I was able to keep them off leash safely.

The dogs were the cutest pair and so well behaved

The trail is mostly easy to moderate, with a few climbs that elevated my heart rate into the green zone. But the views… the sounds… the breeze. I found myself slowing down on purpose, not wanting this to end. Compared to the dusty, windy and hot KOA site waiting for me back at camp, this place is a sanctuary. Here, the river sings, the sky breathes, and God is near.

I perched myself in the river on some rocks and ate lunch while the dogs swam in the pools nearby. Honeycrisp apple, PB&J on Carbonaut gluten free cinnamon-raisin bread. The simplicity of it felt like I was home.

I picked up a rock that called to me—flat enough to write on. It will carry this memory with me.

I could feel I was in bear country. There were fresh scat piles and rustlings overhead. Whether it was a bear or thunder, I wasn’t going to find out. I put on my worship music loud and proud and moved through the wilderness with praise and presence.

Bear Scat…there were at least 6 of these piles, most fresher than this on the trail!!

On the way down, I met two other solo female hikers—go us! We chatted, and I also met a few locals who explained how the trail stays open thanks to a private ranch landowner named John Kelly, a kind photographer who graciously allows public access. They were out here because their houseguest missed their flight due to the road closure. Divine timing all around. Further down, I think I was the answer to someone’s prayers. The dogs were up ahead, and I heard a high-pitched female voice, and then a few barks. I ran to get there and found out that the girl had literally just been exclaiming how much she missed her Aussie who had just passed, and then mine, seconds later, greeting her. She almost had tears in her eyes.

I lingered longer going back on the trail than usual. It felt too special to leave. The dogs are dirty. They’ll need a wash. But they are happy and tired in the best way. I’m grateful for their great behavior, for the treats they devoured on the trail, and for how far Luna has come in her fear of people and other dogs. Today, she was confident and calm.

God whispered throughout the day:

“I’ve got you. I’m walking with you. I made this day just for you, and today is special for me too.”

Even when the plans fall apart, He has a better one. Even when things don’t go the way we thought they would, they might be going exactly the way they should.

This trail… this detour… this view…this quiet time…this peace… it was all a gift.

📷 Bonus Gratitude Shoutouts:

My hiking boots (Keen size 9) from REI were perfect (purchased just before my Grand Canyon Rim to River to Rim hike)—no blisters, no pain. The wool padded socks helped too.

My running vest carried everything: water bladder, collapsible electrolyte flask, lunch, portable charger, and then treats for dogs in my waist pack.

Satellite messenger = peace of mind for my family. I even remembered AND USED my portable charger!

Yes, I dictated much of this as I walked. I didn’t want to forget a single part of it. This wasn’t just a hike—it was a healing.

My only fear was the canyon…you could hear the water rushing below. I’m so glad my dogs came when called and stayed on the trail.

🌄 TruthPulse: The Sacred Detour

Sometimes the trail you planned is blocked, so Heaven can hand you the one meant for your healing.

Sometimes the crowd you expected is replaced by stillness so God can speak.

You may think you’re lost—

but you are found in the unplanned.

Today is not a mistake.

That closed road? That new trail?

That peace that snuck up on you and whispered

“I’m here. I am loving this too”?

That was the plan all along.

Stay open. Stay willing. Stay present.

He is walking right here with you.

Enjoy the journey, because He is!!

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

You are worthy.

And this moment?

Holy.

God whispered.

“I’ve got you. I am right here with you. This is special for me too.”

Sometimes we strive to reach the thing we’ve already known. But God—He steers us gently toward the thing we didn’t know we needed. The detour is the destination. When we trust Him with our feet, He gives us paths carved just for our hearts.

Our Mantra Today:

“I trust the detour. It’s where You’re waiting.”

“I walk slowly. I walk freely. I walk with You.”

“I am worthy of this much beauty.”

Worship Pairing:

🎶 “Keep Me in the Moment” – Jeremy Camp

🎶 “You Already Know” – JJ Heller

Message:

“The Lord is in this place.” Even when you’re alone on a trail with bear scat and gray clouds—especially then. (The clouds didn’t last long. 😊)