San Luis Valley
Heading North from Ojo Caliente, I followed Highway 285 leading through the San Luis Valley up into south-central Colorado. 
My next stop was the Great Sand Dunes National Park which is amazing sight to see! The sand dunes rise up to 750 feet from the valley floor, and are visually complimented by the contrasting majestic mountains behind them. I ran into a group of young guys who had brought boogie boards to try to surf the sand hills. Though I got there a little too late to actually watch them, they told me that things didn’t quite work out the way they planned — something I could easily guess at seeing as how a couple of them were totally covered in sand.
As sunset washed over the sky and the full moon rose above the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo mountains to the east, I continued on to Crestone, a intentional spiritual community where over 10 different religious and spiritual centers exist in a town of less than 80 residents. These next few days of my journey were about spiritual reconnection. 
I toured around the town stopping at the different ashrams, temples, shrines, and learning centers. I talked with a few people to learn about what called them to their respective paths. I visited different holy sites and offered prayer through kneeling, bowing, touching, kissing and reciting hymns. I stood on a rock overlooking the valley and spread my limbs to embrace the elements around me. I immersed myself in the super-high spiritual energy and went into deep meditation, prayer, and gratitude for all that this universe has blessed me with and will continue to bring my way.
Although (or perhaps because) I was raised in a lifestyle of doing yoga and meditation every day, I’ve been very resistant in my adult years to make that a regular part of my life, even though I fully realize and appreciate the benefits. So I gave myself the opportunity to awake each morning and connect with my body and soul through an hour and a half of yoga and meditation. Throughout the day, I observed myself to see what effects were generated from this. And I felt that these were some of the most innerly peaceful days I’ve had in a long time. Cool — this stuff really does work!
The next stop was a short drive half an hour north where I spent the night at the Orient Land Trust, home of the Valley View Hot Springs. For anyone passing through the area, I highly recommend visiting this place! 
There are 4 hot spring ponds nestled into the hillside, one deliciously warm swimming pool next to an extra hot pool, and a 160° sauna all for your relaxing pleasure. There are cabins to rent and places for RV and tent camping; but the spaces are limited and the place is popular, so it’s typically a good idea to call ahead for reservations. The environment of the place is very relaxed and rustic but definitely not dingy, and it’s run very professionally so you feel taken care of.
As a land trust that is dedicated to preserving natural resources and wildlife habitat (see OLT’s mission statement), there are families of deer and other wildlife that live in the area and aren’t afraid of humans. Walking on the paths between the hot springs or while sitting in pools, I got a chance to be as close as 10 feet away from adult and baby deer. It was amazing to see the grace and beauty of their bodies and fun to watch them bound (hop on all fours) across the hillside. While I was making lunch, a doe walked up to me hoping to get a bite. I put out my hand and let her sniff it, and then she licked me! It felt like a huge, thick human tongue… very fun and weird all at the same time. I had a great time there, and I’ll definitely be heading back next time I’m in the area!
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