A four-day trip brought students from a range of majors, ages and backgrounds to hike more than 25 miles across California’s Central Coast.
Over fall break, from Oct. 23-26, 32 students from Point Loma Nazarene University went on a backpacking trip to Big Sur National Park, organized by Loma Outside, an outdoors club.
The students headed to the trail early Thursday morning for a roughly eight-hour drive. The trail, chosen by Annika Schramm, a second-year environmental studies major, wound through coastal ridges and redwood forests and had a stop at a natural hot spring. Schramm said that the idea was to create a trip that was both challenging and deeply restorative.
“We kind of split the hiking up because we wanted to make it less stressful and more enjoyable,” Schramm said. “However, there were some days that were definitely heavier than others.”
Despite the rough terrain and long mileage, the group was able to maintain a steady pace throughout the trip. Schramm said that one of the biggest challenges was managing a large group with different levels of hiking experience.
“Because we had such a big group, it just was natural that people would spread out on the trail,” Schramm said. “This made communication a little challenging, but everyone was really flexible and had such great attitudes about it.”
For some students, the large group allowed them to connect with people outside of their usual circles. Alex Rivera, a second-year business marketing major, said that she was able to interact with people she doesn’t typically interact with on campus, and that being on the trail created a supportive group dynamic.
“If somebody ever needed to take a break from the incline, people would stop, wait, grab water or get a snack,” Rivera said. “There were a lot of good affirmations and conversations throughout, which was definitely a great way to get us through the long hikes.”
Jolie Bush, a second-year child development major, said that she joined the trip because she wanted to try something new as a way to step away from routine and technology.
“I wanted to slow down and fully be present and immersed in the Lord’s creation with nothing but what I truly needed to survive,” Bush said. “I also really wanted to step into something I have never done, which would allow me to form new friendships.”
Bush said that the most memorable moments of the trip came when they hiked up one of the trails after the sun had set. She said that the whole group lay on the ground in a single file and got to watch the stars.
“We were hysterically laughing one minute and then completely silent and in awe the next,” Bush said. “There was just such a sacred stillness as we looked up at the sky, just realizing how small we are and yet how deeply known and loved we are by the Creator who made it all.”
For Rivera, the trip offered more than just time outdoors, as she was able to have opportunities for connection that went beyond surface-level conversation.
“It was really cool to hear about people’s stories and learn about them in a deeper way,” Rivera said. “It’s not like the usual, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ since you were actually able to just take the time to sit down and walk alongside them.”
Schramm said that kind of connection reflects the mission of what Loma Outside aims to represent. She said the club seeks to build community through shared experiences in nature.
“People who might never meet on campus got to come together through a shared love of nature and being outside,” Schramm said. “That’s kind of what Loma Outside is all about.”
Kaelyn VanderSpek