I parked at the San Pasqual Valley Staging Area, just off Bandy Canyon Road in the San Dieguito River Park. The large dirt lot was empty when I arrived. After readying my pack, I set out on the Coast to Crest Trail, heading west. It was 8:45 a.m. and already warm, but a light breeze kept me comfortable.

The trail winds its way through an 11,000-acre agricultural preserve featuring a sod farm; eucalyptus, citrus, and avocado groves; and dairy cows from the last remaining dairy in San Diego County.

California buckwheat lined one side of the trail. The shrubs’ flowers were a mix of pink, white, and cream, with some older blooms already turning a rich russet. Ground squirrels skittered from hole to hole. Crows — many of them — perched atop disused farming equipment. A red-tailed hawk, wings outstretched, circled above the barren field to the north.

I listened to Kristyn Getty read Psalm 84, a pilgrim song, and reflected on the line about pilgrims journeying through the Valley of Baca — the Valley of Weeping. Their tears nourish the arid land, transforming it into a place of springs and bringing new life out of death. A timely reminder for me during this season of upheaval.

Crossing Ysabel Creek Road, I continued along the trail. A few minutes later, I checked my watch and saw that I had been walking for over an hour. The day was growing warmer, so I decided to turn around.

On the way back, I paused atop a bridge that spans Santa Maria Creek. A grove of young eucalyptus trees grows next to the bridge. My feet were level with the trees’ leafy tops, making me feel as though I was floating on a sea of leaves.

Two hours after having set out on the trail earlier that morning, I found myself back where I started. I had covered just over six miles on foot, but my soul had traveled much farther.