por Christian La Mont
We expected a mildly chilly sunset Dia de los Reyes hike with rosca and conversation. However, as the day of the event drew nearer, we had to make a call as to whether or not we would continue with the outing, rain or shine.
After finding and purchasing ponchos and extra lanterns at the local 99cent store, we decided to go on with the outing which we now anticipated would be very wet.
Hike day arrived and we counted 24 adventurers, ages 4 to over 40, who sought to brave the rain with us.
An introduction to the cultural significance of the rosca and Dia de los Reyes was followed by distribution of ponchos as the rain picked up. We marched forward towards the top of the Debs Park loop, stopping along the way to take photos and talk to the group about the importance of our regional open spaces. It was getting seriously muddy, and seriously wet.
As we continued, Latino Outdoors leaders maintained an eye on everyone’s progress and general enthusiasm. We continued the trail until we reached the small pond at the top. Taking a moment to rest and remove mud from our shoes, we listened to National Parks Conservation Association representative Laura Navarro’s in-depth overview of the Leave No Trace principles.
As we reached the overview which had previously been overcast with low-hanging clouds and rainy-day mist, we were greeted with a beautiful nighttime vista of Los Angeles. With the cloud cover gone, we posed for pictures, took selfies and quickly discussed the importance of storytelling and picture taking (responsibly tagging when applicable) during outings and excursions.
If we are to change the narrative, nothing is better than empowering the Latinx community to tell their own stories of the outdoors, and share those with others. In the dark, illuminated by our lights, we made it back to the parking area. Through the rain and the mud, what emerged were enthusiastic hugs, smiles, exchanges of information, promises to keep in touch and promises to join Latino Outdoors Los Angeles on our next adventure.