‘We’re always trying to keep our boots dry. Now you want us to hike in a river for 4-5 hours. Is hike the correct verb to use? Are you feeling well, dear Editor?’ We asked. After some pondering of the dilemma, we asked further, “What are we supposed to wear? Do you know how cold that water is? Have you any idea of the effect on certain body parts? What happens if it rains? Do we need an umbrella? No! We are not being a baby—we think we are quite sane.’ We did not think it would be wise to turn the last question around and ask about our editor’s state of mind. We are learning, Barbara, albeit slowly.
As usual, our editor chose a wonderful place to hike, swim, wade… Anyway, it was quite an experience. The hike commences a mile from the entrance to the river, which continues for another 16 miles or so outside of the park. Fortunately, we did not have to complete the whole journey—she does have compassion. The Virgin River is a stream by comparison with the major rivers but it gets violent during and after storms. We certainly felt the power in places not to mention the cold water when we waded in at levels up to our um…waist and above. What a terrific experience. It also gave us a better understanding of why we need boats—a very smart idea. There is no doubt we are getting a glimpse and understanding of how the world works.
The river is the only way into the park from the north. It passes through very narrow slots, a little different from the slots we observed on our night in Las Vegas. It was another fascinating experience as we negotiated our way in the water trying to ensure that each step found a reasonable stone on which to tread. Between the current, the rough and uneven rocks underfoot and the cold, we were tested at times. However, after hiking in 100 degrees plus weather, this was a pleasant change or nearly pleasant.
The walls towered over us allowing in some sunlight, thereby creating pretty scenes of color and contrast. When we open our minds and eyes, we get a glimpse of such beauty, depth and meaning on this planet of ours. Sometimes we think we need to take some of the madmen of the world with us, lead them up to the staggering cliffs and…you got it.
Our destination was ‘Wall Street’, a narrow slot canyon some two hours or so from commencement. At times, the width of the canyon was 20 or so feet. Along the way, we met other ‘meshuganas’ and shared stories of our common experiences. Our ears perked up every so often. The cause—when we heard an English speaking voice.
We thought a lot about Natalie while in the river. It was exactly 30 years ago that Jenni’s water broke to reveal our angel.
Cheers,
Jenni and her ‘Drip’
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