Reaching the top of Yellow Rock, the long way.
Following the minor debacle of losing the trail the previous week, we were diligent in plotting a hike
in the backcountry somewhere between Kanab and Page. The final stretch of the route was along Cottonwood Road,
an area we have subsequently come to learn as one filled with pearls but in winter, an impassable road.
Fortunately, it was dry when we headed into the wilderness and it remained that way until we left. It still
remains dry as we write. The scene is set as we left at a leisurely pace on Sunday morning in brisk weather.
The going was slow over the gravel road but comfortable. We were surprised that minutes after we arrived,
two couples followed closely. The area is extremely quiet so it was unusual.
It could be the editor reaching the rock surface after a steep climb on a difficult surface. Then
again, it could be an apparition.
We can now confirm it was the editor on the yellow mountain. We had it to ourselves.
We followed directions from the parking area to the trailhead diligently but we could not find
the correct path. How do you recognize an impossibly steep climb for a quarter of a mile, so stated
the instruction. We saw a number of those. By that time, we did not see the other two couples either, which
was a clue that we were wrong or maybe they were or both were incorrect. We then found a track, covered
with prints and followed it. This was after turning from another path that looked promising but petered
out after teasing us a while. We climbed this impossibly steep incline and after three-quarters
of the way up, decided it did not look right especially when Jenni spotted the four hikers across the way
on the crest of a neighboring mountain. Oops! We were not having a good week for directions. Down we went
which was just as tricky as the incline. We were sweating and tired after quite an ordeal and the hike had
not commenced officially. The four, making their way on the crest, looked fantastic, almost surreal.
We were envious.
We were invigorated once we stepped on the rock. We went directly up, jogging at times.
Viewing the contrasting mountains and colors in front of us.
Editor stops to rest (pose) with matching jackets and rocks. Could have worn yellow, too
We found another path and after 20 minutes, turned back again. Wonderful. We cut across the stream
and looked at the impossibly steep inclines and half-heartedly attempted another but knew it was wrong.
Feeling a little dejected after failing to find a path, trail would be too gentle a description, we found
something promising. It was our original path but after losing it earlier, we had turned around. This time
we saw where we went wrong. Off we went, following a goat path which, after a while, no longer looked promising.
We decided that unless we discovered something at least half-official looking, we would scrap the hike,
return to the car and spend the rest of the day whining and sobbing. We hadn't decided who would do the sobbing
and who would whine. Fortunately, we are flexible in that regard and never argue about respective functions.
A fascinating view to the side. If we had a clue of directions we could have told you it's to the north or
maybe west...south?.
On the mountain we found this tower, toned into its base.
A treacherous path on the way home.
No luck and we turned back. We were becoming pretty efficient at that. A glance to the left and there
was the path, going up 'impossibly steep' towards the shoulder. Success. We became invigorated and raced
up the mountain, a short but very sheer section. Upon reaching the top, we were bowled over when we saw
the yellow rock or mountain. What an incredible sight. In addition, it is all slick rock, our favorite.
We bolted up, not worrying about making switchbacks and only stopped when we came across a section colored
in reds, pinks and dark yellow. Some of the formations are unbelievable. Tucked away deep in the outback,
they are treasures that are almost virginal. However, because we haven't seen them before or can't envisage
heavy traffic, doesn't mean that many haven't visited these regions. Whatever the case, had we not exhausted
ourselves with our earlier miscalculations, we would have had more time and maybe energy to play a lot longer.
Loved the scene although only reached it more than an hour later than scheduled.
Deep into the wilderness, the electricity transmission lines quietly do their job.
One more look at some of the colors in the wilderness.
Should anyone ever feel they need directions from us,...well, you've been warned.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
No comments:
Post a Comment