Rich and distinctive canyon as Jen heads for home.
Earlier, going deeper into the canyon and up towards the cliff tops. Jen stands before the steep ascension and looks...which doesn't help any.
On a regular basis, we find ourselves in remote locations in many parts of the world. On each occasion, it never ceases to amaze that a person can be somewhere on the planet where not another soul appears to exist. At times, it can be a little eerie but on most occasions, it gives a person a feeling of upliftment, of being in an almost hallowed position. Nevertheless, we’ll try to convert these thoughts into words which is often more difficult than one anticipates.
Invariably, it can amount to a struggle to find the ideal hike or climb for the day or trek. Locating the trailhead is usually a challenge but fortunately, we are improving in this endeavor although there’s much scope for more competence. Today, we set out for what ended up a real gem of a hike and experience, a winner. En route to the trailhead, as we entered the town of Hildale, we missed the turnoff. We passed the junction by about two hundred yards and at that stage found ourselves in Arizona. See what we mean. The hike is in Utah...(continues at end... if we can find our way back to Utah soon.)
Mostly reflections.
Distinctive, colorful, rich and a good challenge … not actually commenting on Jenni.
Jen catches the contrast of brightness on the walls and color on the water as I go down to the water seeking a better position. When suspected we may see 'magic' on our arrival, we rushed from the trailhead in sandals up a mound to find a good vantage point.
The reflecting walls, typical Utah...contrast with the picture below.
The same walls but as reflections off the pond below.
In order to reach the ledge, one has to do this below... Note the massive mountain top to the right.
Felt quite chuffed with this vertical climb without decent hand-, foot- grips.
and this...pardon me, boasting now complete, although it was quite tough but exciting.
Above the canyon itself and now heading higher.
When a person finds a treasure, one tries to hold onto it, even for fleeting moments.
Lapse in discipline: Contrasting coloring of Nepal and Southern Utah. (Everest at rear, looking down upon us.)
Looking up as the sun hits the spot.
Unique. Climbing in the canyon...yes, the best canyon we can recall plus cliffs to ascend.
Each moment of the day something unique is occurring.
Jen arranging the car 'for sale', relying on the background to attract customers.
Once arrived at the trailhead or carpark, it’s also possible the trail does not lead directly off from that position. When we settle these anomalies, within minutes it’s as if we are leaving the world we came from and entering another dimension—obviously, remaining Earth-bound but piercing a barrier and entering a place, usually little disturbed by mankind but for trails, where life is different, is natural. Looking around, one sees aspects of nature similar to so many other places. Of course, there will be trees, plants, flowers, grasses, lakes, rivers, mountains, streams, snow, differing textures and colors of soil, birds and animals and much more. However, what creates, we think, this aura is the manner in which it's integrated to form a place of serenity, calm, peace and almost contradictory, challenges, sometimes hostile, rough terrain, an opportunity for adventure and always, varying forms of weather. What we find staggering is the transformation that occurs, often but not always, of a spiritual feeling. Because we can't define the concept, we leave it for each person to try to relate to the idea based upon own experiences.
Most times, today would rate one of those occasions weighted toward the top of the scale in which one is overcome by the beauty, the tranquility, isolation, and overpowering sandstone mountains in hues of red, orange, gold and yellows. Because of the creek flowing between the canyon walls, the vegetation close to the water is rich in greens and healthy looking to the eye. Contrasting these colors against each other and then enhancing them in the early hours of the day, the power of the sun causes: colors to change, to burn brightly, to form shadows thus darkening too and, in the case of the pond at the beginning of the canyon, to reflect the sandstone tops off its surface. The gentle flow of water provided a calming effect to both our senses of sound and sight. Nature's humor also created slippery surfaces for our nervous feet, particularly close to edges.
When looking down the canyon, one’s eyes confront the towering walls of each side, narrowing as one enters the canyon and continues advancing. The birds chirp and remind us of an appreciation of life for it’s usually they who express their enthusiasm for the dawning of another day with such vibrancy. As we rise, and we do much of that as we head towards the top of the cliffs, the colors continue to change because of varying angles created by our movement. Of course, as much as we wish to observe the activity about us as well as the passive beauty of the towering walls, trees and plants, it behooves the walker to keep a close watch on the rising trail as it meanders in the canyon, climbing up and over boulders, rocks, tree trunks and every now-and-again, slick rock which at times, provides some tricky challenges.
While one begins to sweat and tire the further one advances, the initial enthusiasm mentioned earlier may take a backseat for a period but it never departs. The feeling remains and is reinforced every so often by a voice reminding us where we are and that at nearly every step, something new appears. Realistically, by the time one is worn down, it’s not surprising for the sights and excitement to take a lower profile. However, the soul has been touched and that feeling cannot be changed or withdrawn. Upon arriving back at the trailhead, the physical recovery begins and the mental stimulation caused by the sights and the physical feeling of accomplishment pair together to uplift one again. Nothing beats the mix of sweat through effort with beauty and stimulating sights thrown in as a bonus.
Once completed, including showering and eating, the experience, often supported by photographs but many a time not, lingers and stays with a person for a long time or at least, until superseded by the next adventure. Of course, each one remains, perhaps layered upon one another to etch into a person’s mind and soul the feelings, sights, novelty, learning, sweat, discovery and personal sense of achievement. For, each thing we do, can be made into a sense of accomplishment and growth. Each day, a life lived well, is an adventure.
Sights and atmosphere were spectacular.
...and some people 'run to Nepal' for excitement.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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