02-NOV-2011
How was your day?
Mine was pretty good. I got a late start. I figured that I wouldn't be able to do much, so there wasn't much point in hurrying. So that's what I did all day - not hurry. I walked oh so slow. I was fully anticipating a quick end to my hike, so any amount that I was able to see would be great. I spent all day in a short section of Clear Creek wash. Well there was a side trip up what I'll call quicksand wash. That route ended at a very short slot canyon. I stuck my trekking pole into a pool of water at the base. It hit the sand at the bottom and kept on sinking. That's when I realized that my boot was sinking into what I had thought was just damp sand. That sounds more dangerous than it was. It was just sort of interesting. So back to the picture. It's near where I turned around on the Clear Creek hike. The slot behind this was cool, but the sun was shining straight down into it. I'm pretty sure I know a short cut to that location, so I may return on a later day. It still wouldn't be possible to get much deeper into the slot without a dry suit or just not caring about getting wet.
To summarize, I hiked probably about three miles. That's not very far, but it took me all day. And what a day it was. The area is really cool (actually for most of the day that statement could be taken quite literally. I was bundled up.) and I was extremely happy and blessed to have been able to see it. My knees aren't feeling normal, but I'm much more optimistic now. Come back tomorrow to see if my mood swings in the other direction.
01-NOV-2011
There's still some color on the east side
It's past prime time for fall color in that area, but there are still some stragglers to be found. But more to the point, I'm finished with Zion. Today I did the tourist thing and stopped wherever I could find a parking spot. I figure that's what most people do before moving on to the next location. What else could there be to see? Don't most people spend an afternoon or maybe one day here? Oh and by the way I got a medical consultation today. A doctor saw me painfully hobbling around and asked some questions. But tomorrow is another day. Or maybe the day after tomorrow. I'm not sure which, but I'll probably be feeling much better any day now.
31-OCT-2011
Double Arch Alcove
The weather report predicted low eighties in St. George. It was 35 degrees at the Kolob Canyon visitor center. I imagine it was colder than that up above on the trail. I was almost starting to wonder if those fingers I couldn't feel were in danger of frostbite. So why weren't my hands in my pockets? I was using trekking poles for only the second time. As long as my knees continue to be a problem I doubt that I'll be able to do any hiking without them. Right now I'm wondering how much hiking I'm going to be up to. It's not easy getting old. Of course as Jim Stiles told me, ten years from now I'll wish I could feel this good. That's a scary thought, which I suppose is fitting for Halloween.