Canyonlands
Living in Colorado, we were eager for some adventures in the surrounding states, but it wasn’t until a good friend invited us along for a four day backpacking trip in Canyonlands National Park that we would really start our exploration.
Katie is one of those people who, once she sets her mind to it, will plan and accomplish just about anything. Canyonlands was no exception. Bound and determined, she planned our route and secured the permits. Her plans became our reality and a month after committing, we all piled in Buster and headed west.
After a quick overnight stop in Moab, we arrived at the trailhead, strapped into our packs, and set out into those slick red rock canyons.
We set up camp in Elephant Canyon surrounded by massive rock formations. Here we wandered and found a lookout just a couple hundred yards from camp, making it to the top just in time for the sunset. Whiskey made its way around, and soon we were having an impromptu talent show featuring handstands, elbow licking, and a standing ovation of our national anthem. Our family dinner was hastened by oncoming snow and all six of us ended up scarfing down the meal in a three person tent, huddled up for warmth.
Day two led us into Chesler Park. As I gazed out into this open field, cliché images of Indiana Jones adventures and cowboys riding into the sunset filled my mind. Our campsite sat right on the edge of where the tall grass met the rock walls, and we were all laughs as one by one we had to utilize our biffy bags... A quick lunch and we set off to see and explore the Joint Trail.
The Joint Trail took us down into the depths of this slot canyon. Just enough room to walk single file, we each looked up in awe at nature’s magnificent creation. We tried our scrambling skills and found our way out of the canyon to a view perfect for taking in the sunset. When you go backpacking with friends, there is bound to be a memorable moment or two. Sitting up there shoulder to shoulder with some of my best friends singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag” while watching the sunset would be one of those moments I will never forget.
The next morning we reluctantly left to hike up to Druid Arch. Katie had gotten a 24 hour stomach bug and wasn’t going to make it to the arch. Urging us to go so that she could get some rest, the rest of us set out. Climbing up to get a better look at this wind blown piece of rock, none could deny its majesty. It glared down at us along with the sun, and we each noted that the effort to make it out here was more than worth it; a lesson taught over and over again in our adventures.
We spent the afternoon taking it all in, dozing, and wishing that Katie could have made the trek. As the sun sank lower into the horizon, we made our way back to camp, arriving just in time for a feast of freeze dried meals galore mixed with vodka and whiskey. The men in the group decided drinking the alcohol would be a better idea than having to pack it out the next morning...what the mind comes up with while out in the Utah backcountry...
With Katie not feeling well, and the guys feeling just shy of terrible, we decided to pack up and head out sooner rather than later. We consolidated all of Katie’s gear amongst ourselves to make her pack as light as possible and hiked back to the trailhead where Buster was faithfully waiting. Those who decided strapping their biffy bags to the outside of their packs were made to go to the back of the line and before we knew it, we were on the road back to Denver.
Throughout our trip, I decided to take quick, candid shots with our old GoPro and try my hand at editing for the first time. Learning as I went, Scott was patient and helpful with any questions I had using Adobe Premier for the first time. It isn’t much, really just a way to remember our wonderful trip, but I’m quite proud of the outcome of my first project! You’re more than welcome to take a peek here.
Trips like these don’t happen every weekend when you live in Colorado. They take a decent amount of planning and coordination among a group of people who are willing to make the effort. It doesn’t always come together: people bail and situations come up. When it does come together, though, it’s worth taking time to appreciate.