Hi. I’m a pair of hiking boots that had been sitting on a shelf at Sportsman’s Warehouse. (they have a surprisingly good selection of hiking shoes!)
Apparently, my new owner got a bonus from her home based business, and decided to invest in…ME!
When she slipped her feet into me, I knew we were a perfect match! So, I found myself in a new closet for a night…then onto my first adventure!
Capital Reef National Park, located in southern Utah. The nearby national parks–Zion and Bryce Canyon–are much more popular, so this lesser known national park is a quiet gem with amazing red rocks, slot canyons, and arches. I was in the car for a few hours, then out in the open air, hiking on a trail that starts outside of the park limits, called Burro Wash Hiking Trail. For about 2 miles, I was smothered in sand as we followed a wash into the Capital Reef park border. Then, the fun began. Climbing over slick rock, the walls of the canyon began to narrow. Eventually, we were hiking in a slot canyon that was a little over 2 feet wide, about 100 yards long, and around 30 feet tall!
Fortunately, there was no water to wade through–I HATE getting wet–but I understand that it can be filled with water in the spring and early summer. I did such a good job of helping my master navigate through some tight spots–it was fantastic!
On to Torrey, Utah to stay overnight, and Day 2 was another incredible hiking adventure, this time right in the heart of the park. The Frying Pan Trail, with a side trip to see the incredible Cassidy Arch.
OK, I’m not going to lie, this hike was TOUGH–7 miles with 3 serious climbs in it. The feet inside me were hurting by the end! But the scenery was indescribable–so many interesting rock formations, spectacular canyons, and incredible blue sky!
My owner likes doing crazy yoga poses here and there too.
She even gets her friends to be crazy with her!
My final day of hiking was to the Hickman Natural Bridge, an arch you get to walk right underneath. It was really hard for my owner to get a picture to show how gorgeous it was.
Gratefully, this hike was a little over 2 miles, still strenuous, but SOOO much shorter than yesterday’s hike!
My owner can’t go to this part of the country without a stop at a little hamburger stand in Hanksville, Utah called Stan’s Burger Shak.
Not only are their hamburgers DELICIOUS, you can’t leave without having one of their shakes! I just wish I could have tasted them…I’m content knowing my owner was in heaven after hiking hard, enjoying great friends, and eating exquisitely. I can’t wait for my next adventure!!
Owner’s note: I feel like the my blog has transformed into a “Best Places to Travel” blog! Since my intent is to focus on health as we age, I have to add a few comments. Challenging yourself physically as I did over this fantastic weekend is exhilarating not just physically, but also spiritually and emotionally. I highly recommend getting out to some of our nation’s parks–both and national and state parks are incredible. If you choose to embark on such a hiking adventure, I have a few recommendations:
- Have the right equipment. Good hiking shoes are a must! A backpack with a water bladder in it (like a Camelbak) is great because water is more readily accessible, and you can carry an extra jacket, food, etc. “just in case something happens.” I was raised a Girl Scout, and one of the lessons that has stuck with me over the years is to be prepared.
- Use hiking poles. Taking some of the weight burden off of your knees and hips as you’re hiking is a brilliant idea for our aging joints. One elderly hiker once said to me, “If you want to be hiking into your 80’s, use poles now!”
- Take your time. If you get short winded, take a break, especially if you’re hiking a steep incline. If it’s too much, you can always turn around and head back to the car. While most hikes have a lovely waterfall/lake/arch/view at hike’s end, don’t kill yourself just to “finish the hike!”
- It’s the journey, not the destination. Stop to look around at your surroundings while you’re hiking . There is beauty along the way, not just at the end of the hike. Take pictures, visit with your hiking buddies, ENJOY the journey!
And finally, if you’re reading this and wishing you had the energy/strength/stamina to enjoy a hike like this…there is hope! Please comment below, WISH, and I will be in touch with you!
