Ladies Choice!

Hiking with the “Red Rocks Gang” takes on a whole different aura when it’s a “Ladies Only” hike.   One would think tempo or pace would be the obvious difference, but quite the contrary.  Of our two dynamic duos, Gayle and Jim and Mark and Bobbie, both women tend to be the trail blazers, up front setting the pace.  So when the guys have other things to do back at camp, whether it be a writing deadline, a football game, or just unnamed “guy stuff,”  the female contingent does not skip a beat in the daily hiking schedule.

There tends to be a bit more observation and interpretation when it’s a Ladies Only group…studying the rock formations for recognizable shapes, admiring “striations” (which some of us can pronounce while others cannot) pointing out different textures and colors in the rock.   Looking for signs of petroglyphs, or reflecting back on what life was like when the first pioneers explored this dramatic, foreboding, impassable “reef.”

The mood is lighthearted, often times with humorous tales at the expense of those who remain behind.   There may be stops at the pie store.  And then sometimes there may even be great singing.  Right Bobbie?   😉

But we don’t all hang in a pack of cackling hens either.  It’s still all about the hike with this group, which I appreciate, as the space between us affords me more time to reflect, admire, and appreciate the wonder of nature that surrounds me. “Do your own thing, and I’ll see ya when I see ya” seems to be the pervasive credo.  For someone who is typically a solo hiker, it is the best of both worlds.   A solo hike with a built-in rescue squad.  😉

We did three “Ladies Only” hikes in Capitol Reef;  Sunset at Chimney Rock (my favorite,) Cohab Canyon, and the most challenging “easy” trail I have ever hiked, the Fremont River Trail.

Here is a little of what the guys missed…

CHIMNEY ROCK TRAIL

Ascent on the Chimney Rock Trail

Ascent on the Chimney Rock Trail

The sun is dropping fast

The sun is dropping fast

The top of the bluff overlooking Chimney Rock

The top of the bluff overlooking Chimney Rock

Red rocks ablaze in the sunset glow

Red rocks ablaze in the sunset glow

High above Chimney Rock

High above Chimney Rock

Bobbie, Debbie, and Gayle on overlook on the way down from Chimney Rock

Bobbie, Debbie, and Gayle on overlook on the way down from Chimney Rock

Descending the Chimney Rock switchbacks

Descending the Chimney Rock switchbacks

Near the base of the trail

Near the base of the trail

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COHAB CANYON TRAIL

Cohab Canyon trail starts out with a whole lotta "up," then levels off.

Cohab Canyon trail starts out with a whole lotta “up,” then levels off.

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We venture off the trail a bit and find our own "box canyon."

We venture off the trail a bit and find our own “box canyon.”

Looks like melting caramel ice cream..

Looks like melting caramel ice cream..

Looks like...the brunt of many "Ladies Only" hike jokes.

Looks like…the brunt of many “Ladies Only” hike jokes.

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I tell Bobbie I admire her ability to "accessorize." Her shirt matches the mineral colors in the rocks.

I tell Bobbie I admire her ability to “accessorize.” Her shirt matches the mineral colors in the rocks.

FREMONT RIVER TRAIL

The "Capitol Dome?"

The “Capitol Dome?”

Local residents of the Fruita Orchard

Local residents of the Fruita Orchard

Trail begins along the Fremont River, but then rises steeply

Trail begins along the Fremont River, but then rises steeply

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14 thoughts on “Ladies Choice!

  1. Can’t believe I have never done the Fremont Trail. In fact, I passed the Chimney Rock trail for years before we finally did it last time in Capitol Reef. Like you, I loved it. Having worked alone in the woods and wilderness for three decades, solo hiking was work and I enjoyed it, but now another single companion…two at the most, is kinda nice. What you said, a rescue squad could come in handy. Again and ditto….so much love the photos of my favorite place from other perspectives.

  2. Sounds like the best of both worlds for you hiking with the ladies. Having that alone, quiet time is always special. But knowing someone has your back makes the hike a little easier. We rarely hike right together. I have to keep stopping to look around, so I don’t fall looking and walking, and stopping for photos. I’ll find John on down the trail waiting patiently.

    We didn’t do the Cohab Canyon. I love the formations and colors. This is on the list for spring!

  3. Breathtaking photos. Food on my computer screen from sudden laughter!
    Need a rag…..Looks like a lot of fun. Do you use hiking poles? I’m thinking of putting some on my Christmas list.

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