Monthly Archives: November 2014

Giving Thanks for Places Like Heaven and Hell

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This has been my home for the past two weeks. I am surrounded by some of the most beautiful views of bluffs, mesas, striated rock of all the colors in an artist palette that change hourly with the angle of the sun. I have only visited places like this in the past while on vacation, usually paying $100 per night for the privilege of “A Room with a View.” So to be able to call a place such as this “home” for the past two weeks has just been a little slice of heaven. I have much to be thankful for on this day! Continue reading →

A Precarious Position

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As much as I enjoy hiking solo, you would also think I would enjoy being out front during some of the group hikes.  After all, how does the saying go?  “Unless you are the lead dog, the scenery never changes?”   But instead, I always gravitate toward the rear.  This has not only to do with still struggling to reach the same fitness level as my fellow hikers, but I often times feel leery to step out front and lead because of my lack of confidence in my navigation skills. I have reason enough to doubt myself… Continue reading →

A Narrow Fit

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Imagine if you will the high anxiety that surrounds hiking Zion’s Narrows Canyon.  It is one of the most highly sought after hikes in the park, second only to the steeper, higher Angel’s Landing.    One must brave wading through a flowing, 46 degree river of varying depths, maintain balance across bowling-ball-shaped rocks, all while protecting precious cargo like cameras and vital organs. Continue reading →

Exploring Many Pools….and Beyond

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I have been wondering lately, what is the driving force behind the impulse to explore? Curiosity? Restlessness? Risk Taking? What is behind that urge to leave the creature comforts of a warm rig and comfortable lounge chair to go to such remote places for the sake of exploration? And why do some feel the call, and not others? What prompts that primal urge to push beyond the boundaries for the sake of seeing what is there? Why is finding the end of an unmarked trail as challenging yet satisfying for some as getting the last bit of peanut butter out of the bottom of the jar is for others? Continue reading →

A Day in the Life – Doing the Wash

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Coalpits Wash, that is!  Here’s how it goes down while hiking with the Red Rocks gang:

A little after dark, an email pops up from one of the members of “the gang.” There is an informal distribution list, but the email most typically comes from Gayle, Mark, or Bobbie (by proxy from Mark) because they are the “ring leaders” by default. Some might say the “pushers” to those of us neophytes who have just become hooked on their drug of choice, Red Rock Dust. “Who’s up for a hike tomorrow?” (“Candy, little girl??”) Continue reading →

Reunited and it Feels So Good…

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I must be candid in saying my world has felt a bit more “wobbly” than I expected after retirement.   Some say this is to be expected, but I personally didn’t expect it.  Don’t get me wrong, I am having the time of my life.  But I just keep having this looming feeling over me, like “Vacation is gonna be over soon, Suzanne…and THEN what?”   I trust it will pass.  😉

After my restoration and rejuvenation at the lovely little Snow Canyon and Red Mountain Day Spa, the axis of my universe is steadied once more, and I am eager to meet up with the Red Rocks Gang once again, now in Zion National Park.   Continue reading →

Snow Canyon, Thou Restoreth My Soul…

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We all have that “go to” place when our soul needs nourishing.  A place where we can seek solace.  Regain our center.   Connect to whatever form of source that makes our heart sing.  For some, it may be a favorite chair with a cup of tea.  For others, a building with a steeple on top.  And for yet others, the majestic mountains of Zion National Park.

Since I first visited Snow Canyon State Park outside of St George, UT back in 2006, it felt like nourishment for my soul.  Continue reading →

And Now! The Star of Our Show…

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No question about it, there is a “star attraction” in Arches National Park. In fact, it has achieved downright rock star status. Not only does it have its own dedicated trail, but two overlooks as well! It graces the Utah license plate, was once featured on a postage stamp, and was a milestone on the 2002 Olympic torch route. Rock star, indeed! Continue reading →