Category Archives: National Parks

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 →

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 →

A Fiery Furnace That Could Have Been Hell

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When Lynne and I were caravanning to Big Bend last March, we celebrated her birthday with a trip to the “Star Party” at the McDonald Observatory. So since my birthday just passed, she kindly offered to reciprocate with a Ranger-led tour through the Fiery Furnace in Arches National Park. Little did either of us know that this trip books up months in advance. Continue reading →

GPS: “Turn Right and Go Off Road.”

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I haven’t seen my friend Ethel (aka Lynne from WinnieViews) since we said goodbye and went our separate directions, blowing out of Big Bend in 25mph winds last March. Lynne spent the summer liquidating a garage full of gadgets (they don’t call her “Gadget Girl” for nothing!) becoming a Craig’s List and ebay mogul while preparing for full timing, while I took off on The Amazing Race around the Olympic Peninsula. We agreed when we both ended up in the same state, we would reunite for more “Lucy and Ethel Adventures.” Only now, being in Southern Utah, somehow the theme seemed to morph into more “Thelma and Louise!” Continue reading →