Today was our first long hike of the trip. We hiked 12 miles in Canyonlands National Park and it was marvelous. We took Ranger Mike’s suggestion and hiked the Murphy’s Trail (kind of) in the Island in the Sky District.
The hike was all around awesome. It began with a mile flat hike to the edge of the massive canyon, then rapidly descended about 1,000 feet toward the canyon floor. From there, we continued downward, eventually following a dirt road for a bit. We then walked in a wash to begin the hike toward the base of the canyon walls, before beginning that crazy 1,000 foot ascent. We eventually made it back to the car, just 12 miles of hiking later.
The beauty of what we saw all hike long is indescribable. I simply love the desert, the robust life that is constantly surrounding us. Today we were witness to some of the most gorgeous wildflowers I’ve ever laid eyes on. Flowering trees were in full bloom. The grasses on the top of the mesa were so green, it could of been mistaken for a prairie in Illinois. Succulents, the exact kind that I pay a pretty penny for at home, were scattered throughout the canyon floor. Every preconceived notion of what I used to this the desert was, had been proven incorrect. Except for the heat. It was hot. But so beautiful.
As we began the huge descent down, Zak and I exchanged a glance that held a whole conversation. We both knew this was beautiful. We knew everyone was happy. It was in the 70s, which was perfect. And we were in the shade of the gigantic canyon wall. This was good. Really, really good. We also both knew that the incline a few hours later would be completely exposed as the sun rose higher in the sky. We also knew that the ascent was going to tough with the great gain over less than a mile. We also knew that the girls would need a bribe. All that in one quick glance. We’re a good team. Zak ingeniously told us that he would personally buy us all ice cream after the hike if we have a positive attitude throughout the whole hike. It was perfect timing, because the girls were still comfortable enough to not know what was awaiting them and they both agreed.
There were a few miles in the wash when Ellie wasn’t totally sure that she really wanted ice cream and that a jump in the hotel pool might be enough of an award. But, she held her negative thoughts in her own head for those miles, and pretty soon was back to the chipper Ellie we love to hike with. Zoe had a great mindset the whole hike. She was our brave leader for about 3/4 of the hike and never fell into negative thinking. I’m wildly proud of them both.
I kind of feel like an asshole for saying this, but I actually rocked the hike. The ascent was really tough on the rest of the family, but I surprisingly found it not that bad. I don’t know if it because I had done a good job conserving extra energy for the end. Or if the six solid months of yoga practice to strengthen my knees worked. Or if I was using my trekking poles totally correctly. Or if I just had the right mindset today. Or if this is the person I now am. I can be in charge of the education of 22 fourth graders one day. Then hop in a car, drive across the country, recharge with good company, and then hike 12 miles with some pretty steep elevation change a week later. Maybe that’s just me now. Or maybe the coffee at the hotel is that good. I did have three cups of it this morning. Anyway, I’m proud of myself today and I’m going to take a moment to celebrate that.
