Not-so-Silent Retreat: The Hikes

We went on one or two "hikes" every day. Real hikers would perhaps scoff - we didn't rack up much mileage. But the trails were rocky, dusty, vertical, and sometimes directly through streams. I thought it was a great balance of activity and chilling. I need both.

The first afternoon, we took a stroll through a canyon where the highlight was a chance to climb on a rock wall above a waterfall. It was also my first exposure to how life is experienced when social media is not just for fun, but how one earns a living. Our professional photographer - and all of us - had to capture all kinds of moments to be used in posts that included tags for various sponsors. This was not annoying, just different. I'm getting more used to the fact that without pics it didn't happen, but in this case, it was not solely for fun - but it was always fun.  When we got to the rock climbing part, not everyone went up the wall, but I did. The difficulty was minimal, though as always the challenge is some transition in balance from using my arms to relying on my legs to hold me up.

The stream was mostly dry

I did that too

Social media life

The next day was a much more challenging slot canyon with a much taller waterfall.  It was truly scary, but we all did the climb at the end. First, however, we ascended a canyon with a very cold stream running through it, often forced to walk through the water directly. We had loaner hiking boots from one of the sponsors, Merrell. We also had hiking sticks (like ski poles) which I used for the first time. I have been reluctant to use poles because I think they look nerdy. But, balancing on rocks in a swiftly moving stream, I welcomed the extra help in balancing. I also found them useful for taking pressure off my knee when going up or down big steps.

The path is only through the water

Trying to improve my selfie technique - remember to smile!

Bits of sunlight changed the temperature

Gaining confidence

Slow shutter speed

Steep sides

Claiming it as my own

Yes, we did a bra shot

After chilling back at the house for some hours, we headed out to a place with big rocks for yoga at sunset. No pictures of the actual yoga, as I was doing it. Just the big rocks and big sky.

The next morning was literally up well before dawn to go into Zion National Park, climbing in the dark to a scenic overlook to watch the sun rise. This was absolutely the most amazing time. We had the spot mostly to ourselves, because of being early birds. There was a huge backup to get into the park we saw on our way out.

Not quite light

I could actually see the line of the sun move on the hills

Feeling on top of the world

This was pretty high up

The light is about to come

Everything is fabulous

More light

More yoga was done

Great spot for a pose - always paying attention

After dawn, we made one other stop in Zion to see some petroglyphs.

That evening, post chilling and before dinner, we did a trail run just a couple of miles from the house. My knee didn't actually let me run for more than five minutes. (I've got to get that fixed.)  Mirna the ultra-runner gave us tips and coaching. Since I didn't run much, I also spent time admiring the plants.

Trail

There was a very steep hill at the end

Datura

The last full day was extraordinary in a different way. We were going up a very steep canyon. It involved giant steps up rocks, requiring hands for me, and my knee simply couldn't do it. I said I was going to turn around, but due to a slight fear of thunderstorms causing a flash flood, everyone came with me. After the shorter-than-planned hike, we drove through the home of the FLDS (the splinter group of polygamists and pedophiles who think the LDS, Mormons, are not conservative enough. Since a series of arrests and trials, the world has come to this place, and it is slowly opening to the world. We did not actually see many people, perhaps because it was Sunday, perhaps because it was hot.

Enjoying the moment

A random arch

Apparently one is required to strike this pose when wearing this shirt

Perhaps the most brilliant day

 We headed in the cars towards a scenic overlook that required less climbing and that would be above any floods. But we stopped before reaching the spot, because the road was rough and it appeared there was a serious rescue of a mountain biker underway, involving many high speed vehicles. This random desert moment proved surprisingly emotional.

This patch of desert is the back door to Zion

We felt the end of our time coming soon

Community

Better selfie?

The final morning, the clouds and the rain were coming. We took a walk through cinders up the side of an ancient volcano. More yoga was done. Then were were done.

Early

Cholla cactus

Bye