Out with the old…on with the new

It’s always hard leaving behind those you have become attached to and moving forward; however, when forward means leaving Winnemucca it’s not as hard as one would think. Winnemucca is a place in the world that most people pass on their way somewhere else and that is all they know about it. Our family has become very familiar with this vintage town, and now it is the resting place of an old friend, and the keeper of our hearts… (Ok that might be pushing it). Yes “old reliable” come to find out wasn’t so reliable…our 93 Chevy truck is dead with 2 blown cylinders. Most people would turn around and return home defeated after 5 days stranded in such a city, but not us. We drew strength from something most would chalk down as a tragedy and have persevered. I don’t want to leave the impression that Winnemucca is a horrible place, we embraced it and with a little help from Honks (the dollar store) we dominated. The city skate park, cemetery, mammoth bones, and Neanderthal skulls are just a few hidden jewels!

With a new ride we left the past behind. As we sit here tonight singing songs around the camp fire in the Jedediah Smith redwood forest, we realize we have so little time to see so much, and the big AK waits.

We want to send a shout out to: Dave and Joyce for showing us how it’s done in Minnesota, Jim and Kathryn, Rick and Alicia and the rest of the West Coast Loveridge crew, Grandpa Fox, Donna and Carl, and Dave Ean for hooking us up with a great deal on our new ride (05’ Toyota Tundra).

Crap Talk

Several months ago Mike did some research and found an awesome way to kick off Summer Tour 2009; a world class backpacking trip in Paria Canyon. Mike’s parents (Carl and Donna), the boys (Creighton and Karac), the dog (Kaiya now known as Caiya per her request), and myself (Kristen) all on our own free will decided we were in on the trip. Paria is a slot canyon that starts south of Kanab, UT and ends 38 miles later at Lee’s Ferry AZ where the Paria River joins with the Colorado. It is the longest continually narrow canyon hike in the world, and the most beautiful!

When you think about it or even talk about it while sitting in the comfort of your home, 5 days to hike 38 miles doesn’t sound bad; actually, it sounds quite nice if that’s all you take into consideration… Here’s how it went…

We get to point A and meet up with Mike’s parents. Partially delayed by weather conditions we set off Monday evening, backpack’s loaded; spirits high. Day one of an adventure is the most magical. Everyone is so naive, fresh, energized and full of excitement. Going in to this adventure we all knew two things….1. The conditions were going to be a little different than we had planned for because of a flash flood that had ravaged its way through the canyon a day or two earlier, and 2. We were going to be carrying our own poo around for 5 days, which for the most part ended up the main topic of conversation. Reader, think about it…. It’s something we all do. I don’t care who you are, you do it, but for some reason when it’s in a bag swinging around from your backpack, you’re better off talking about it, than pretending like it doesn’t exist. Take note of the white bags in the pic’s;)

 That said… we had great time, the boys did awesome (I was really worried about them making it), the dog was in a 5 day state of bliss, and the rest of us endured to the end. We made it out Friday morning dirty, reeking, tired, but with a feeling of immeasurable accomplishment. It was a lot more difficult than I thought, but very rewarding, as it is something most people would not choose to do. I’m thankful for a man that likes to take the road less traveled; we get to see and do some amazing things and enjoy new experiences that make us better people and a lot more grateful for everything.