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.