tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10817350622714932672024-02-06T21:46:57.849-06:00Katie's Outdoor AdventuresA place for me to write about my outdoor adventures and reflect on my experiences guiding trips. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-82557020829072682172016-12-18T23:00:00.000-06:002016-12-26T22:46:28.162-06:00Big Bend National Park South Rim BackpackingBig Bend is a park I still haven't grown tired of visiting. At the end of the Fall 2016 semester, I guided what is most likely my last UT RecSports trip to Big Bend National Park. It was a great long weekend, with a wonderful group of participants as well as two excellent co-guides (Cade and Sara).<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday</b>: Left Austin at 5am. Had an early lunch at Mi Casita in Fort Stockton. Obtained permits at Panther Junction ranger station. Set up camp at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/campsite_la-noria.htm">La Noria</a> 4.9 miles down primitive Old Ore Road. Went to Hot Springs. Back to La Noria to cook dinner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qCNr-5FZZXckOc3mmvAkLDZlPf4aOUnF6y9ApJf6h-gwT-T4pBYf-EaOFtQus0iPTmwAZhllOMblDfWi5-tu-chT9Ajcc4DTCeKpU-F_h1bCr2k-GwK44iqqjsLabXGvAcUk5VXgcAU/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qCNr-5FZZXckOc3mmvAkLDZlPf4aOUnF6y9ApJf6h-gwT-T4pBYf-EaOFtQus0iPTmwAZhllOMblDfWi5-tu-chT9Ajcc4DTCeKpU-F_h1bCr2k-GwK44iqqjsLabXGvAcUk5VXgcAU/s400/IMG_1635.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Big Bend!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTU2g3A5E-5TFRaifzrfo9mpd_Wb2Mi1BwTkrWlwQkb_7Lt7Z8foE2IThyphenhyphennNNWbBF_WeY17cg3LQ8sbln1AWicFCC5aqQspeIzyzB8jHhbpXFZaE2IsnUy_XTwBnrc38AcQOmTVp9umc/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTU2g3A5E-5TFRaifzrfo9mpd_Wb2Mi1BwTkrWlwQkb_7Lt7Z8foE2IThyphenhyphennNNWbBF_WeY17cg3LQ8sbln1AWicFCC5aqQspeIzyzB8jHhbpXFZaE2IsnUy_XTwBnrc38AcQOmTVp9umc/s400/IMG_1641.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 1-person tent at La Noria</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCiSmj0NGFwN_u9EhfRz7eyeIffP06WeTs4qRkxEpZQg775odTO7iIv470pnUYSO_6klOW-_LhFhGRu7rxmME801xx-lJ6Jr16pwfCF6kQwBLsz8Y3Q87D1Ez5_j_mUIRLF-LMfgWx5w/s1600/IMG_1644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCiSmj0NGFwN_u9EhfRz7eyeIffP06WeTs4qRkxEpZQg775odTO7iIv470pnUYSO_6klOW-_LhFhGRu7rxmME801xx-lJ6Jr16pwfCF6kQwBLsz8Y3Q87D1Ez5_j_mUIRLF-LMfgWx5w/s400/IMG_1644.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trail to the hot springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenvPpM1cMMwYmK50VWBibstpNIYCco2n3wCYCa0oi3VvkxFfrhKeFJPs5X2bui_VPdOzuKsYTvDX6pxk94FcEcBF-8k6SDjotG4kWl_iHQ_J2G4CTwCW19Ew7CleP_2vomcLFE51zMgc/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenvPpM1cMMwYmK50VWBibstpNIYCco2n3wCYCa0oi3VvkxFfrhKeFJPs5X2bui_VPdOzuKsYTvDX6pxk94FcEcBF-8k6SDjotG4kWl_iHQ_J2G4CTwCW19Ew7CleP_2vomcLFE51zMgc/s400/IMG_1645.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hot springs were popular!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Friday</b>: Short hike in nearby <a href="http://www.backpacker.com/trips/texas/big-bend-national-park/big-bend-national-park-ernst-tinaja/#bp=0/img1">Ernst Tinaja</a>. Drive to Chisos Basin. Divide group gear and load packs. Eat lunch. Backpack to Laguna Meadow 2. Sunset hike before couscous and pita dinner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQdp9JuoqxcgdwT2kyvhl077PX9FcXYd54ZTnYoIWPwTubYxfTG7AUnBIuv2ekWyKfnpIXIf1m03fsaztcncQRvs1QtoAAe-Bil5maJ-FhMb-E1pht1GOwlBvsLhnyKm3UBGKR60om_o/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQdp9JuoqxcgdwT2kyvhl077PX9FcXYd54ZTnYoIWPwTubYxfTG7AUnBIuv2ekWyKfnpIXIf1m03fsaztcncQRvs1QtoAAe-Bil5maJ-FhMb-E1pht1GOwlBvsLhnyKm3UBGKR60om_o/s400/IMG_1648.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back towards La Noria at breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGAOmYif1yUX7hZVj_3ebYbuTKixnlS3IVAc0bQowUhNh87U9a55zQILoohyphenhyphen2INgN2CoLO3AAy_wDgAk0hggyDk76yzAF3E4qiBeilZTuhlS-GAfCoEC0uhPVxakQ5cjc2WxtUkrl-rY/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMGAOmYif1yUX7hZVj_3ebYbuTKixnlS3IVAc0bQowUhNh87U9a55zQILoohyphenhyphen2INgN2CoLO3AAy_wDgAk0hggyDk76yzAF3E4qiBeilZTuhlS-GAfCoEC0uhPVxakQ5cjc2WxtUkrl-rY/s400/IMG_1650.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View away from La Noria at breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRRGN1Qvb8jfcqdO73Btb3Kw6qUOSbKZlsRW5NIelDfTzjdcGw9MYjk8iV95mLvXPWm5-WhKlxMgsLPW54jlrKjuqY2Dbhiwtoxhs5jl4VWrBewTRZAe-o7SAefliOo5fxQLUj8We41s/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRRGN1Qvb8jfcqdO73Btb3Kw6qUOSbKZlsRW5NIelDfTzjdcGw9MYjk8iV95mLvXPWm5-WhKlxMgsLPW54jlrKjuqY2Dbhiwtoxhs5jl4VWrBewTRZAe-o7SAefliOo5fxQLUj8We41s/s400/IMG_1652.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking towards Ernst Tinaja</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4xxEKAkeGL6HO2N__f_vQ8yGvvobb_QJf5OtWP8Hk51gRYkhYtbYIlHhzt1Gz6YB28qKScwVlMhkYmT5JFmOsEt0zWaRYBQXY3fwBF86pvXB0klrVxtT-di9hqBf9cNeHz4zfkNifLw/s1600/IMG_1658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4xxEKAkeGL6HO2N__f_vQ8yGvvobb_QJf5OtWP8Hk51gRYkhYtbYIlHhzt1Gz6YB28qKScwVlMhkYmT5JFmOsEt0zWaRYBQXY3fwBF86pvXB0klrVxtT-di9hqBf9cNeHz4zfkNifLw/s400/IMG_1658.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George pretending to slide down Ernst Tinaja</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoT3ggrIMgyL2nLhWXx0EXWimroe8V1EkZdnU0urkQXSnqCWZvmP70Sd3Gxe73rBehKosG0kIp8kBFjgBLi0fcwP9xCT1orkDvl-iuhdjMsygxZ_cmWhtytKwxS_-pKszW9sHKYR-XPo/s1600/IMG_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoT3ggrIMgyL2nLhWXx0EXWimroe8V1EkZdnU0urkQXSnqCWZvmP70Sd3Gxe73rBehKosG0kIp8kBFjgBLi0fcwP9xCT1orkDvl-iuhdjMsygxZ_cmWhtytKwxS_-pKszW9sHKYR-XPo/s400/IMG_1667.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ernst Tinaja</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBpIyZfte0hyphenhyphenfIuFNDZn1PqfDQ1CMTY1umFFjIu_m-z53lYb9mkXm1NpS9ilCtHvpwAlZIfUZw5ozhM4HZoyJZ5ApOfkdxJvkoFiqhoiloqbN8qtI944fS9r0qm-VaETrMwrIfpm3njs/s1600/IMG_1673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBpIyZfte0hyphenhyphenfIuFNDZn1PqfDQ1CMTY1umFFjIu_m-z53lYb9mkXm1NpS9ilCtHvpwAlZIfUZw5ozhM4HZoyJZ5ApOfkdxJvkoFiqhoiloqbN8qtI944fS9r0qm-VaETrMwrIfpm3njs/s400/IMG_1673.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We met the guy behind <a href="https://chrissawey.wordpress.com/">Hotel Prius</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKxOydt-PIUYOvx_iC6tmYN1P_LGf2LQdWUB4O5kzwzuAWV3N7e2RGqo5isJKHACRWykaBs0FrzcARFZ_nuPaMC9V82rsNU4l8hZlMS4kjSYo8Wjx32Mxya5NimL819hMmhBHvbaEIRA/s1600/IMG_1681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKxOydt-PIUYOvx_iC6tmYN1P_LGf2LQdWUB4O5kzwzuAWV3N7e2RGqo5isJKHACRWykaBs0FrzcARFZ_nuPaMC9V82rsNU4l8hZlMS4kjSYo8Wjx32Mxya5NimL819hMmhBHvbaEIRA/s400/IMG_1681.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We saw three men crossing illegally at the Boquillas Overlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Oi2TS1ImaIMeikamQ64f_RTfiIW7vzrGPwrMstgdRgPtE0tyqoiUC3TYH1XxTfVSU_vrz45uYBPfhwmJNbpG3rLa1BosyCRRASWnM6bFwdJGtr1vtHlTjFNToiJ6XG8U62rHec9qz7E/s1600/IMG_1695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Oi2TS1ImaIMeikamQ64f_RTfiIW7vzrGPwrMstgdRgPtE0tyqoiUC3TYH1XxTfVSU_vrz45uYBPfhwmJNbpG3rLa1BosyCRRASWnM6bFwdJGtr1vtHlTjFNToiJ6XG8U62rHec9qz7E/s400/IMG_1695.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching sunset near Laguna Meadow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoEZumDI0b6xJkThaw3fr9owL9Ocq3M0DdBdcacpjEUts5EliKJLs3s6cGl35iP85UTb1MS5m0hQ4eXosP0NmuJGV9ZtJJFTYI2OVP7TcsYQgdCXqdXGwLakhTgwEOz3wAdE24mrhyphenhyphennc/s1600/IMG_1697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoEZumDI0b6xJkThaw3fr9owL9Ocq3M0DdBdcacpjEUts5EliKJLs3s6cGl35iP85UTb1MS5m0hQ4eXosP0NmuJGV9ZtJJFTYI2OVP7TcsYQgdCXqdXGwLakhTgwEOz3wAdE24mrhyphenhyphennc/s400/IMG_1697.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking towards the south rim from Laguna Meadow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Saturday</b>: Backpack from Laguna Meadow 2 to Southwest Rim 3 via the South Rim and Southeast Rim. Set-up camp, watch sunset over southeast rim.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnailiCzA6RFDZKjo3focscT_IJXITKl2XeLU4Eg_ROS9JQKhw7NRjS4QMTQonXwp4bTEkBv9qD-N-yhYXIIBaVs_qpplyH3q_G4fjJ5pMMku3-AKuu5KPDW2kWijeEVwCQyFEqu8tMd8/s1600/IMG_1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnailiCzA6RFDZKjo3focscT_IJXITKl2XeLU4Eg_ROS9JQKhw7NRjS4QMTQonXwp4bTEkBv9qD-N-yhYXIIBaVs_qpplyH3q_G4fjJ5pMMku3-AKuu5KPDW2kWijeEVwCQyFEqu8tMd8/s400/IMG_1699.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3-person tent at Laguna Meadow 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXjo51tAkmKWm-yvIj2IMzzChJncR6Efu8cLM1stErHlJ2nWJ0AHv4Btu1X9IqyXnFyJ0hGKdQ26xVMbMqzgYiNetNObRSl2sMM4tjk74gFa6lqIGv-D4ei5xZxL8jwqqQNr_yrZHCD4/s1600/IMG_1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXjo51tAkmKWm-yvIj2IMzzChJncR6Efu8cLM1stErHlJ2nWJ0AHv4Btu1X9IqyXnFyJ0hGKdQ26xVMbMqzgYiNetNObRSl2sMM4tjk74gFa6lqIGv-D4ei5xZxL8jwqqQNr_yrZHCD4/s400/IMG_1705.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The South Rim views never get old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XRYGlVnU_Vk0nksBF4dWOaKQ_2w4IhpjWMkR8gYxAjtKR_lW6NtOpkcrjalVlJZPfGHWHH4HrDA_wGDHfzCo9IYkT8jSxdl4j-MWE3qm7Gz4CFieEBNxlJE9eX0_l2BH7Ne-pKbjHq4/s1600/IMG_1706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XRYGlVnU_Vk0nksBF4dWOaKQ_2w4IhpjWMkR8gYxAjtKR_lW6NtOpkcrjalVlJZPfGHWHH4HrDA_wGDHfzCo9IYkT8jSxdl4j-MWE3qm7Gz4CFieEBNxlJE9eX0_l2BH7Ne-pKbjHq4/s400/IMG_1706.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I could enjoy these views forever</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGEHnS5qibsrOxfzEyHaeiNBTlHtZkYwcrMVqUERHLZYJMeWsFxueblT3d_3eDPjEfgHlMHxbJrDEFMGe0Lg-1shNVicjU00u1aUghwvVB4RrzCw4EMlr9QmMikGkRDITP1skmvVu49I/s1600/IMG_1758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGEHnS5qibsrOxfzEyHaeiNBTlHtZkYwcrMVqUERHLZYJMeWsFxueblT3d_3eDPjEfgHlMHxbJrDEFMGe0Lg-1shNVicjU00u1aUghwvVB4RrzCw4EMlr9QmMikGkRDITP1skmvVu49I/s400/IMG_1758.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Justin at sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Sunday</b>: Split into two groups: Emory Peak & sunrise. I stayed with two participants to watch the sunrise over the Southwest Rim and causally hike out. Lunch at cars. Drive back to Austin. Pretty epic day - starting out with an awesome sunrise
right by Southwest Rim 3 and ending with the
temperature getting consistently colder throughout the day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFhuQLmHtO02-MTQBc2tTisgNSFBBNik8E9ZGrK7GX29aQpH5mZTL9SiXH21qNTNZeEUExAtPmil3VrPH6VqQfJUU-IMjyMIco76LI2oKtOIxrPlVSWTqKYpwsxx3rPEAtVxbAyH0H4g/s1600/IMG_1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixFhuQLmHtO02-MTQBc2tTisgNSFBBNik8E9ZGrK7GX29aQpH5mZTL9SiXH21qNTNZeEUExAtPmil3VrPH6VqQfJUU-IMjyMIco76LI2oKtOIxrPlVSWTqKYpwsxx3rPEAtVxbAyH0H4g/s400/IMG_1762.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun rise near Southwest Rim 3 - first shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISZB6Rvkw0vhdGCS7LiBorHwYM99FLyQkMQiOUp75t62VBIlMx5vOqhfHbilg8Waza0Pp7CZmO9SQnm6J5BZupmETfFW7Zq-qEJMRiSIiYG-3aCdMCei3EbgCymsyXcqMvAk_gSWrldA/s1600/IMG_1763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgISZB6Rvkw0vhdGCS7LiBorHwYM99FLyQkMQiOUp75t62VBIlMx5vOqhfHbilg8Waza0Pp7CZmO9SQnm6J5BZupmETfFW7Zq-qEJMRiSIiYG-3aCdMCei3EbgCymsyXcqMvAk_gSWrldA/s400/IMG_1763.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun rise near Southwest Rim 3 - second shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7uytO8e0LGi2mz4xmxqKdaTOBkEDA5MZ0xICqwSmjgz4GuwlPTqHMtM28t3cyjzmbjY94d7TmsAQSIdt7j2IA76mYZybNdKsrQhMIzKK04jK0MnrS6XKeKjGFXAS3v_wXllLaEl2su0/s1600/IMG_1765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH7uytO8e0LGi2mz4xmxqKdaTOBkEDA5MZ0xICqwSmjgz4GuwlPTqHMtM28t3cyjzmbjY94d7TmsAQSIdt7j2IA76mYZybNdKsrQhMIzKK04jK0MnrS6XKeKjGFXAS3v_wXllLaEl2su0/s400/IMG_1765.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun rise near Southwest Rim 3 - final shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YE6965gop_fWtS2chJrlpspYUuXIgfadhzwXvLSKTj9WNs8CY52F2Sqn0iICmMQOlw2ZydNNFT0GGYo1h6DYRD6ZTrRHT7TxRjRBkkS_ZMqPs_RIvxKk7GNgIyMHWkWB4GdLuzvu-Io/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YE6965gop_fWtS2chJrlpspYUuXIgfadhzwXvLSKTj9WNs8CY52F2Sqn0iICmMQOlw2ZydNNFT0GGYo1h6DYRD6ZTrRHT7TxRjRBkkS_ZMqPs_RIvxKk7GNgIyMHWkWB4GdLuzvu-Io/s400/IMG_1771.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking out with the 'sunrise' group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-6603730979591980522016-09-17T18:52:00.000-05:002016-09-19T10:52:40.262-05:00Longhorn Cavern + Inks Lake SUPSaturday I led a day-trip with first-time-guide Sean. There was supposed to be a third guide on the trip, but he unfortunately decided not to come on the trip.<br />
<br />
Having guided this trip twice before, I felt well prepared. We held the pre-trip on Thursday night and took about 1.5 hours to load all of the gear into a suburban and the old canoe trailer. Day trips are easier than weekend trips because no food buy is needed.<br />
<br />
We opted to meet the participants in front of Gregory Gym at 7:45am on Saturday. I arrived a bit earlier in order to drive the second Suburban over from its home parking spot and put some ice in the coolers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1kNmHbV5RWy-CUXfW62lGu_53bdbEuNiL-Cl8UcVdeg7VZitmcgHTkGeL2nF5kAH6ija3p1_facwubQoMucpdOCAOJeE4OF_HD0ye280lOfGgOpJ15t6xIUbNpeqFeG8WXOVajNq7SQ/s1600/group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL1kNmHbV5RWy-CUXfW62lGu_53bdbEuNiL-Cl8UcVdeg7VZitmcgHTkGeL2nF5kAH6ija3p1_facwubQoMucpdOCAOJeE4OF_HD0ye280lOfGgOpJ15t6xIUbNpeqFeG8WXOVajNq7SQ/s320/group.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group (photo from Alexandra Müller's camera)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I met Sean and the 9 participants on the steps in front of Gregory. After getting signed waivers from everyone, we hit the road.<br />
<br />
I drove the suburban towing the trailer. My car had five participants, three of which were foreign exchange students from Europe. Everyone in my car chatted happily for the 80 minute drive to Longhorn Cavern State Park.<br />
<br />
Once at Longhorn Cavern State Park, we went over to see the old water/observation tower. Despite only climbing up two stories, we were all surprised when we reached the top and were treated with a nice view over the rolling Hill Country.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QakWFnAKO9L-thpnPPK96tH996A8s9A6cBPIoSeVNQVTXBslSVloBtDzbnplY3C9o4R8kMcUSoqaKcW1jl2AHS8U9C4G0yPC0PzAiRqNfrbRKT8-tso9AfND6MM5Q_H4iR8d5FTs63o/s1600/IMG_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QakWFnAKO9L-thpnPPK96tH996A8s9A6cBPIoSeVNQVTXBslSVloBtDzbnplY3C9o4R8kMcUSoqaKcW1jl2AHS8U9C4G0yPC0PzAiRqNfrbRKT8-tso9AfND6MM5Q_H4iR8d5FTs63o/s320/IMG_0936.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying hill country views from the tower.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We headed to the main building in order to exchange our ticket voucher for tickets on the 10am cave tour ($16/adult, $13 with Texas State Park Pass).<br />
<br />
Our guide on this tour was much less eclectic than previous guides, but he also provided some different information. I thought he tried to sell the other tours at the park a bit too hard - and he also rushed us through the cave at points - but everyone seemed to enjoy the tour overall. Compared to my previous tours, we saw many more eastern pipistrelle bats today (supposedly due to aftershocks from an earthquake last month in Oklahoma).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lp-GmPnKvb_1rTdfdPI-IIPxEDtxbmCpWHpykyp37fqLoKwkpouunWKjcV9gXgiuJm_FAVfCP1nQNMJIeROdwvAh8lt_KVXYWGdT2qzIpoH8ljmq3hYexTBrIJO9rOYM0KkkI4Vx6sI/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lp-GmPnKvb_1rTdfdPI-IIPxEDtxbmCpWHpykyp37fqLoKwkpouunWKjcV9gXgiuJm_FAVfCP1nQNMJIeROdwvAh8lt_KVXYWGdT2qzIpoH8ljmq3hYexTBrIJO9rOYM0KkkI4Vx6sI/s320/IMG_0943.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Longhorn Cavern present-day entrance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpu7DrXrnMjVP2elxhxT04XOB6UTLTOQcMSMTiuEaYu7rWIOPJ_3NUSiJA8fIu-opUNsyjyt4QvHtmvtcLlRF_ujCWQE0Oi7lkI0s8CX_5b_a_bFGD3UtmKtno8u002BkIOACfzBqC4Y/s1600/IMG_0946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpu7DrXrnMjVP2elxhxT04XOB6UTLTOQcMSMTiuEaYu7rWIOPJ_3NUSiJA8fIu-opUNsyjyt4QvHtmvtcLlRF_ujCWQE0Oi7lkI0s8CX_5b_a_bFGD3UtmKtno8u002BkIOACfzBqC4Y/s320/IMG_0946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Longhorn Cavern.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvP11pk6w-74KE7VgIBJOEyK8gEfg_kvEafCKefU6bxqjVRJTBbVxDxxtUBz71Dj5UgPingxbsVYCCfwO7kkLZF6bEv6SpPxQ2rgvRvZ3DicD8HJ_dhfv7EWSPKm_tSXKtlVIH2w8fh0/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvP11pk6w-74KE7VgIBJOEyK8gEfg_kvEafCKefU6bxqjVRJTBbVxDxxtUBz71Dj5UgPingxbsVYCCfwO7kkLZF6bEv6SpPxQ2rgvRvZ3DicD8HJ_dhfv7EWSPKm_tSXKtlVIH2w8fh0/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tiny eastern pipistrelle bat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqvCDcdS-FA0AmmtfFYPTXHF0EvE8R2ZlD2AUOtB9tt3d2rivWPR_GKdJ5NZW8DYo8L6TEGbAnHb3h0onpbFyLzKNCtj3SaoO0Hk-HfwNKYLphSRjQWt7MIKjv5zCYWw2E-cPkQ_g-SI/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqvCDcdS-FA0AmmtfFYPTXHF0EvE8R2ZlD2AUOtB9tt3d2rivWPR_GKdJ5NZW8DYo8L6TEGbAnHb3h0onpbFyLzKNCtj3SaoO0Hk-HfwNKYLphSRjQWt7MIKjv5zCYWw2E-cPkQ_g-SI/s320/IMG_0977.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Longhorn Cavern.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeGqG5CPJfcBKea0Q6GorPJEaGJpJ1mc8ixqamUT3QEA2opm_7LQAGtU_NMl7sKlsRAAtK8QDXrHnAbq_U15jAQXqpILX-DTBNyiu5B9Gu0RIeFKJDJTOGKWhKxwN2l8g6pS810GdM8g/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMeGqG5CPJfcBKea0Q6GorPJEaGJpJ1mc8ixqamUT3QEA2opm_7LQAGtU_NMl7sKlsRAAtK8QDXrHnAbq_U15jAQXqpILX-DTBNyiu5B9Gu0RIeFKJDJTOGKWhKxwN2l8g6pS810GdM8g/s320/IMG_0985.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Longhorn Cavern's Hall of Gems.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tour ended at 11:50am (20 minutes late according to our guide). We found a shaded picnic table and sat down for lunch as a group. We all chatted and shared interesting facts about ourselves - mine was that I'm leaving Austin on June 17, 2017 to become location independent.<br />
<br />
After lunch, we drove a short 8 miles to Inks Lake State Park. I was lucky enough to find space to park the trailer that did not require backing up. We quickly unloaded the trailer, life jackets, and paddles. We struggled to figure out how to put the fins on the SUPs until we realized the screwdrivers in the fin bag were indeed critical.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qW01bPr-Xwf5ApZ3bGkVBFXu2zFI_vHsFLGjFMfFpxW2NBQudEUSOOHZpZiqFYCAG9ADY8pG8ppYKbfenxxPhKWoH0FpuPjwUBkez_2Dg6qU7me3uX-Ma2KAcBVe0srlOfeYSkfu230/s1600/IMG_0990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qW01bPr-Xwf5ApZ3bGkVBFXu2zFI_vHsFLGjFMfFpxW2NBQudEUSOOHZpZiqFYCAG9ADY8pG8ppYKbfenxxPhKWoH0FpuPjwUBkez_2Dg6qU7me3uX-Ma2KAcBVe0srlOfeYSkfu230/s320/IMG_0990.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempting to put the fins on the SUPs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With this small matter handled, we did a quick introduction talk before hitting the lake. Sean led the group and I followed the group, helping anyone who seemed to be struggling.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXgMdIZNBsS4oGHMcAN7q1qEHJshiZbV1bbdGgIc3sU1uGVIMECOry3v8b9agMRnySrD121y_L-AkYM10lijrS-rXQzzVcvY4XtDV-NOmy7qx4yiOyVTs8JFwgW_B2iGBmW1_ekogHY0/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXgMdIZNBsS4oGHMcAN7q1qEHJshiZbV1bbdGgIc3sU1uGVIMECOry3v8b9agMRnySrD121y_L-AkYM10lijrS-rXQzzVcvY4XtDV-NOmy7qx4yiOyVTs8JFwgW_B2iGBmW1_ekogHY0/s320/IMG_0997.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful day on the lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We paddled over to Devil's Water Hole, where there were plenty of people relaxing and cliff jumping. We pulled our SUPs into the woods and swam in the water hole.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWY4DrMA2fkMbm4owmFSwYTyWxbfDnkE1ggsrFXTeXB4EldcSC038hN_99EREmiYZH-CXeOqra_SykYpepGjM_SowwqUs-qtanFoSqsflDKiMVZqi-3O-prMxp2g1lfx_5Bpl8iBFJ44/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWY4DrMA2fkMbm4owmFSwYTyWxbfDnkE1ggsrFXTeXB4EldcSC038hN_99EREmiYZH-CXeOqra_SykYpepGjM_SowwqUs-qtanFoSqsflDKiMVZqi-3O-prMxp2g1lfx_5Bpl8iBFJ44/s320/IMG_1007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost to Devil's Water Hole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ventured to the end of the water hole with four participants. We wandered up a stream feeding the lake. We were enjoying the upstream hike and lounging in a small pond until some nearby people told us that they had seen 'a few' water moccasins earlier in that pond. We quickly exited the pond, and were much more careful walking back down stream. I'd expect that there are many water moccasins (and other snakes) in the lake and stream, but I don't like hearing that I was swimming where some were seen shortly before.<br />
<br />
We paddled back across the lake once the participants were ready to return. Some participants became tired paddling into the wind, but we eventually all reached the shore.<br />
<br />
I handled organizing and securing the paddle boards as the participants carried them to the trailer. I quickly changed and bought some snacks from the very reasonably priced general store by the lake before we started the drive back to Austin.<br />
<br />
I was somewhat surprised that my car stayed awake on the return trip - happily chatting about the day and making plans to do future things together. We unloaded the trailer when were reached Gregory Gym before saying thanks and good-bye to all of the participants.<br />
<br />
Sean and I then dealt with moving the vehicles and trailer back to their weekend parking spots. I struggled with the trailer mightily. Once we finally got the trailer parked successfully, we went to the Outdoor Center to return the trip binder, review participant surveys, and fill out our post-trip survey.<br />
<br />
All in all, it was an extremely smooth trip. All of the participants seemed pumped to get out of Austin and have a day outdoors. Sean was a great person to guide with, and I'm sure he's going to develop into a solid, experienced guide quickly.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-20907563608268055932015-11-08T23:00:00.000-06:002016-02-22T11:48:45.646-06:00Backpacking Colorado Bend State ParkThis weekend I led what was marketed as a backpacking trip to Colorado Bend State Park with Ellie and Sara. I had attended Guide School with both Ellie and Sara, so it was relaxing and nice to guide with two other experienced guides.<br />
<br />
RecSports had reserved camp sites in the walk-in camping area, which was different than the backpacking area. As such, since the backpacking area was fully booked, we were unable to change our reservation and had to turn the trip into a car camping + day hikes trip.<br />
<br />
Somewhat surprisingly, most of the participants seemed to be okay with this change. In fact, the group on this trip was one of the best I've had on a trip. Almost everyone got along well, and the group gelled similarly to how a group might on a 9-day trip. Despite the rain that plagued our group much of the weekend, it still was a great trip!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj50Bd2kuWapSZld8yOxKFwD_-BcfRvLXVjZyS1eVRoxiH94jA_kQORXblmhBInN6YMIbK085ykWC_4Xf-cweutBwiVUhKG80gCSk2rpgt4sRVS_H9nQusFQGOJwLqhWfNLs7HDO_exi0/s1600/IMG_2651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj50Bd2kuWapSZld8yOxKFwD_-BcfRvLXVjZyS1eVRoxiH94jA_kQORXblmhBInN6YMIbK085ykWC_4Xf-cweutBwiVUhKG80gCSk2rpgt4sRVS_H9nQusFQGOJwLqhWfNLs7HDO_exi0/s320/IMG_2651.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>RecSports Suburbans parked near the campsites.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNCGJoi75NY5bcmXn4UGf2kvw9g_PHUoWvp9u_7ZX4uGQgVf7iMm1C7DH7EgmrErOnSU40gR_ipIVGX2KiP0Ot_ijB3ot0eQA5I1aDGhFKzhyZoGMrutgqSDPgFsDE5uFJO_PLnUEHd0/s1600/IMG_2660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFNCGJoi75NY5bcmXn4UGf2kvw9g_PHUoWvp9u_7ZX4uGQgVf7iMm1C7DH7EgmrErOnSU40gR_ipIVGX2KiP0Ot_ijB3ot0eQA5I1aDGhFKzhyZoGMrutgqSDPgFsDE5uFJO_PLnUEHd0/s320/IMG_2660.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>One of the overlooks on our long Saturday hike.</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgGLNh8cX3Yhw7oa3TDtD1dUcDaWM0W7VeFBZyGhqCrSvCw6jVgkl_3PkGDvHDHB_kqqfsiSn27qWORXUZHHjO-1kwcRzeRqE4nEFY8CVgqwB-rYmKDhaa8EObyKbvyPSFNs9OA2nlJk/s1600/IMG_2661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgGLNh8cX3Yhw7oa3TDtD1dUcDaWM0W7VeFBZyGhqCrSvCw6jVgkl_3PkGDvHDHB_kqqfsiSn27qWORXUZHHjO-1kwcRzeRqE4nEFY8CVgqwB-rYmKDhaa8EObyKbvyPSFNs9OA2nlJk/s320/IMG_2661.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I took a bad fall on our Saturday hike and it continued bleeding the rest of the day. Thanks to Ellie for handling the first aid! </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVCEveQBcA_rrP_ocHcunrwSR8n75PNYa1-CUI04ek5MwODPlYaXmPTpQ6w4vOJP1cmV4gGzb2BWrPQwFfoRL1ILOUYj76zFBizmseXHnF8BdQXS59bsfcPMQR38kwDIPaYthUnJ59dI/s1600/IMG_2664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVCEveQBcA_rrP_ocHcunrwSR8n75PNYa1-CUI04ek5MwODPlYaXmPTpQ6w4vOJP1cmV4gGzb2BWrPQwFfoRL1ILOUYj76zFBizmseXHnF8BdQXS59bsfcPMQR38kwDIPaYthUnJ59dI/s320/IMG_2664.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>One of the participants spotted an armadillo skeleton! </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtcRydcj4DAdWm-z93WkwmQXpUrfOqm8LiyPRofbP7-ZzNJpfkDrYPFvXhTKjgRmCdAys-4-4dq-yLmFEtXUJfCCKrr4wV5HWRAN4EDEXzCAx-Wg1ZHSspO86ZCCFg2Ei6fSBFsnIlxQ/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAtcRydcj4DAdWm-z93WkwmQXpUrfOqm8LiyPRofbP7-ZzNJpfkDrYPFvXhTKjgRmCdAys-4-4dq-yLmFEtXUJfCCKrr4wV5HWRAN4EDEXzCAx-Wg1ZHSspO86ZCCFg2Ei6fSBFsnIlxQ/s320/IMG_2668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The last part of Saturday's hike was flat and along the river. </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jWXkZuGXyVoWkHaY6WE2QxbCK14gjhLnwlQlIwJWmenjvWT13fxo6kcAXNtLbh6mHHCg5ZoDv5ZdQ5da7cl4zT9WhzFoYk49eEjKCEAtP5PcjlqZ-7Nm7zmITat66oN-MlKYPC3tXbI/s1600/IMG_2672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jWXkZuGXyVoWkHaY6WE2QxbCK14gjhLnwlQlIwJWmenjvWT13fxo6kcAXNtLbh6mHHCg5ZoDv5ZdQ5da7cl4zT9WhzFoYk49eEjKCEAtP5PcjlqZ-7Nm7zmITat66oN-MlKYPC3tXbI/s320/IMG_2672.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Our campsites.</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-19290005343293213542015-09-05T21:00:00.000-05:002015-09-06T12:51:58.664-05:00Longhorn Cavern State Park & SUP at Inks Lake State ParkToday I guided a day-trip to Longhorn Cavern and Inks Lake state parks with Sara B and Cade. I was not originally scheduled to guide this trip, but Katie B wanted to find a replacement so I offered to guide the trip in her place. This trip was similar to a <a href="http://katiegenter.blogspot.com/2014/03/longhorn-cavern-state-park-sup-at-inks.html">trip</a> I guided in Spring 2014, but this time I came away from Longhorn Caverns with a more positive view.<br />
<br />
Our 11 participants were easy-going and fun - about half of the group was freshmen, but we also had some upperclassmen and graduate students. Most seemed to just be excited to get outdoors and away from campus.<br />
<br />
We left Gregory Gym around 8:15am, and reached Longhorn Caverns at 9:45am. I went in to buy tickets for the 10am cavern walking tour, which were $13/person with my state parks pass (instead of $16/person). We wandered around the gift shop for about 5 minutes before heading outside to wait for our tour guide. Our tour started right at 10am as scheduled.<br />
<br />
The actual tour covered the same route as it did in Spring 2014, but this time the guide gave better insight into the history of the cavern. One particular fact I learned this time was that the individual who sold the cavern's land to the state during the Great Depression required that the cavern never be operated by the state. Hence, this explains why Longhorn Cavern is the only Texas State park operated by a concessionaire.<br />
<br />
Our cavern tour had 32 people on it this time, so 18 people outside of our group were also on the tour. Our tour ended around 11:40am, so we announced to the participants that we would stay at the caverns until 12:45pm in order for people to eat lunch, sunscreen, and generally explore if they wished.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzprzDMBaDn6LJ9Sy4-lcB37K53x2TnaBVzJ-uUtG46UFU2jXsmpdgkkQ9r_gbz4Wtf2AuUxyv1nqTtshTJp5raFSufFiVouDfvn4UOw2O3PeBETCUqyQJma46N_PcBf0_ljAtRVASms/s1600/longhornCavern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzprzDMBaDn6LJ9Sy4-lcB37K53x2TnaBVzJ-uUtG46UFU2jXsmpdgkkQ9r_gbz4Wtf2AuUxyv1nqTtshTJp5raFSufFiVouDfvn4UOw2O3PeBETCUqyQJma46N_PcBf0_ljAtRVASms/s320/longhornCavern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our group in the Cavern (photo from Sara's camera)</i></div>
<br />
Then we drove over to Inks Lake State Park, which was rather crowded and party-like on this Labor Day Weekend Saturday. We struggled to find a place to park the trailer, but a spot opened up just as we finished unloading the stand-up paddle boards and kayak. Sara gave a short safety and skills talk, and then everyone easily got out onto the lake.<br />
<br />
Cade went out near the middle of the group, and Sara and I went last after helping everyone get out on the water. However, when we got onto the water, we noticed our group had become very split up. Sara paddled over to one group, and I went to join another group that seemed to be heading towards Devil's Waterhole.<br />
<br />
Once at Devil's Waterhole, some of the participants wanted to jump off the rocks (like we saw many other people doing). I told them I did not recommend it, and it would be at their own risk, but that I would not stop them (which seems to also be the park's stance). A few people did indeed jump from the rocks, and we had a few cuts and scrapes as a result (nothing serious though). However, as a program we should probably re-evaluate how this trip is ran - should we not visit Devil's Waterhole and instead just paddle along other parts of the shoreline? The trip description on the information sheet for the trip listed Devil's Waterhole as a place we would visit - and it seem poor to not let people jump if they want to - so perhaps we should re-work the information sheet for future trips.<br />
<br />
Everyone seemed to have a great time on this trip. We got many positive comments on the evaluation forms - cool guides, good safety, fun trip - and the only negative comments we got were a couple people suggesting that we should provide lunch. Overall, it was a fun day trip!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-41764457076347212212015-05-24T22:00:00.000-05:002015-05-30T18:19:17.916-05:00Big Bend South Rim BackpackingAfter returning from my Turkey/Greece trip on Sunday, it was immediately time to prepare to lead guide a trip to Big Bend National Park! Brad, Cade and I went on a food buy, repackaged food, and prepared gear on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday morning, I met my 9 participants for the first time as they arrived at 6am (since I had missed the pre-trip since it was while I was at AAMAS in Istanbul). They quickly packed all of our backpacking gear into their packs and then we loaded up the cars.<br />
<br />
Brad, Cade, and I had agreed to work on a 3 hour driving schedule. Hence, I drove to Sonora, and then got a break until Fort Stockton where I switched cars and drove the remainder of the way to the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend National Park. We stopped at the Walmart in Fort Stockton for everyone to get last-minute items - I picked up some $19 hiking poles since I had stupidly forgotten mine in Austin and I knew I would want them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfq-iIEcOnheRTXTyQns6z_QeBCOI379QOzpfXD1UEJq3b9g7Y9Rh34WIG9LDrUFkuy5yyHRYWxWZN-G9iPaLKF2xPV3l_wpyP6A7OzbSaTyCkUAOPxxav2jz3U2V9mhQOmmijabDsAg/s1600/IMG_2272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfq-iIEcOnheRTXTyQns6z_QeBCOI379QOzpfXD1UEJq3b9g7Y9Rh34WIG9LDrUFkuy5yyHRYWxWZN-G9iPaLKF2xPV3l_wpyP6A7OzbSaTyCkUAOPxxav2jz3U2V9mhQOmmijabDsAg/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I woke everyone up to stop at the sign. I think they were eventually happy about it.</i></div>
<br />
Once in the Chisos Basin, I went to obtain our back-country permits around 3:20pm. However, the ranger suggested that we obtain a camp site first since they were in very short supply. He suggested we talk to the camp host about obtaining a group site. Hence, we loaded back into the cars and drove over to the camp-ground. We found the camp host, and he did indeed have just one group site left - site P. Site P was pretty much just a pavilion with tables on a hill - there was not a flat site to be found. But it would do for a night. As everyone else was setting up camp, I hurried back to the ranger station to obtain our back-country permits before they closed at 4pm. I made it just in time, but found that our original plan to camp in Boot Canyon one night and Pinnacles the other night would not work as too many site had already been taken in each. Trying to get back-country permits in Big Bend for a group of 12 is difficult! However, I was eventually able to get our backup plan of staying in Colima 1 both nights. In hind site, this was certainly the best plan for our group.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkMWJ1Ok3hjfF6S_FMWAh_FmH5Rj3s6gZgz9YwmJ-sQP6r64O5t2mxWnZvrm_dRZkvLnB3BzvU-zDQIn-sOw4C_68X-OgnTLLHHpSmR8e5jR8Nd1BgiBdbkLpQ-rnQLujxOA_xjydHu4/s1600/IMG_2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkMWJ1Ok3hjfF6S_FMWAh_FmH5Rj3s6gZgz9YwmJ-sQP6r64O5t2mxWnZvrm_dRZkvLnB3BzvU-zDQIn-sOw4C_68X-OgnTLLHHpSmR8e5jR8Nd1BgiBdbkLpQ-rnQLujxOA_xjydHu4/s320/IMG_2275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sloped site P </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtb0XyMD67_gL2K0Tb4oec-jlSXwW_7xMrdiw_WUnQNNa1FxpnePa89ZTYnqZ5wOHtknzh20frIBtXXwyhpvxD1tSSfTco2dAB1UAmjv4ETjisf_Lwz-zq17rml2jA64vQZ891pqpkV4/s1600/IMG_2318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPtb0XyMD67_gL2K0Tb4oec-jlSXwW_7xMrdiw_WUnQNNa1FxpnePa89ZTYnqZ5wOHtknzh20frIBtXXwyhpvxD1tSSfTco2dAB1UAmjv4ETjisf_Lwz-zq17rml2jA64vQZ891pqpkV4/s320/IMG_2318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My back-country permit</i></div>
<br />
Once back at the camp with my back-country permit in hand, we presented the various hiking options to the group. Despite an oncoming storm, they decided on the Lost Mine trail. We drove to the trailhead, and I opted to put on rain gear before starting since I was certain it would begin raining soon. As we climbed up the trail, the visibility got worse and worse. When we hit the one mile point and a ridge, we found we had very little visibility. We waited for a bit, and then the group decided they wanted to continue on the to summit and hope it cleared. I figured there was little to no chance we would see anything from the summit. However, as we kept climbing, the visibility did get better and better. From the top, we could see very well - even the valley had cleared. Lost Mine is certainly the best 'half-day hike' I've experienced in Big Bend so far, and there are plenty of places at the end of the trail to sit and just enjoy the views.<br />
<br />
The rain got a bit worse on the hike back down, but we made it down with no issues. Once back at camp, we cooked our chicken noodle and tomato soups and grilled cheeses. It was a popular meal, and everyone seemed satisfied. We were treated to a nice view of the sunset through the window from our camp-site as well.<br />
<br />
Thursday morning I awoke feeling miserably hot. I was sharing a tent with two of the participants - Monica and Stephanie - and quietly packed up and got out. The tent was so much hotter than the outside air! I got ready and then just sat and enjoyed the early morning. People slowly began waking up around 7:30am, and once about half of the participants were awake I woke up Cade and Brad and started our bagels and yoghurt breakfast. <br />
<br />
After breakfast we put the items we would not need backpacking back into the cars and packed the items we would (as well as the refrigerated items). We moved our cars to the visitor's center parking lot and hit the trail slightly before 10am.<br />
<br />
Brad led our way up the Laguna Meadow Trail. Once we finished the climb and could see the meadows, we found a nice viewpoint off trail to have lunch at. I was pleasantly surprised how little I struggled on the climb as long as I went slowly. Since some participants were struggling with the weight of their backpacks and/or their muscles, this was not an issue. After lunch, and resting for about 45 minutes, we hiked onward to camp. My pack got really heavy near the end of this hike, but I was still pleasantly surprised that I was not miserable like I was during the 2014 Thanksgiving trip to Guadalupe Mountains despite almost certainly carrying more weight on this trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYeQ9Y9iuhGA4cmvl299Tqbk85qZEmQ9CEZcTg-pbMNwTtsvtvllxhyphenhyphenbxuJ-1ct08y-7WSahaJEZxZVPDNgWHH6lai51QKlDk9Ca3eHKd0Isb5yFU4mGAJH7fMlHzR3fl6BO7L29gJAA/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYeQ9Y9iuhGA4cmvl299Tqbk85qZEmQ9CEZcTg-pbMNwTtsvtvllxhyphenhyphenbxuJ-1ct08y-7WSahaJEZxZVPDNgWHH6lai51QKlDk9Ca3eHKd0Isb5yFU4mGAJH7fMlHzR3fl6BO7L29gJAA/s320/IMG_2277.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Plenty of flowers in May </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisFd3v6fn37fRRB2WfTOOktWjUunOBhyeZktwgjs1UFmaBY_Udz0gSnqAwSX76qdNsLaE2pKhRp7Zx7f9h5qaKIbB2-e62uR8LTl1Rcag-kJDa2w7gq6Yw8Dr3gHrkLfMigDwrjP8RW0/s1600/IMG_2283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisFd3v6fn37fRRB2WfTOOktWjUunOBhyeZktwgjs1UFmaBY_Udz0gSnqAwSX76qdNsLaE2pKhRp7Zx7f9h5qaKIbB2-e62uR8LTl1Rcag-kJDa2w7gq6Yw8Dr3gHrkLfMigDwrjP8RW0/s320/IMG_2283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Flowering cacti </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR1-cBG60uWjyCymSY5Ko2Xd2ecJVQ5ySVOUDxolxTiDVrbwL4xar8eagGWbIvQNS5nT4gPaRJVQsA05GTLpE3KfufP8E5X7WsCGBuNHKKqSaEOnp1MpJmEn-rG9R6C0vsQDWiB41-sc/s1600/IMG_2286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpR1-cBG60uWjyCymSY5Ko2Xd2ecJVQ5ySVOUDxolxTiDVrbwL4xar8eagGWbIvQNS5nT4gPaRJVQsA05GTLpE3KfufP8E5X7WsCGBuNHKKqSaEOnp1MpJmEn-rG9R6C0vsQDWiB41-sc/s320/IMG_2286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>My group relaxing after lunch </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN-iP_d395mDaTlhJc2FAf56L5-1SFFzyx0dVXhBxZmrfqY_d6uWEyJh4RH97D0NzyojSz-n_gmqyLsdfkievtdqmYDcyn4wxbKyrACAspY35I3Ms35aqS5ShpTKu3WaJjJWVyq-USwU/s1600/IMG_2289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWN-iP_d395mDaTlhJc2FAf56L5-1SFFzyx0dVXhBxZmrfqY_d6uWEyJh4RH97D0NzyojSz-n_gmqyLsdfkievtdqmYDcyn4wxbKyrACAspY35I3Ms35aqS5ShpTKu3WaJjJWVyq-USwU/s320/IMG_2289.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> The hardest part of the backpacking trip is over!</i></div>
<br />
We finally reached our home for the next two nights - Colima 1. Colima 1 was a group site that could hold up to 15 people in 5 tents, so 12 people in 4 tents fit nicely. It was equipped with two large bear boxes, 1 medium bear box, and three smaller, older bear boxes. It began raining as we reached camp. In hind sight, we should have waited for the rain to stop before setting up camp - but we attempted to set up our tents in the rain. This lead to the bottom of our tent being wet. Of course, by the time camp was set up, it had stopped raining. We took the rain fly off our tent in hopes that it would dry. I also organized all of our group food and cooking items in one bear box. We used the other large bear box for personal items and food, and the medium bear box for water. We used the smaller three bear boxes to store trash.<br />
<br />
We took a group trip to the nearby composting toilet after everyone relaxed for an hour, and then we sat around and played games until it was time to cook dinner. Dinner was <span>quinoa</span> with brown sugar salmon - it was actually the best <span>quinoa</span> dinner I have had. I'm not usually a fan of <span>quinoa</span>, so this is a big statement. It started getting cool during dinner, so most people hurried to bed after dinner.<br />
<br />
Friday morning I awoke first again, and got out of my tent. I got ready for the day, and then enjoyed sitting on a log and just listening to the birds. Cade's head stuck out of his tent shortly after his 7:45am alarm and we started our hashbrown breakfast shortly after. The participants woke up as we started cooking, and breakfast was served soon after. However, even after all of the participants had gotten food, Brad had still not gotten out of his tent. I went to check on him, and he claimed he was being slow because he was cold. Getting up and ready before the participants was drilled into me during guide school, but it seems that since the latest group of guides did not go through part 2 of guide school, they missed this part of the curriculum.<br />
<br />
We eventually took off on our day hike to the South Rim. Multiple people had some nasty bruises and blisters on their hips from carrying heavy packs the previous day. We did not have much mileage, so we could hike slow and enjoy the day. We did just this, stopping for a long time at three different view points. The first view point, seen after climbing out the the meadow, makes a real impression. Multiple people in our group actually said 'man, this makes it all worth it'. We chilled at the South Rim until the participants decided they wanted to head back to camp around 3pm. We got back to camp around 4:30pm, and played cards until dinner time. Dinner was supposed to be mango, mandarin orange, and bean tacos - but I had spaced out when repackaging food and did not remember to put tortillas with this meal. The meal was still great though - I do not think anyone really missed the tortillas. After dinner it started to rain, so we all retreated to our tents. I was amused by the international group (a UK guy, an Australian guy, and a French girl) playing American country music in their tent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV4oGOfaNjcooFciAkJxuKxDq-mkGDlr8hpwRtdltQTv3_o1TEFSbgl_ifY4oMTp7TuPTA-0vybkxYujf2EGC85tVilWqGqRneuokvbYrRHwElk8mk4bbzyaEz3OOp6Zxx-0_W23meRw/s1600/IMG_2307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiV4oGOfaNjcooFciAkJxuKxDq-mkGDlr8hpwRtdltQTv3_o1TEFSbgl_ifY4oMTp7TuPTA-0vybkxYujf2EGC85tVilWqGqRneuokvbYrRHwElk8mk4bbzyaEz3OOp6Zxx-0_W23meRw/s320/IMG_2307.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Views from the South Rim never get old </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRwGh_a7s5-dIdAHa7oD8SnAkgDqnKL5lpePj_W4KBmZBHvLc1TvciwWyJ375LP-Lr_7zYhPxzP8Twfff7tMCsjMw_WjvYj8hyPsdAKGixB0rJfI7pCq1RdXtAtkExr2HndIPlbNAykY/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRwGh_a7s5-dIdAHa7oD8SnAkgDqnKL5lpePj_W4KBmZBHvLc1TvciwWyJ375LP-Lr_7zYhPxzP8Twfff7tMCsjMw_WjvYj8hyPsdAKGixB0rJfI7pCq1RdXtAtkExr2HndIPlbNAykY/s320/IMG_2295.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> South Rim</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJga8YWCD5KGK2PU8TxmQ5ozoy93uoDwFVHrcpTt2z3qpVFFT2A5afQrEDd9Oxtmw9j9TDB3yDEi6pGLMaztuk9grYce_XLypLtzabuPGtNp-GTggBf-sRDk02gWKTab598OvZYy1vsE/s1600/IMG_2311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJga8YWCD5KGK2PU8TxmQ5ozoy93uoDwFVHrcpTt2z3qpVFFT2A5afQrEDd9Oxtmw9j9TDB3yDEi6pGLMaztuk9grYce_XLypLtzabuPGtNp-GTggBf-sRDk02gWKTab598OvZYy1vsE/s320/IMG_2311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>South Rim</i></div>
<br />
The next morning we tried to get moving early. Breakfast was instant oatmeal with toppings, so it was easy to prepare. We took down camp, packed our now substantially lighter backpacks, and headed for the Pinnacles trail. We stopped about a mile in at the Emory Peak turn-off. Most of the group wanted to hike to the peak, but two participants did not want to go so I stayed with them. We decided to stay with everyone else's bags at the turn-off, but in hind sight we should have made the rest of the group carry they packs and we should have headed down to the cars. Waiting at the turn-off in the rain was by far the most miserable part of the trip, as we were all very cold due to the combination of rain, wind, and inactivity.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzETzTMTmxhsdsSvEommwPq4qlDnUMh64SiQIjekrFCK_u_iBUrjHL4ktwxKxCBc4u0icAgDEjZ41lJHDzkfJmXT4roojPTMYOlS4FCkjoglHd1zZUhroyu-nAQOWLCQ4Qs4MJTcoeHI/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzETzTMTmxhsdsSvEommwPq4qlDnUMh64SiQIjekrFCK_u_iBUrjHL4ktwxKxCBc4u0icAgDEjZ41lJHDzkfJmXT4roojPTMYOlS4FCkjoglHd1zZUhroyu-nAQOWLCQ4Qs4MJTcoeHI/s320/IMG_2316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The boot in Boot Canyon </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hjm8o-zknovT0HVxCuNpZBh9VskcDdW8Ax67O1wglZ4T9n80W09pkDGTpS7LslCGQ77UkYIE_HV1XIW0gd5m9eBHj3z554HS6W1CeUTkQZFLRLlWrIezZQWCvEgW4jHrj7xSvrKAPfM/s1600/IMG_2317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hjm8o-zknovT0HVxCuNpZBh9VskcDdW8Ax67O1wglZ4T9n80W09pkDGTpS7LslCGQ77UkYIE_HV1XIW0gd5m9eBHj3z554HS6W1CeUTkQZFLRLlWrIezZQWCvEgW4jHrj7xSvrKAPfM/s320/IMG_2317.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Me, on the trail</i></div>
<br />
The rest of the group returned 1.5-2 hours later, and we broke into a faster and slower group for our descent. I trailed the slower group, but I literally saw the faster group running down the trail! Once at the bottom we gave everyone 30 minutes to visit the Visitor's Center and store. In the meantime, we went to the Visitor's Center to try and get a primitive site by Rio Grande Village for our final night. However, since it was Memorial Day weekend, all of the sites easily reachable were already filled up - and especially considering our group size, there was nothing available for us except a few sites about an hour down a rough 4x4 high clearance road. With all the rain, and one vehicle without four wheel drive, we decided that would be a bad idea. All of the group sites at both Rio Grande Village and in the Chisos Basin were fully reserved online. We started to have serious concerns about finding a place to camp. We eventually found phone numbers of Big Bend Ranch State Park, and convinced the ranger at the visitor's center to let us use their phone to call. The state park claimed they had plenty of space, but it would be a 1.5 hour drive west from the basin to reach the campsites and we could not reserve over the phone. We opted to go with this plan, and went to serve lunch.<br />
<br />
After lunch, the participants really wanted to go to the hot springs down by Rio Grande Village. We knew this might make it difficult to get a camp spot at Big Bend Ranch State Park, but we decided to just go with it. I dropped my car off at the hot springs and went to double check that there was indeed no space at the Rio Grande Village group site. The sites were all empty, but all reserved, so we could not take any of them. They looked nice and grassy though. When I returned to the hot springs, everyone except Brad and one participant were waiting in the parking lot. Apparently they had not seen Brad and the participant since they left the hot springs! After waiting in the parking lot for 15 minutes, I began to worry and sent Cade and another participant to look for them. About 30 minutes later, I finally saw Brad and the participant climbing down a hill! I was relived but angry - it was selfish and irresponsible for Brad to leave the group and disappear for 45 minutes.<br />
<br />
Once we were all in the Suburbans and ready to go, we drove the two hours to Lajitas and self-registered at <a href="http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/big-bend-ranch">Big Bend Ranch State Park</a> since they closed at 4pm. Then we drove onward to the Grassy Banks primitive camp. There was one area where water was running across the road at a depth of 6 inches (according to the pole by the road). I hesitated, but having seen two other vehicles just cross safely, I went for it and crossed without issue. Once at the camp, we were relieved to find many open spots. We claimed spots 5 and 6, and set up camp. As we were cooking quesadillas for dinner, we were treated to yet another great sunset. After dinner many of us stayed up playing cards and enjoying the stars. Staying at Big Bend Ranch State Park for the last night ended up working out perfectly!<br />
<br />
The next morning we awoke at 7am and cooked pancakes for breakfast. Everyone got as many as they wanted, but there were none left at the end. The strawberry jam worked surprisingly well on the pancakes. Cade had fun manning the grill, and ended up making cute Mickey Mouse pancakes at the end. We left our site at 9:30am and reached the Big Bend Ranch visitor center in Lajitas to pay just before 10am. After paying, we were off towards Austin!<br />
<br />
The drive home was uneventful. We ended up arriving back in Austin at 6:30pm. Brad, Cade and I dealt with some of the gear, and agreed to meet on Tuesday to finish repacking, cleaning, and putting everything away.<br />
<br />
The evaluations for our trip were good. Lots of positive comments, and no real negative comments - the only ones were (1) serve more pasta and (2) reserve campsites.<br />
<br />
As a guide, I feel like although I did a lot of things right. Some specifics are:<br />
<ul>
<li>The participants really felt the trip was theirs and seemed very happy with how it turned out.</li>
<li>Keeping the participants informed about our schedule.</li>
<li>Meals were adequately sized (except for the last dinner, which was a feast).</li>
<li>Going over the plan for the next day during dinner works well, since everyone is naturally together during that time. Likewise, reviewing the plan for the day at breakfast also works.</li>
</ul>
<br />
However, I do have some things to improve on as well as some things I would do differently in the future:<br />
<ul>
<li>Reserve campsites early if going on a holiday weekend. If state park or national park group sites, reserve online. If primitive, reserve all of them ASAP upon arrival.</li>
<li>Do a better job critiquing new / less experience guides. I dislike confrontation, so I had trouble talking to Brad about his actions / lack of actions that I had an issue with. Being a good lead guide is not just about how you plan a trip and interact with the participants, it is also about how you mentor the other guides, and I need to improve in that aspect.</li>
<li>Implement interviews at the pre-trip to determine ability, and then assign particular gear piles to particular people based on ability.</li>
<li>Make an active effort to learn names ASAP. On this trip I really struggled with names, and when this was discovered on day 3, a few people got rather upset that I did not know their names.</li>
</ul>
Overall, this trip was really enjoyable for me. In many ways, it was a walk down memory lane through parts of my guide school experience. I was also happy with how I was able to carry so much weight without it really killing me like it did during the Thanksgiving 2014 trip to Guadalupe Mountains. The trip was executed well, and the problems we did have ended up being minor in the full scheme of the trip. I look forward to leading more trips, and to getting back to Big Bend at some point to do more backpacking (either on the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/oml-itinerary.htm">Outer Mountain Loop</a> or in the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/bc_mesadeanguila.htm">Mesa de Anguila</a>). Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-37869614016804002202015-03-29T23:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T15:02:50.772-05:00Racquetball Nationals 2015: Day 5This morning we woke at 7am, packed, ate breakfast, and then the first 6 people took the hotel shuttle to the airport (since it can only fit 7 people). They arrived at the airport at 8:30am and got into what may be the worst check-in line in Southwest history! I arrived at the airport in the second shuttle at 9am, joined the rest of the team in line, and then waited until 9:55am to check-in! That is 85 minutes to check-in! This long wait caused our bags to be late checked. After checking in we rushed through security and got to the gate at 10:05am (5 minutes before the gate closed). The plane had already boarded, so we just got on and found whatever seats we could. I boarded last and somehow got an aisle seat in the back row with no one in the middle seat. They closed the door at 10:10am, but then reopened it and let about 6 more people onto the plane. The middle seat in my row remained open.<br />
<br />
The flight was pretty normal. However, when we arrived our bags never appeared on the baggage belt. In fact, a lot of people were missing their bags. Apparently since our bags were 'late checked', this meant it was our fault our bags did not make it to Austin on our plane and hence we had to go back to the airport and retrieve our bags later. Pretty bad, considering that it was really their 85 minute check-in line that caused our bags to be late checked. We arrived at the airport plenty early.<br />
<br />
Daniel (a guy on the UT racquetball team who did not go to nationals) came and picked Steven, Greg, Brendan, and me up from the airport. We dropped off Brendan in Riverside and then stopped for food at Popeyes. Then I got dropped off at the parking garage on campus, where I retrieved my car and drove home.<br />
<br />
Greg went and picked up all of our bags from the airport later in the evening, and then I retrieved my bag from his west campus apartment around 9pm. It was really nice of him to go get all of our bags from the airport!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-24216888698434033382015-03-28T22:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T14:01:53.039-05:00Racquetball Nationals 2015: Day 4Today I had a singles match scheduled for 3pm and a doubles matched scheduled for 4pm. Hence, I knew going into the day that I would be playing back-to-back matches.<br />
<br />
I watched my team mates play until 1:30pm, when I went to relax for 30 minutes before getting ready for my singles match. I was changed and warmed up by 2:30pm at which point I checked in for my singles match. I was quickly given court 8 upstairs.<br />
<br />
I was feeling good during my first set, and my shots were coming together nicely. I won this set 15-6 and was ready to march to victory. The four team mates who watched my first set all disappeared before my second set. I should not have let this bother me, but it did. I got down 8-2, and then 14-8. I used my last time out at 13-8, but was able to refocus. Some of my team mates had also re-appeared. I fought off 4 match points before making a run to 14-14 (during which I fought off two more match points). Once at 14-14, I was feeling good and confident and ready to put the win in the books. I lost the serve though, fought off match point again, lost the serve again, and then she dropped a short shot that I was just unable to get to. I had momentum now, but I was also emotionally drained from the comeback and then the let down. I fought my hardest, but was just unable to settle in and get anything going during the tiebreaker, and lost 11-6 to take 2nd place in women's #2 blue division (effectively 6th in women's #2).<br />
<br />
I was so emotionally drained after the loss, but I had to turn around and immediately play doubles. I used my warm-up time to change into dry clothing, since I clearly did not need to warm up (in fact, I desperately needed a break). The team from the University Of Missouri that we played was slightly better than us, but I feel like the result could have been a lot closer. We might have even been able to win under different circumstances. But I just had nothing left to give emotionally, and was unable to get anything started in doubles. We lost 15-7, 15-5 to get 4th in the women's doubles #2 gold division.<br />
<br />
After doubles, I went to claim my medals and then headed back to the hotel to shower and change clothing before the banquet.<br />
<br />
The banquet was held in a dining hall in the Memorial Union. Our team sat with the Texas A&M team. We were called to get food last, but at least the Italian style food was good and plentiful. Then the awards ceremony began. We were amazed to find that we had won the conference cup for the SCRC! Our men's team finished 6th overall, our women's team finished 5th overall (even playing with only 5/6 of the allowable players), and our team finished 4th overall (even playing with only 11/12 of the allowable players). This is likely the best we have ever finished at nationals, and certainly is the best we have finished in recent years!<br />
<br />
Sadly, Taquito was never returned to us. :( I had fully expected a team to return him to us at the banquet, but it did not happen.<br />
<br />
After the banquet, Texas A&M came to our hotel to hang out for a while. We all piled into one room, and just sat and talked. We got a noise complaint around midnight, and we all went to bed shortly after. It was a fun night!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR-QwCAVhKgd61qPeOathNeOsfNxV8nt-HvfCTywNWg1TxbwbSdqIJgYYsANzk32jY_56NUGL7VBlHN7tomk9ySBFklgWBJRG-zWis1anprfA-C58gooAbgH6u0spEo0NVJ-qtbixL18/s1600/conference.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR-QwCAVhKgd61qPeOathNeOsfNxV8nt-HvfCTywNWg1TxbwbSdqIJgYYsANzk32jY_56NUGL7VBlHN7tomk9ySBFklgWBJRG-zWis1anprfA-C58gooAbgH6u0spEo0NVJ-qtbixL18/s1600/conference.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our conference cup!</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-16644832163258355452015-03-27T23:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T11:50:52.741-05:00Racquetball Nationals 2015: Day 3Today felt a lot busier - I had a doubles game at 10am and a singles game at 4pm (plus our team had games at most other times).<br /><br />The doubles game at 10am was against a very strong Oregon State team. They just had much better individual skills than us. One girl was weaker than the other, but even she was still better than us. Jordan had trouble handling the left-side serves, and I was getting but not killing the right-side serves. We switched from playing front and back to playing diagonals for the second set, and that seemed to help some. We ended up losing 15-1, 15-5.<br /><br />Since we lost, I had to referee right after our game. I ended up refereeing a men's #6 match between a University of Florida guy and a Baldwin Wallace guy. I was nervous, but it went reasonably well. I just feel like I'm a useless referee because I can never tell of the ball skipped or not (and that's the main use of a referee). Jordan stood with me for most of the game to provide moral support (and a second set of eyes).<br /><br />After refereeing I changed and then watched some games. I eventually went to relax some until it was time to get ready for my singles game.<br /><br />My singles game was against a friendly girl from the University of California Berkeley. I played better in this game, and she was generally worse than me, so I marched to a 15-6, 15-8 win. She made some good shots, and kept the score close at the beginning of both sets. However, she seemed to be very tired at the end, which probably hurt her (although she still made good shots even in long rallies). I'm proud of how I played, especially at the end of the game.<br /><br />After my win I stretched, watched some other games, and then changed into dry clothing. We realized soon after my game that Taquito, our good luck gnome, had gone missing. We searched for him, and had the tournament desk make some announcements about him, but we had no luck in finding him. Perhaps a team has stolen him and will return him at the end of the tournament?<br /><br />We left the gym around 8:30pm, went to the hotel to shower and/or change, and them took the hotel shuttle (in two trips) to our team dinner at <span>Gordon Biersch</span>. The food was delicious, although the garlic fries were by far my favorite. I had the Gorgonzola chicken with mashed potatoes and asparagus for dinner and the brownie with ice cream for dessert.<br /><br />Katie from Texas A&M picked us up from the restaurant and took about half of us back to our hotel and the other half back to the Texas A&M hotel to chill. I was really tired, so I just went back to the hotel. But it was really nice of her to pick us up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-57344346476400816282015-03-26T22:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T11:44:06.510-05:00Racquetball Nationals 2015: Day 2Today was a rather rough day. I watched Natalie play at 9am, and then I played doubles with my partner Jordan at 10am. In doubles, we beat a team from Baldwin Wallace University in two games, 15-8, 15-13. Jordan and I played well, although I was personally struggling to keep my shots low, so many of the rallies continued much longer than they needed to. We communicated well though, so I was happy with how the game went.<br />
<br />
I watched my team mates, went to the business school to work for a while, got Qdoba from the Memorial Union, and then came back to watch more games. I was watching a doubles match upstairs about an hour and a half before my singles game, and I decided to just go chill downstairs for a while since it was so cramped and uncomfortable sitting upstairs.<br />
<br />
I was nervous going into my singles game against a girl from Utah State University. I knew from watching her last night that her serves would be difficult, she had no clear weaknesses, but that I felt I was better than her. My national ranking was much better. Hence, I went into the game trying to just be confident and play my game.<br />
<br />
Her serves were indeed difficult, especially her Z-serves. And she put a lot of power on most of her hits. She got to things I thought impossible. She was weak at playing things in the back of the court. And I was nervous and anxious. I never really settled in.<br />
<br />
In the first game, I came back from a 4-8 deficit to win 15-8. In the second game, she got out to an early lead, I caught up, and then she ran away to a 15-8 win on a serving streak. In the final third tiebreaker, we traded side outs for a long time. We tied at 8-8. Then I got up 10-8, before letting her come back and win 11-10.<br />
<br />
This loss was very frustrating for me, mainly because I was unable to figure out a good strategy to use against her. I was also in better shape than her, but it did not seem to help. I was pretty devastated after the loss, as I had put everything I could into the game. I really felt like just finding a place to hide and cry after the game.<br />
<br />
I should have refereed a game after my loss, but there were no games at my skill level left tonight, so they left me off without refereeing in this case.<br />
<br />
Once our guys finished playing their 9pm doubles matches, we headed to Whataburger for dinner. I showered once I got back to the hotel, blogged, and then went to bed around 12:30am.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-46010135517369378092015-03-25T22:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T14:01:02.884-05:00Racquetball Nationals 2015: Day 1I had no games today, so today was just a day of watching my team mates, scoping out the competition, and getting some work done.<br />
<br />
We woke at 7:45am, ate breakfast at the hotel at 8:15am, and arrived at the gym at 9am. I watched our team play in the morning, and saw my room mate Natalie win her first tournament game ever! After watching a few of my team mates play, I found a place to sit in the business school and worked until 2pm. During this time JT brought up the fact that I was unfairly seeded in my bracket, so I looked into it more and built a case. I emailed this to the tournament director using the proper appeal process, and they updated my seed (and the bracket) after conferring with the entire rules committee. At 2pm I went back to the gym and ate the provided pizza lunch with a girl from Utah (who actually ends up being the girl I'll play tomorrow in singles).<br />
<br />
I watched a few more team mates play before heading back to the business school for an hour more of work. I came back to do a short 20 minute workout and watch a flury of games, including one that determined who I will play tomorrow night.<br />
<br />
Overall, our team did excellent today. We went 11-2, only losing in #1 mens and #5 womens. Taquito, the little sports club gnome, must be giving us good luck. He watches each game from just outside the back-wall glass.<br />
<br />
After our entire team was finished for the day, we walked to Raising Cane's for dinner. It's a place JT and I really like in Austin, so I was very happy with that choice for dinner. After dinner we walked back to the hotel, and I choose to shower and get in bed. Some of the guys are staying up tonight and drinking, but I really just want to sleep. Plus, I have a doubles game at 10am and a singles game at 7pm! It will be a long day tomorrow!<br />
<br />
In watching the games today, one thing was extremely apparent: racquetball requires a certain mental toughness. I saw multiple people give up in games today, because they let their emotions get the best of them. Because they actually began to believe they would lose. I'm going to go into my games, especially singles, with the mental attitude that I'm in control of the game. I tend to play a lot better when I adopt this attitude.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzdwC7Nl_-QLTy59rVpJaBBFQmMIUkx-aeShP4bjo65BLutt-S7X1VUm-0JlqaY5_r_ABb_i-n8oiIv1ijShb7x0nXX2dd56cDPE1M6pZ4UNLXuBcaNv_a7qEXufIgdQqeRKS75kNbp4/s1600/taquito1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzdwC7Nl_-QLTy59rVpJaBBFQmMIUkx-aeShP4bjo65BLutt-S7X1VUm-0JlqaY5_r_ABb_i-n8oiIv1ijShb7x0nXX2dd56cDPE1M6pZ4UNLXuBcaNv_a7qEXufIgdQqeRKS75kNbp4/s1600/taquito1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Taquito watching Jordan play</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-10313032117877838212015-03-24T22:35:00.001-05:002015-03-30T14:05:20.322-05:00Racquetball Nationals 2015: Day 0It is strange to be blogging a new trip so soon! Flying over pretty much the same route I just spent 1.5 days driving. Packing with little care for size and weight.<br />
<br />
I'm travelling with 10 other UT racquetball club members to Tempe, AZ for the <a href="http://www.r2sports.com/tourney/home.asp?TID=13212">intercollegiate racquetball nationals tournament</a>. It will be four days full of racquetball (but just three for me as my games do not start until Thursday).<br />
<br />
Greg's friend picked me up at 5:30pm from San Jacinto garage. I was the fourth and final pick-up on the way to the airport.<br />
<br />
Traffic was heavy, but we still arrived at the airport at 6:15pm. Alex was there, and Natalie arrived soon after us. But we still had to wait 30 minutes before the last two guys arrived. Our reservation did not come up automatically, so an agent had to help us. One guy tried to use his UT ID as identification because he did not know better... We seriously have multiple people in our group that have no flown in a really long time. That seems crazy to me - but if your family is in Texas and you do not otherwise travel, I guess it is not that surprising.<br />
<br />
Security was not bad, and then we had about 15 minutes at the gate before the A zone was called. During this time, I saw the British Airways Dreamliner depart for its daily trip to London.<br />
<br />
There were a lot of people in the A1-30, and A1-50 was pretty filled in. Hence, I was extremely surprised to get a window exit row as A50! A47 got the window seat behind the left exit row! Lots of stupid/naive As on this flight...<br />
<br />
The majority of our team does not fly much, and we ended up being the group everyone hates. They talked loudly the entire flight. Multiple people cheered and/or loudly exclaimed when then engines kicked in for take-off. One of the girls loudly whined "I'm scared" during turbulence. They sat 3 per row despite entire rows being open on the plane. And they took multiple flash photos in the dark plane after sunset. When the plane landed, someone clapped. I'm sure they are excited to be at nationals, but still!<br />
<br />
The baggage came out quickly, and then we went outside to wait for the Holiday Inn Express hotel shuttle. It came quickly, but could not fit all of us. Hence, 4 of us stayed behind to wait for the shuttle to come back. It only took 20-30 minutes to return. The driver was a nice ASU student.<br />
<br />
Natalie and I are rooming together in the only 2-person room. After dropping our bags, most of us went to a pizza place near our hotel. We bought all of their remaining pizza, but I think everyone was happy with what they got. After dinner I returned to my room, unpacked, talked to JT, showered and went to bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhblRl1e2qVP0JOpjsOGTB6PaHB_lmCCkL10aztfM3n2WT3REzHGwXu6IhmaQjzx6jg95mok7bs-mEaJzUhg1lkIWUrLiMB7v9i1qb1Zv50acEcuj27jcSvjCdOd61ajUgNgho9ph7V8/s1600/2015-03-24_19-52-55_999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhblRl1e2qVP0JOpjsOGTB6PaHB_lmCCkL10aztfM3n2WT3REzHGwXu6IhmaQjzx6jg95mok7bs-mEaJzUhg1lkIWUrLiMB7v9i1qb1Zv50acEcuj27jcSvjCdOd61ajUgNgho9ph7V8/s1600/2015-03-24_19-52-55_999.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Pretty sunset over Austin, TX</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ad0cQbXiu5dJvBFDjtDlN2k4UxSBZNYfDOgmRK7AH8xVCpmQ2ul4VaaWdfo5mrgtoUFe28Q8hkRKhKQRfah1KI9wAhnQtA3iicCfVlD9gM64NZMUUIXhfVL99zaXNvVPXlQBhDxiFqA/s1600/team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ad0cQbXiu5dJvBFDjtDlN2k4UxSBZNYfDOgmRK7AH8xVCpmQ2ul4VaaWdfo5mrgtoUFe28Q8hkRKhKQRfah1KI9wAhnQtA3iicCfVlD9gM64NZMUUIXhfVL99zaXNvVPXlQBhDxiFqA/s1600/team.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Credit to Jonathan Lanford</i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-29218293111166771612015-03-21T23:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T14:30:01.791-05:00Spring Break 2015: Day 8This was the final day of driving! We originally estimated it would take 14 hours to drive from Alberqerque to Austin, so we decided to leave at 5am. I woke up at 4:45am and was out by the cars by 4:55am. We actually left at 5:15am and I drove 4.5 hours to about 50 miles outside Lubbock. The drive was pretty difficult, especially until the sunrise. I put both ear buds in and listened to Above & Beyond and Tritonal to keep myself awake and focused as everyone else in the car slept. It was a lot easier to stay awake once the sun rose.<br />
<br />
We stopped for an early lunch at Freebirds in Lubbock. It was pretty good. Emily kept driving after lunch, and it began to rain. We drove through the middle of a wind farm, and although the blades were barely spinning it looked really neat due to the fog.<br />
<br />
I began driving again at 2pm because Emily was tired. I drove for exactly two hours until we took a gas stop in Early, TX and Emily drove the final 2 hours. It was pretty difficult and tiring driving in the rain.<br />
<br />
Once we got back to the Outdoor Center at UT, we unloaded everything, hung the tents and sleeping bags, and unpacked the coolers. We said goodbye to all the participants, and then left without looking at the post-trip evaluations. I walked over to GDC and waited for JT to come pick me up.<br />
<br />
Emily sent an email a few days later saying that overall the trip evaluations were great. I do think the trip went really well, especially considering that this trip was re-planned at the last minute. However, I do think we could have done a much better job communicating both among ourselves and with the group. The group seemed confused about what we were doing at multiple points, and I think a short guide meeting each night and group meeting each morning would have gone a long way towards everyone being on the same page.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-78075414304833971702015-03-20T22:00:00.000-05:002015-04-01T23:40:32.282-05:00Spring Break 2015: Day 7I awoke at 7:35am to my tent attempting to flip since it was not staked down. Everyone else started waking up around the same time. I got ready, and then worked on loading the car (which always feels like a game of Tetris, and I wanted it to be well packed since we would be driving all the way back to Austin).<br />
<br />
We left the camp site around 9:15am. The drive out of Zion was pretty - I really love Zion. The rocks and cliffs are so awesome! We drove an hour to get coffee and generally chill at <a href="http://www.willowcanyon.com/">Willow Canyon Outdoor</a> in Kanab. <br />
<br />
Once we hit the road again, we drove through Marble Canyon, where we were for most of last year's spring break trip. We stopped for a short break at the Navajo Bridge to take pictures. It really is such a pretty area with the Vermilion Cliffs towering high above.<br />
<br />
I drove for a 4 hour stretch from Marble Canyon to the New Mexico state line. We had planned to eat lunch in Flagstaff, but instead decided to just eat gas station food. No one really seemed happy with this, but perhaps it was the best decision considering lunch in Flagstaff would have been a rather late lunch.<br />
<br />
Emily finished the drive to Albuquerque. The participants in our car had picked a Thai place to eat for dinner. However, after we accidentally went to the wrong place since one of the participants had given me the incorrect street number, we stopped at another random Thai place. This place had a long wait though, so we decided to go to a New Mexican restaurant in the same shopping center. This ended up being a great decision, since the New Mexican food ended up being really good.<br />
<br />
Sean, Brad, and Kelsey (other guides at UT who had went on a personal climbing spring break trip) slept on the floor in our rooms at the La Quinta (Kelsey in my room, Sean and Brad in the guys room). Although I hurried and took the first shower and got in bed at 10:15pm, I didn't actually fall asleep for another hour due to noise and talking. So it goes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnI0tqW02ZK_X9W8r5cn5_1bPZfaY1LQnLtn8KzTWNuxkagJx6uSv-9jhcyUFYtlKrOqECMgYVAVpE_pSxLiqAofYoFQjme84Y3szHOK9V6SDw_h655zYJFT78I17gPK5DOsebzhjx9w/s1600/IMG_1263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnI0tqW02ZK_X9W8r5cn5_1bPZfaY1LQnLtn8KzTWNuxkagJx6uSv-9jhcyUFYtlKrOqECMgYVAVpE_pSxLiqAofYoFQjme84Y3szHOK9V6SDw_h655zYJFT78I17gPK5DOsebzhjx9w/s1600/IMG_1263.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Driving out of Zion towards Kanab </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rpm-WpkexWAPPeY37nZEbUBtkoXBAyrTOQjpnn-wes4F-OFKQb6KjX1z2n4usG0I67X12A9ja5USqAlolvxrHHOsfTWu0GQaaNDXpjsn2KTjx7P_S7QnWfZbwc1dY93-Oh1PZq_wpWg/s1600/IMG_1268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Rpm-WpkexWAPPeY37nZEbUBtkoXBAyrTOQjpnn-wes4F-OFKQb6KjX1z2n4usG0I67X12A9ja5USqAlolvxrHHOsfTWu0GQaaNDXpjsn2KTjx7P_S7QnWfZbwc1dY93-Oh1PZq_wpWg/s1600/IMG_1268.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> The drive between Kanab and Marble Canyon was so pretty!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoluGoKwOQLIuKX29I4amcJzxzNto9d7pbjmHYTe_k82i1ydhT93QocUujYzPLiU7Wgq_Vyp_uAu4mDqsQ3Rx0rFr15WL7hK9DmY07R6CAh306ruzP1IBPix2j5fAr-7lfQTcW3Hej_80/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoluGoKwOQLIuKX29I4amcJzxzNto9d7pbjmHYTe_k82i1ydhT93QocUujYzPLiU7Wgq_Vyp_uAu4mDqsQ3Rx0rFr15WL7hK9DmY07R6CAh306ruzP1IBPix2j5fAr-7lfQTcW3Hej_80/s1600/IMG_1269.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Views of the mighty Colorado River from the original Navajo Bridge </i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKffDH5bp5o1X9uMsL2Vlwy6WKQf80Vd4i8ifJl_qI5DdXUKVnjUBZVSBopdSdsTPA90hXH1Z92z31n1ir9knLMQEh1XR-FDnINXzJTlkSuOtD3qk8vHor3tsfUHULl21QDe7W2ZgIWmc/s1600/lee's+ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKffDH5bp5o1X9uMsL2Vlwy6WKQf80Vd4i8ifJl_qI5DdXUKVnjUBZVSBopdSdsTPA90hXH1Z92z31n1ir9knLMQEh1XR-FDnINXzJTlkSuOtD3qk8vHor3tsfUHULl21QDe7W2ZgIWmc/s1600/lee's%2Bferry.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Looking over the railing of the original Navajo Bridge (photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IdhE2I1TME8UVbw30u9tVQBev-UlBAt70SrOzcx56zdimX_ZWwOhyphenhyphenVkUHWyGbw6hMvAnTuzjo3ppSfwYOtcjzyBEZEv05JUPqE_nXHfGCM6xoYXpPc9gmyGyk_m1zW7omanzTCekbds/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IdhE2I1TME8UVbw30u9tVQBev-UlBAt70SrOzcx56zdimX_ZWwOhyphenhyphenVkUHWyGbw6hMvAnTuzjo3ppSfwYOtcjzyBEZEv05JUPqE_nXHfGCM6xoYXpPc9gmyGyk_m1zW7omanzTCekbds/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>On the original Navajo Bridge </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOTZZ7UQvLMXz4BiG_WdwIVaNXnvcqCTGENhadlqggsA1xizbaM8ix3m5hG0DZSnIRk3x_A5Tn0LAN4TgApBM-DKVSodMmWi7006iaFLbk7g1kU1gXod_n1bqPakvUF_Czhsqk71BFBs/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiOTZZ7UQvLMXz4BiG_WdwIVaNXnvcqCTGENhadlqggsA1xizbaM8ix3m5hG0DZSnIRk3x_A5Tn0LAN4TgApBM-DKVSodMmWi7006iaFLbk7g1kU1gXod_n1bqPakvUF_Czhsqk71BFBs/s1600/IMG_1281.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The new Navajo Bridge</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-63665938489688549652015-03-19T22:00:00.000-05:002015-04-06T22:30:08.550-05:00Spring Break 2015: Day 6 (Zion NP)Today was a pretty epic day. I had originally visited Zion National Park in 2007 with JT's family as part of a trip they took to four of the national parks in the four-state area. I fell in love with Zion at that point, and it really helped start my love of national parks and hiking. I had always wanted and planned to go back to Zion, but when the Mission Wolf trip turned into a Kanab + Zion + Bryce trip, I really wondered whether Zion would be as magical of a place this time as it was in 2007? Or was I mis-remembering or exaggerating its beauty and draw? As you will see in this post, Zion was every bit as magical as I remembered, and this 1-day trip just left me wanting to visit again even more!<br />
<br />
We woke up at 5:30am and had a quick breakfast of breakfast bars and apples. We left camp around 7am and drove to the visitor's center to park our Suburbans and catch the Zion shuttle. Emily blasted Kesha songs on the way there, which was actually the perfect start to the day! I love when a group gets to the point where we do not really care what each other thinks (and we can all just sing Kesha songs together) - and this seems to happen to much quicker with outdoor groups than with any other group I have ever been a part of. I love it!<br />
<br />
We caught the 7:45am shuttle to The Grotto, where we started our Angel's Landing hike. I was struggling with the climb, and was lagging. I used my inhaler about halfway up, and this helped a lot as it allowed me to actually take a full, deep breath. Some people left their backpacks at a wider point before the trail got narrow and the chains started. I also saw a blind hiker and her friend sitting at this point - I assume they were not going to go all the way to the summit? At this point, I looked at the trail to Angel's Landing and had serious doubts. Should I do this? Is this safe? I felt incredibly scared, and seriously considered staying behind, but the group was already starting on the trail, and we needed a guide at the back of the group, so I just forced myself to go. I trailed the group by a bit, but not by too much. I was breathing heavily, partially from the steepness/complexity of the trail and partially from being terrified. Angel's Landing was the scariest hike I have done, due to the combination of heights, steepness, tricky footing / chains, and trying to go quicker than I would on my own to keep up with my group.<br />
<br />
Once we finally reached the top, I spent a few minutes on my own enjoying the feat and the scenery before joining the group. We only stayed at the top for about 15 minutes, at which point a few vocal people in the group wanted to go down. I could not understand why they did not want to stay and enjoy the awesome views for a while (it is not that they were nervous about the heights). There were some chipmunks at the summit that were pretty aggressive about trying to get food from the hikers - they must be solely fed by hikers, which is really sad.<br />
<br />
Going back down from Angel's Landing was tougher than going up at points, due to momentum pushing you down. Once we finished the sections with chains, most of the group literally ran down parts of the trail. Hence, I was constantly trying to play catch up without harming my knee (since running down a steep trail is not an option - in fact, downhill climbs often go slower than uphill climbs for me).<br />
<br />
After the hike we went back to the visitors center to eat our picnic lunch. We left the visitor's center at 2:30pm for a hike on the Emerald Pools trails. I had done these trails before and didn't remember them being anything remarkable, but we decided to go on them anyway. Sadly, I was just as underwhelmed as in 2007. The most notable thing was probably all the families trying to backpack their babies on the trail. <br />
<br />
For our last hike of the day, we went to the Narrows board walk, and then everyone except for me hiked in the Narrows for about 80 minutes while I stayed with their bags. I was not feeling getting wet, but I also knew someone needed to stay with their belongings. I chatted with Morgan (who we had met on the trail, and who also works for UT RecSports), until she decided she was too cold to wait for our group. Morgan had spent her entire spring break around Zion, so talking with her gave me plenty of good ideas for future trips. It was also interesting to people watch. It seems there is only one equipment rental company near Zion, as I saw many Zion Adventure Company rentals (and nothing else). One could probably make a lot of money opening another rental company...<br />
<br />
Once they returned, I dashed back to the trail head to use the rest room. Then we took the shuttle to the lodge because Emily wanted coffee. She gave up though, so we caught another shuttle back to the visitor's center and our cars.<br />
<br />
We were sharing a camp site with Morgan (who we had seen on the trail earlier) for our last night since they had room and we had no reservation. We set up camp and started cooking since the group was hungry. I forgot to chop up the celery and carrots, so they were added to the pasta late. I also completely forgot we had fresh cheese for the pasta, so it went unused. It was a pretty frustrating dinner and evening.<br />
<br />
Most of the group opted to sleep outside, so I was actually the only person to sleep in a tent. Emily had not staked down the tent, so I awoke a few times with it flying up around me. Fun, fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOZ7v21aogCOitxPpIxd08vHc5BhvBfT-Bc7u7Dr4EcOzaz85urXwoVQ_2W_o11Ky7-8K32MPHaEiyMkKQemyqCFDLruk_3eBnFT11I1LrG8j_J8vDvNWGhom7iisPKfdyWX3ubIndLE/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwOZ7v21aogCOitxPpIxd08vHc5BhvBfT-Bc7u7Dr4EcOzaz85urXwoVQ_2W_o11Ky7-8K32MPHaEiyMkKQemyqCFDLruk_3eBnFT11I1LrG8j_J8vDvNWGhom7iisPKfdyWX3ubIndLE/s1600/IMG_1187.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Zion Valley from right before the chains on the Angel's Landing trail </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgjHv08GVpOAeMhLmKL6m0C56iyt6QjA4wnpySPO4h86ra3H5Wia05PurYBG2rBLhdgGta-lvKYxh2UsJn14Qbnv4v4HTi9IN4ZhxFEnfXnX1CWNXJ_zSUGRluHQ9Vdnu_g4cWH4_qAQ/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgjHv08GVpOAeMhLmKL6m0C56iyt6QjA4wnpySPO4h86ra3H5Wia05PurYBG2rBLhdgGta-lvKYxh2UsJn14Qbnv4v4HTi9IN4ZhxFEnfXnX1CWNXJ_zSUGRluHQ9Vdnu_g4cWH4_qAQ/s1600/IMG_1188.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Me and the Zion Valley from right before the chains on the Angel's Landing trail </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3tKyaSZ0b1KhqYbWKCquEE3og2jQux5iLWXWVai2VI-mQtVnUv_ryTVjk5Vl-04xf7Ka1C1ZweNzHyd9u4t5xZnW9iAc6ono4yHUidvEFvRNUVB5euyje06NiqVKx7fsEP18VfP7kNk/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3tKyaSZ0b1KhqYbWKCquEE3og2jQux5iLWXWVai2VI-mQtVnUv_ryTVjk5Vl-04xf7Ka1C1ZweNzHyd9u4t5xZnW9iAc6ono4yHUidvEFvRNUVB5euyje06NiqVKx7fsEP18VfP7kNk/s1600/IMG_1195.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Chains and scrambling on the Angel's Landing trail </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpNrKCROuPIdZ91bhAjbiaqq9jgtHxcitQINix8MoJc3wptBji4LeZBOBsdAlhPNIHoz5zIgiTKhwQfUsXszTWDO3L-oPqCnAIAMp0bBTRPeYquorO1E26jmv0qLUjFPDKT-3xjKSCv8/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGpNrKCROuPIdZ91bhAjbiaqq9jgtHxcitQINix8MoJc3wptBji4LeZBOBsdAlhPNIHoz5zIgiTKhwQfUsXszTWDO3L-oPqCnAIAMp0bBTRPeYquorO1E26jmv0qLUjFPDKT-3xjKSCv8/s1600/IMG_1200.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Angel's Landing summit, as seen from the trail </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEqAkny6ekPXRIWDHr84NZGEV07u3Ng7goRmCYcybjzI0-nt4ajcqvpSd-i8r6pLRrsCuJ-PvuOdKhtfXPhY9ooOoCe_32pa5LACKNjnY9hFrZGI-rka76s0B1QXVhbRSCyUdbQhLD00/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEqAkny6ekPXRIWDHr84NZGEV07u3Ng7goRmCYcybjzI0-nt4ajcqvpSd-i8r6pLRrsCuJ-PvuOdKhtfXPhY9ooOoCe_32pa5LACKNjnY9hFrZGI-rka76s0B1QXVhbRSCyUdbQhLD00/s1600/IMG_1203.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Angel's Landing trail was narrow at points, with cliffs on both sides </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLk6VGZZgPDeqglQ6OJtAXnITn7rD_uMrcuNrbAr-r3tK08XwnJwZ5fkjboPiSmnd_J-SLDIFmDluSPD_cJEGvHkgRJdvtj60GbBfZf0IcOevjdwjk9RUfyeDOc1jLkwbZVAxK6ZrFFhM/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLk6VGZZgPDeqglQ6OJtAXnITn7rD_uMrcuNrbAr-r3tK08XwnJwZ5fkjboPiSmnd_J-SLDIFmDluSPD_cJEGvHkgRJdvtj60GbBfZf0IcOevjdwjk9RUfyeDOc1jLkwbZVAxK6ZrFFhM/s1600/IMG_1207.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Near the Angel's Landing summit, looking back at where we came from </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhissPfc7xuoSFl0nx6m_AxvYP6-u0-fO9WuBgnXnpKbWbk1Xup-lY9IJkJ0q-RSgWvr5aM1QPGce4Lsg0MJGbNuVjL0lXP-yKLRiZW7S6ux0JflH_zIkY10nMqtDRVOFn5ijp89sZzvJQ/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhissPfc7xuoSFl0nx6m_AxvYP6-u0-fO9WuBgnXnpKbWbk1Xup-lY9IJkJ0q-RSgWvr5aM1QPGce4Lsg0MJGbNuVjL0lXP-yKLRiZW7S6ux0JflH_zIkY10nMqtDRVOFn5ijp89sZzvJQ/s1600/IMG_1225.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A chipmunk at the Angel's Landing summit </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VOjLkr1G-NNHizeGhdb9-7SK_GnaxTe5QElfzdF_8sjbcBDCIQYhBiH_VIbJK9RpgsJXdQvn_CMLV_d1hoSO3LCUAkSMnkCdGfUxhznmzRXqM_osPqUJFpxygC7S33uw6ZM7RnjwULs/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VOjLkr1G-NNHizeGhdb9-7SK_GnaxTe5QElfzdF_8sjbcBDCIQYhBiH_VIbJK9RpgsJXdQvn_CMLV_d1hoSO3LCUAkSMnkCdGfUxhznmzRXqM_osPqUJFpxygC7S33uw6ZM7RnjwULs/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Zion valley from the Angel's Landing summit </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4reNkTqOvvcHnl0u6vlB0Ezo6MXVlQTdG1pvMvnjotv9GCS_-8ojsDwuuVyg7hgY0xoxJaaezBuqaY12rAuNaV-sBdzkRQk6-OF5V0cZcJ1PBgbh-Wl_bB3Va0USjU3yfNp4priy9M4/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4reNkTqOvvcHnl0u6vlB0Ezo6MXVlQTdG1pvMvnjotv9GCS_-8ojsDwuuVyg7hgY0xoxJaaezBuqaY12rAuNaV-sBdzkRQk6-OF5V0cZcJ1PBgbh-Wl_bB3Va0USjU3yfNp4priy9M4/s1600/IMG_1230.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Me, at the Angel's Landing summit </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4kQX-l46mF-_6JWNHukAuDdJJlOMidSu1tS9j5x6Gipdz3oWHqVF3GMK5J7_4XbgezZGuT8WJWRg57_5wQsweP60IiLG07POYg7A_Pl2wPbl-FBzxYpqN-QxzRr9x2MEDrSPikaYEw4/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4kQX-l46mF-_6JWNHukAuDdJJlOMidSu1tS9j5x6Gipdz3oWHqVF3GMK5J7_4XbgezZGuT8WJWRg57_5wQsweP60IiLG07POYg7A_Pl2wPbl-FBzxYpqN-QxzRr9x2MEDrSPikaYEw4/s1600/IMG_1234.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>It's a long way down... </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP0llgDO1c0q_0ydjFEU6_A1wbs3_2buHN8G-NF74Q56y7-nX8pTDCkmpn_Jf2IoTvxtD9yDP0zE-eO5Lfn124UqeDOjUluiEMunWcMBwawvxVYMu-DBX7F6p-iPMCIWPZIpRmMrfc8U/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP0llgDO1c0q_0ydjFEU6_A1wbs3_2buHN8G-NF74Q56y7-nX8pTDCkmpn_Jf2IoTvxtD9yDP0zE-eO5Lfn124UqeDOjUluiEMunWcMBwawvxVYMu-DBX7F6p-iPMCIWPZIpRmMrfc8U/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Zion valley from the Angel's Landing summit </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YINeEkClZMqPK1hHDoZErtvgeN-wk6Dh6cG09cUIPdPOK70sadW7MALqtRNV8WyS3VbvRREupUDp-T9qGrckqNnq9BpZPu2Ap57w6j5UoxRUPOzaGYT-7nldRtSTko4yPdgW8o3a5Go/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9YINeEkClZMqPK1hHDoZErtvgeN-wk6Dh6cG09cUIPdPOK70sadW7MALqtRNV8WyS3VbvRREupUDp-T9qGrckqNnq9BpZPu2Ap57w6j5UoxRUPOzaGYT-7nldRtSTko4yPdgW8o3a5Go/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hiking down from the summit of Angel's Landing </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpoBHq1EmY_k8UTzXXByqWkR0pnPKzqbrnMbQvw2JgWrstP7qHrnejLbq-6nHRKYGC7Yh2qtQRd5P7-WW8I84AKqqpGCusuDsDKHxdDGqv9tff0KRIIrXEykpYmDYL_f8lXm02IV4ONs/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpoBHq1EmY_k8UTzXXByqWkR0pnPKzqbrnMbQvw2JgWrstP7qHrnejLbq-6nHRKYGC7Yh2qtQRd5P7-WW8I84AKqqpGCusuDsDKHxdDGqv9tff0KRIIrXEykpYmDYL_f8lXm02IV4ONs/s1600/IMG_1250.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Angel's Landing, as seen from the Grotto bus stop </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9iL7k7QY3EtfADkEQXZKiyJwR6xWV1Xkkx8-WTdeUzHmWUjIfy6C6g7HyK2OthoyDFWtWxzpEbDT9-l6qG1vO2Bhxz-tWLs4s1OlXqitN5JwL4qz6B8XLgdmRgNz993tAsp-OcuISLQ/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9iL7k7QY3EtfADkEQXZKiyJwR6xWV1Xkkx8-WTdeUzHmWUjIfy6C6g7HyK2OthoyDFWtWxzpEbDT9-l6qG1vO2Bhxz-tWLs4s1OlXqitN5JwL4qz6B8XLgdmRgNz993tAsp-OcuISLQ/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Lots of visitors at the upper pool on the Emerald Pools trail</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-3661946302497688122015-03-18T22:00:00.000-05:002015-04-01T23:39:01.741-05:00Spring Break 2015: Day 5Today we woke up at 5:50am since we needed to pack up camp and still be at <a href="http://bestfriends.org/">Best Friends Animal Society</a> by 9am. We had granola bars and apples for breakfast. The general idea seems to be that granola bars and apples are quicker than instant oatmeal, but if we are still going to heat water and do a French press for coffee, I don't think instant oatmeal would really take any longer...<br />
<br />
Cole realized that he had lost his phone, potentially while running and playing Frisbee the night before, so we swept our camp site after packing up and found nothing. He eventually found it packed in his tent in the evening.<br />
<br />
We arrived at Best Friends about 30 minutes early, so we visited their gift shop. I bought a cat tee-shirt for myself, and a Dog Town tee-shirt for my parents. Then we headed off to Dog Town for our morning of service at one of the puppy buildings. Apparently they get a lot of homeless puppies from the nearby Najavo communities.<br />
<br />
In the puppy area, we first received a quick introduction and then we deep-cleaned the indoor and outdoor dog runs. Once we had set all the runs back up, we each got to take a puppy out for a walk. I had made it clear that I'm not too comfortable around dogs, so they gave me a puppy to walk by itself plus a volunteer to accompany me on the walk. My puppy was fine - it completely ignored me and just pulled me down the trail behind it. However, I do not see what everyone else loved about the puppies - yes, they are cute, but they are also rather annoying and tiresome.<br />
<br />
We had our (vegetarian) lunch of hummus, olives, lettuce, peppers, avocados, and pitas on the patio at the Village. After lunch we went to an older part of Dog Town and worked for what seemed like forever cleaning up outdoor dog runs and weeding along the perimeters of these runs. The heat and back-breaking labour made this a particularly hard three hours.<br />
<br />
Once we were finally done weeding and cleaning, we finished our time at Best Friends with a tour of the pig and horse area. This was not originally part of our schedule, but one of the participants was really persistent in asking about seeing the horses, so Best Friends was able to make it happen. We first walked along the horse section. Apparently many of the horses at Best Friends were abused by their previous owners, so they are now being retrained using a less controlling and intimidating technique. Then we were shown a few different types of pigs, and I was actually really impressed with the pigs. They are smarter and more loving than I had ever imagined to be possible.<br />
<br />
We finally left Best Friends for our drive to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm">Zion National Park </a>around 4:30pm. When we arrived, there was no space left at either of the Zion National Park camp grounds (and we had not reserved any sites since this trip was thrown together at the last minute when we opted not to visit Mission: Wolf due to the weather), so we camped at the Quality Inn camp ground in Springdale for $105 a night. However, our group was very excited about the 6 minute shower this price included for each of us.<br />
<br />
Most people showered while Tommy, Cole, and I cooked Thanksgiving dinner (mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries) plus fajita chicken. After eating dinner and cleaning up, I prepared breakfast and lunch for Thursday, called JT, showered for 12 minutes (since Emily gave me an extra token she had purchased but did not use), and then finally went to sleep at 11.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoiZmVkr0GpVBLN7-Ye5ExMWCInyA5H9Zjr5O3zidQXyG4IW0dktYBu1EF2xRP31Alclox3mawWn-GC7rNJXVQXkfEyZz5GlSwSpV8TRQ2_Db9bQa6AJqgliwNid-sMeUxITYjAcliOQ/s1600/2015-03-17_19-10-19_655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoiZmVkr0GpVBLN7-Ye5ExMWCInyA5H9Zjr5O3zidQXyG4IW0dktYBu1EF2xRP31Alclox3mawWn-GC7rNJXVQXkfEyZz5GlSwSpV8TRQ2_Db9bQa6AJqgliwNid-sMeUxITYjAcliOQ/s1600/2015-03-17_19-10-19_655.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our site at Ponderosa Grove</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTa1j8uSfUTY4R1t1HxwsUqv2E5A3uBueqbZNHYA02VIsQh3LNFWjr1SV6juwk0tYEjf4Ky2J6GyghLvkYJzIe_1eDIR6sG9JUw5W8wsrb_tXxB5Sh342Nt3Glu3QM3QnaBu167ohmtg/s1600/puppies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTa1j8uSfUTY4R1t1HxwsUqv2E5A3uBueqbZNHYA02VIsQh3LNFWjr1SV6juwk0tYEjf4Ky2J6GyghLvkYJzIe_1eDIR6sG9JUw5W8wsrb_tXxB5Sh342Nt3Glu3QM3QnaBu167ohmtg/s1600/puppies.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<i>Puppies at Best Friends (photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvg8Z1HFv2HZ28LU5Pp0PXSx_TljoCsj53hbymU-oKsdMiylu8Fb3cSXJ86lySaGk2QJQBAMS2eZbRWASjvHKXVwov3505_qVM2F31Yf7Kikixl2Baa5YNBt76ywowUTXjbPTMiLVFjE/s1600/zion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvg8Z1HFv2HZ28LU5Pp0PXSx_TljoCsj53hbymU-oKsdMiylu8Fb3cSXJ86lySaGk2QJQBAMS2eZbRWASjvHKXVwov3505_qVM2F31Yf7Kikixl2Baa5YNBt76ywowUTXjbPTMiLVFjE/s1600/zion.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
<i> Finally at Zion! </i><i>(photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-90540096027885767332015-03-17T22:00:00.000-05:002015-04-01T23:45:05.896-05:00Spring Break 2015: Day 4I woke up at 6:50am, and was the first to get up. As such, I started water boiling and hash-browns browning. The breakfast was really good, and the proportions were spot on (4 people/ bag plus 4 people/sausage). Hash browns and sausage really is becoming one of my favorite camping meals.<br />
<br />
We arrived at <a href="http://bestfriends.org/">Best Friends Animal Society</a> at 9am as scheduled. We were greeted, and then we watched two orientation videos: one overall and one on volunteering in Dog Town (the dog area). After the orientation, we drove over to the Wild Friends area and took tours of both the Wild Friends area and the Birds area. In both areas, the animals had spacious, well thought-out enclosures and the tours were led by people who work directly with the animals and are hence very familiar with them. Wild Friends contained the animals that come to Best Friends but do not fit into any other area - some examples were ducks, chicken, and birds of prey. The Birds area contained everything from parrots to owls. I learned
that parrots are actually really smart, but I also learned about how
parrot mills (like dog mills) are really resulting in many homeless
animals. All of these animals were at Best Friends because either (1) they could not thrive in the wild or (2) it would be illegal to release them into the wild. <br />
<br />
Best Friends Animal Society is really huge, but also nicely ran. They seem to be doing great work, although I do wonder if they are spending too much time/resources on sick animals when this money could perhaps be better spend to help more adoptable animals. Their motto is "save them all", but maybe it should actually be "save as many as possible" or "home as many as possible".<br />
<br />
Best Friends does not allow staff or guests to eat meat products on site, so we quickly and secretly ate our deli sandwiches at some picnic tables near the visitor center. We had lots of leftover meat, cheese, and bread and not enough avocado. But this did make me wonder why it is okay for the animals at Best Friends to eat meat, but not the humans? It seems like a really strange double standard.<br />
<br />
After lunch we went to an event with the other four schools volunteering at Best Friends. They were all staying for more days than us (most 5 days, it seemed). We had an intro with candy, social with the other schools, snack time, information about intern-ships, and then a presentation from a vet about the harms of puppy mills. It was all nicely done, and you could tell they were trying to make sure we had a good experience. We finished around 3:30pm, went to the grocery store to get ice, and then arrived back at camp by 4:45pm.<br />
<br />
I took off on a hike near camp as soon as we got back. I headed back towards the main road and then into the sand dunes. I did not go too far, but it was really pretty and peaceful. And very close to camp! The sand was very fine-grained, and the dunes and surrounding mountains and plateaus were awesome. I even had cell service on the top of one dune and got to call JT. It was great to get away from the group for a bit and have some alone time.<br />
<br />
I headed back to camp around 6pm as we were supposed to be starting dinner around 6:15pm. However, for some reason we did not actually start dinner until 7:45pm. Dinner consisted of grilled fajita beef, quinoa, and grilled veggies. We were originally going to also cook fajita chicken, but Emily and Tommy decided it would take too long. This was sad for me, since the chicken was really the only part of the meal I was planning on eating (since I do not like quinoa or beef, and the vegetables went really quick). I made myself a grilled cheese sandwich and ate a granola bar.<br />
<br />
A couple set up at the camp site next to us tonight, and the camp seemed full. A group of three cars painted with 'just married' was the last to arrive. Our group did seem to enjoy just chilling at camp, as they slack-lined, played Frisbee, danced, and did yoga before dinner and we played three games of <a href="http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/41114/resistance">Resistance</a> after dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkKyGPIS-yBd0mprsqi2l-bmnyfeNTkBwb-ThAt-Tkrzo4FNthhfGuFyQG9TCUCBYEH7uFy7bVhFX-nOLRaJK9SFLKcWNX8LcqxzWo1S5rCVmgZuYzwcx2N2OP4IPTeOkLWJelXEDyyQ/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkKyGPIS-yBd0mprsqi2l-bmnyfeNTkBwb-ThAt-Tkrzo4FNthhfGuFyQG9TCUCBYEH7uFy7bVhFX-nOLRaJK9SFLKcWNX8LcqxzWo1S5rCVmgZuYzwcx2N2OP4IPTeOkLWJelXEDyyQ/s1600/chicken.jpg" height="226" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A chicken at Best Friends who had once been someone's pet (photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HRHz54XtFpkxa4JTCnedhl7yzLcpX4-O0zP48PR8vDIkq_xd9pQsycVserS-Dl14dpdQnjc_KylPEX2UyIhVCAmRY9ebqcvEgXVK07vjtAgyQ8zzRCGK2KRfE8CJGL6UO8eJfzpE8w4/s1600/2015-03-17_11-09-36_579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HRHz54XtFpkxa4JTCnedhl7yzLcpX4-O0zP48PR8vDIkq_xd9pQsycVserS-Dl14dpdQnjc_KylPEX2UyIhVCAmRY9ebqcvEgXVK07vjtAgyQ8zzRCGK2KRfE8CJGL6UO8eJfzpE8w4/s1600/2015-03-17_11-09-36_579.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A well-trained bird on the bird tour </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLP25VPP1Ft8JJ2p1FsvsValTE0I39mQcHY8IxFT06eqWxuY6bF3ljK3oHjgsgmj0AEP0xmCCGBuWjIauqY0zsMYnotzmtqqMvIWIPtQyfKaCBI85WsM7pQaJu1duX6_1zcwmiSiZxR0/s1600/2015-03-17_11-21-35_958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcLP25VPP1Ft8JJ2p1FsvsValTE0I39mQcHY8IxFT06eqWxuY6bF3ljK3oHjgsgmj0AEP0xmCCGBuWjIauqY0zsMYnotzmtqqMvIWIPtQyfKaCBI85WsM7pQaJu1duX6_1zcwmiSiZxR0/s1600/2015-03-17_11-21-35_958.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This is a bonded group of parrots </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvLzuF60e6c_TYcDg7lqqdS-oap7I1UF9XVEqcTtd8vE0GFNmkNobrGMk8x2QAi0yrzU2BPLD7Wd6DiP1zO9RS0nHKN1SF0LLkKLFKKINLHG4kc_25f9aagDH5OYo9OBxFEIbZuUrAag/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvLzuF60e6c_TYcDg7lqqdS-oap7I1UF9XVEqcTtd8vE0GFNmkNobrGMk8x2QAi0yrzU2BPLD7Wd6DiP1zO9RS0nHKN1SF0LLkKLFKKINLHG4kc_25f9aagDH5OYo9OBxFEIbZuUrAag/s1600/owl.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>An owl who has been in 'hospice' for 5 years now with cancer (photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1kcVk5zaaagZBFdiiZKLsiObeLJUrCrm3AqI_U3pKSMKF97HoiFpTxp8JvtLtlLboqLzwECRFNpfWiEEIJshMDznopHHBKqwDorCF48qjjfBGYjyDQiqEhgk2Nr0G2NJEGV4sW9iGt8/s1600/2015-03-17_13-46-21_991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1kcVk5zaaagZBFdiiZKLsiObeLJUrCrm3AqI_U3pKSMKF97HoiFpTxp8JvtLtlLboqLzwECRFNpfWiEEIJshMDznopHHBKqwDorCF48qjjfBGYjyDQiqEhgk2Nr0G2NJEGV4sW9iGt8/s1600/2015-03-17_13-46-21_991.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The view of the canyon from the Village at Best Friends </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuGQx0zUHelN9dzCVtfSRK9AxXnDcBY0Cbe4mWkDTNP8OLj_AJ1S73-nfeGRWwfvkpP7T-2TOshxYmtgmA2fBjvozn_jiCWJ7XaKBuoC5ymmLjn2vGaxFN105h9c6oDvSPfbsLhdJZmU/s1600/2015-03-17_16-58-45_401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuGQx0zUHelN9dzCVtfSRK9AxXnDcBY0Cbe4mWkDTNP8OLj_AJ1S73-nfeGRWwfvkpP7T-2TOshxYmtgmA2fBjvozn_jiCWJ7XaKBuoC5ymmLjn2vGaxFN105h9c6oDvSPfbsLhdJZmU/s1600/2015-03-17_16-58-45_401.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A trail head sign for my hike into the sand dunes </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8VyQdzxEHvegW8TDgp3Y-LFjb_z6_LJzV7X48oK__LJJlH1z33MQ0q_UwwnRPmRurTGWMjR0Dm3TxwrgGIlB8OAMCAZWP8rMW3Utxq0cOTvZ9-waKm-CwygQ2hI4qJaSBTs-KemBg8o/s1600/2015-03-17_16-58-58_179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8VyQdzxEHvegW8TDgp3Y-LFjb_z6_LJzV7X48oK__LJJlH1z33MQ0q_UwwnRPmRurTGWMjR0Dm3TxwrgGIlB8OAMCAZWP8rMW3Utxq0cOTvZ9-waKm-CwygQ2hI4qJaSBTs-KemBg8o/s1600/2015-03-17_16-58-58_179.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A trail head sign for my hike into the sand dunes </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIMLlRcjVOCgwrAnoaiAtIJskLfcGZE-C586pw7EWPR84kjogQo6y66hwP-oX1i8n1jylkDrfsQYaqXo51mHa5AN-mRmRE2f7xjLl8l9VpMrrOqEShiVfEoGmyg_QVjtGRTB12fB4sZM/s1600/2015-03-17_17-09-54_889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisIMLlRcjVOCgwrAnoaiAtIJskLfcGZE-C586pw7EWPR84kjogQo6y66hwP-oX1i8n1jylkDrfsQYaqXo51mHa5AN-mRmRE2f7xjLl8l9VpMrrOqEShiVfEoGmyg_QVjtGRTB12fB4sZM/s1600/2015-03-17_17-09-54_889.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The pink sand dunes near <span class="st"><i>Ponderosa Grove</i></span> camp ground </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTZmISEqh_n-toHXqWwMTgDiLBFCUE9lOITTmFyqQEaqD6yoVcyh4hKJo_CKv4coLSA3cz1uS9YkxNGNODqyqA0qx0SuyBpPVbRppo_WYEj3pM9sWfW1KNitMbTM3vjQW43aAYtul4SA/s1600/2015-03-17_17-36-17_748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVTZmISEqh_n-toHXqWwMTgDiLBFCUE9lOITTmFyqQEaqD6yoVcyh4hKJo_CKv4coLSA3cz1uS9YkxNGNODqyqA0qx0SuyBpPVbRppo_WYEj3pM9sWfW1KNitMbTM3vjQW43aAYtul4SA/s1600/2015-03-17_17-36-17_748.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The pink sand dunes near <span class="st"><i>Ponderosa Grove</i></span> camp ground </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyC3-Y6OQVmugbxvJEb6cRYkbEvbQSQNXzG-hVIqa-QS7p7fhIofARnRY5QABW3oiPRQ7CukdeGlUcpjLykx15n3sWD_IEPdD7BNgkiP0rMPVipNF8HKU5WM8U2GIqkQ8MTGGG0xVtk4/s1600/2015-03-17_17-37-00_541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyC3-Y6OQVmugbxvJEb6cRYkbEvbQSQNXzG-hVIqa-QS7p7fhIofARnRY5QABW3oiPRQ7CukdeGlUcpjLykx15n3sWD_IEPdD7BNgkiP0rMPVipNF8HKU5WM8U2GIqkQ8MTGGG0xVtk4/s1600/2015-03-17_17-37-00_541.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The pink sand dunes near <span class="st"><i>Ponderosa Grove</i></span> camp ground </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAc2wUcc_oFNG17GMDccvJvCwjFdDXmkt6pKiH1Bxwg5cv-S3rmzPdcLTHwjkn5qFer26RwK9XT7R-U1qUp5eJREhL2O-mErnDERiETSsPVEDxRwp4KFwR2EDYKJTrFq2kKWdaxh-0gE/s1600/2015-03-17_17-52-26_936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAc2wUcc_oFNG17GMDccvJvCwjFdDXmkt6pKiH1Bxwg5cv-S3rmzPdcLTHwjkn5qFer26RwK9XT7R-U1qUp5eJREhL2O-mErnDERiETSsPVEDxRwp4KFwR2EDYKJTrFq2kKWdaxh-0gE/s1600/2015-03-17_17-52-26_936.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The pink sand dunes near <span class="st"><i>Ponderosa Grove</i></span> camp ground </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-21744181401658892832015-03-16T22:00:00.000-05:002015-03-31T20:14:02.562-05:00Spring Break 2015: Day 3 (Bryce Canyon NP)On Monday I woke up at 5:50am without my alarm, which is good because my watch alarm never went off (I'm not sure why it did not work, but it randomly worked and didn't work throughout the trip). We had a quick breakfast of yoghurt, granola and bagels.<br />
<br />
We were in the cars to drive to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm">Bryce Canyon National Park</a> at 7:15am. I drove for the 75 minute drive to the park's visitor center. I was mesmerized and surprised by the snow around Bryce, although it makes sense since Bryce is at a higher elevation than out camp.<br />
<br />
We stopped at the visitor's center, where I was shocked to find that most trails were closed (or required gear we did not have, like snowshoes). I had never even thought that trails might be closed due to snow when I was planning our Bryce Canyon National Park hikes! With all the plans becoming useless due to the closed trails, we got two trail suggestions from a ranger and went with those.<br />
<br />
Before lunch, we hiked from Sunset Point to Sunrise Point on the Rim trail, then hiked down into the canyon before taking the 'two bridges' <a href="http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/navajotrail.htm">Navajo trail</a> back to sunset point. This hike was relatively easy, and surprisingly not icy or snowy in most sections. The last climb out of the canyon did leave me out of breath.<br />
<br />
After the hike we ate a picnic lunch of peanut butter and jelly tacos before heading to the visitor's center again to buy souvenirs and watch the park video. The video was informative as would be expected, although it did tell us that Bryce Canyon National Park is more of a plateau than a canyon.<br />
<br />
After finishing up at the visitor's center, we drove to sunrise point to begin a 3 mile hike on the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/brca/planyourvisit/towerbridge.htm">Tower Bridge trail</a>. This trail was much more difficult than the morning trail, mainly due to deeper snow on most of the trail, some of which had become slushy. I was really enjoying my <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DVZQBKO/">new waterproof boots</a> on this hike. We rested for 30-45 minutes near the tower bridge before turning back. The hike back was much rougher than the way down, due to the elevation gain, deep snow, and slippery surfaces. I was pretty tired by the time we reached the Rim trail again.<br />
<br />
The snow in Bryce was beautiful, and everyone seemed up for taking the scenic drive to a variety of the scenic overlooks. We drove about 20 miles to Rainbow Point, as I had read that it is best to drive all the way to the last viewpoint (Rainbow Point) and then stop at viewpoints on the way back. Apparently participants in Tommy/Cole's car really wanted to get back to camp though, so we did not stop at any other viewpoints. The drive was pretty, but it seemed somewhat pointless without stopping at more viewpoints. I do not see what the hurry to get back to camp was - we'll have plenty of time at camp after volunteering tomorrow. Let's enjoy the amazing views while we are here! And if they were hungry or tired, they could snack or sleep in the car. I'm not sure that wanting to go back to camp instead of enjoying the viewpoints was a group decision - I think there were just a few particularly vocal and insistent participants. As guides, we really failed this trip at making a plan and vocalizing it, or making multiple plans and letting the entire group vote on what they prefer. Communication was a big issue this trip.<br />
<br />
Emily had a pretty bad migraine, so I kept driving. It was not a terribly driving intensive day, and the snow in Bryce was beautiful, so I really did not mind driving all day.<br />
<br />
We had a chicken, vegetables, and rice stir fry for dinner. Emily and Tommy manned the grill, I cut up most of the vegetables, and Cole manned the fire. It ended up being a really good meal with perfect proportions. I cleaned up the dinner, did dishes using our three bucket method, and then retired to our tent. Once in the tent, I blogged for a short time before falling asleep.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd9LaK-HUkEzH3DxiwCeft-HuTVQ4pagI7pPyXkIcBPcZVyW62DVw3FLgC4vrcX-V3Dz01M0A1bCsGU33karqr71ygHh1SADfFccg756Dfwj9vqg8mzY4zM8_TJHKfHjdGZQ-Z-599TU/s1600/pondGrove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMd9LaK-HUkEzH3DxiwCeft-HuTVQ4pagI7pPyXkIcBPcZVyW62DVw3FLgC4vrcX-V3Dz01M0A1bCsGU33karqr71ygHh1SADfFccg756Dfwj9vqg8mzY4zM8_TJHKfHjdGZQ-Z-599TU/s1600/pondGrove.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Beautiful sunrise at <span class="st"><i>Ponderosa Grove</i> Campground </span></i><i>(photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHftGTfAGNHyCVkdaCKZln2X0dXqpY1fnp9RZ1SfEyk2jFq6PRPyOqYzTpb6laPZV8uzpssfA2aq5m4_TYTa6s6vMYc27DX5oPYcHDEG6_cmW-foF9GlyUW3H4W41xaAum3GeI_GB8K8/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHftGTfAGNHyCVkdaCKZln2X0dXqpY1fnp9RZ1SfEyk2jFq6PRPyOqYzTpb6laPZV8uzpssfA2aq5m4_TYTa6s6vMYc27DX5oPYcHDEG6_cmW-foF9GlyUW3H4W41xaAum3GeI_GB8K8/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Snowy Bryce Canyon National Park</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMiWJG7B9ISj4SDIAivI05Wr7ZB2QiMqNIa7P_5h2fv42foYqawbmEJiECTuRmtypV7VCYCQJXsIMHBjtIpVkL0K6S9fzZxe5tXKFre_ZOO1UwVmd2582hh9lv2ZVopMJTtXCKGL-PVM/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMiWJG7B9ISj4SDIAivI05Wr7ZB2QiMqNIa7P_5h2fv42foYqawbmEJiECTuRmtypV7VCYCQJXsIMHBjtIpVkL0K6S9fzZxe5tXKFre_ZOO1UwVmd2582hh9lv2ZVopMJTtXCKGL-PVM/s1600/IMG_1113.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our pre-lunch hike into the canyon </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWre4OETJbWV7jbxYcAf-4lIovk2s66yvNyoR-khTfewTZuTIOo1TcZxEDNgLVBi3whFdINxEtacw2Kr8rUQuCMo8jdLUX5Bo6bBW4ud7jg_oiFMSpJCZaBTO2M4sYBL31-8VWPd7PTeY/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWre4OETJbWV7jbxYcAf-4lIovk2s66yvNyoR-khTfewTZuTIOo1TcZxEDNgLVBi3whFdINxEtacw2Kr8rUQuCMo8jdLUX5Bo6bBW4ud7jg_oiFMSpJCZaBTO2M4sYBL31-8VWPd7PTeY/s1600/IMG_1118.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Snowy Bryce Canyon National Park </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwrBZISWLpiWNY6uiB1vsfoxnqe6sgbVK2R-zQXoKj5IRhANV50wN3taefYypfywNvBoMLuwDoFpokCZpWtjLDf2pMmocLBVdaaEE7CzpLNmjEEfhyphenhyphen0VACGgsfu1iUWjZAJEHUOWEyww/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwrBZISWLpiWNY6uiB1vsfoxnqe6sgbVK2R-zQXoKj5IRhANV50wN3taefYypfywNvBoMLuwDoFpokCZpWtjLDf2pMmocLBVdaaEE7CzpLNmjEEfhyphenhyphen0VACGgsfu1iUWjZAJEHUOWEyww/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our group hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlgRrUd2HCAvx4ji6fMeahbgTjYV2yYIypvIuB6YL8Ku0Sz5pU7GtbAivzlTTYqdvwr2VA_XHY5W14iW4LXLIxiu_lXaJurcBqBACT0ziHfnAWmaFAVhTJMnahohZ89I2zinqJzuVg5k/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlgRrUd2HCAvx4ji6fMeahbgTjYV2yYIypvIuB6YL8Ku0Sz5pU7GtbAivzlTTYqdvwr2VA_XHY5W14iW4LXLIxiu_lXaJurcBqBACT0ziHfnAWmaFAVhTJMnahohZ89I2zinqJzuVg5k/s1600/IMG_1123.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> On the trail in Bryce Canyon National Park </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIZJRv_4m-U7ToqWOKDhrPlQAODTAalnSIpezmSn5ofez9k6NBdkwBsw7m9lJh_ScDkLpQDyrt5Btj-mncX9uUfnuTKZBvLwfHyrJaOQOIjirg5Nc_3FD8sDOuKWjQ_JFpMg_b-MhMdo/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIZJRv_4m-U7ToqWOKDhrPlQAODTAalnSIpezmSn5ofez9k6NBdkwBsw7m9lJh_ScDkLpQDyrt5Btj-mncX9uUfnuTKZBvLwfHyrJaOQOIjirg5Nc_3FD8sDOuKWjQ_JFpMg_b-MhMdo/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Snowy forest inside the canyon</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D1yXqdWLdW9uF86Yolr8z4qPH2j4TsZXv_pVwnn4klrY20ePYzmtOd56s7jvRuoJloN8zpDIHtqYDwTyToeSmO9dEEw2WzJ1PkeBWE2NpSot5w5IXlYg3QV7GsRMJOe9PT5PF1Wf3dQ/s1600/medal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D1yXqdWLdW9uF86Yolr8z4qPH2j4TsZXv_pVwnn4klrY20ePYzmtOd56s7jvRuoJloN8zpDIHtqYDwTyToeSmO9dEEw2WzJ1PkeBWE2NpSot5w5IXlYg3QV7GsRMJOe9PT5PF1Wf3dQ/s1600/medal.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> One of the 'Hike the Hoodoos' medallions we found (photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2p21auMsEq5UdnwPQX5kG9aKCaYE2jOTY0cdvRrMoUEgC77dBoNicqJSZORWTiWninYXcqKE8E5UUJleJJzL_K7bCWqg3LcmGfSsqa4EEHFvOIJuc9imr6Qz3mvge3z_J6-hR5fWq0g/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2p21auMsEq5UdnwPQX5kG9aKCaYE2jOTY0cdvRrMoUEgC77dBoNicqJSZORWTiWninYXcqKE8E5UUJleJJzL_K7bCWqg3LcmGfSsqa4EEHFvOIJuc9imr6Qz3mvge3z_J6-hR5fWq0g/s1600/IMG_1153.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Part of our afternoon hike entered a wilderness area </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO9ocsq0e736i9aQi3oxhUJPvolwYOsMldM-dXf2DHEiy94DBFLrfAX-vYQWAXHKptC2W61AhJEvlSJqmY3hx4bhcPIvcQ1Z0TUCTdhJkaSsiqPLzQ_0CUdEnK0NIp7TZQv_Lk1axKns/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisO9ocsq0e736i9aQi3oxhUJPvolwYOsMldM-dXf2DHEiy94DBFLrfAX-vYQWAXHKptC2W61AhJEvlSJqmY3hx4bhcPIvcQ1Z0TUCTdhJkaSsiqPLzQ_0CUdEnK0NIp7TZQv_Lk1axKns/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lots of snow on the trail for our afternoon hike </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSdFCQTEV9Qf3H_IaVI2X7Cb4bwR_D_D9li_9XJHhxhZmk2s_7F_F91aApfbQjIYMInPxMBMY4q81xkNttUrF6qTdI0OnSina1kus1aWTv3qr6MdtNGff2zmiScc64kNX0J0DBrRAjIs/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSdFCQTEV9Qf3H_IaVI2X7Cb4bwR_D_D9li_9XJHhxhZmk2s_7F_F91aApfbQjIYMInPxMBMY4q81xkNttUrF6qTdI0OnSina1kus1aWTv3qr6MdtNGff2zmiScc64kNX0J0DBrRAjIs/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bryce is so pretty with snow! </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOusmra2rAby1tGf5aPTJEkUBKzseyfc0p7RmnSqtxfQfl1Wmcg_l5Sk52GQF0k-qxvL42b6R36aKiWYcffJUNFHrcslP3WMjyQIYE4R4aVTkPLvM58FB31plcBpFuPSgyYNIkYHiyJCA/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOusmra2rAby1tGf5aPTJEkUBKzseyfc0p7RmnSqtxfQfl1Wmcg_l5Sk52GQF0k-qxvL42b6R36aKiWYcffJUNFHrcslP3WMjyQIYE4R4aVTkPLvM58FB31plcBpFuPSgyYNIkYHiyJCA/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Tower Bridge </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YDsUQW7Luk0vZe0osoap-RGutPZGGuwrPm8q9z09fWmrbTDrwSOP0T8GGwVh3VRvPIOkjcpKMZ_i5LJo3UBVrO_dxjGqTIc1lg-mURTDYFLRF4GHb7WbcJISCLqIxG2lGGn_iLlbVos/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YDsUQW7Luk0vZe0osoap-RGutPZGGuwrPm8q9z09fWmrbTDrwSOP0T8GGwVh3VRvPIOkjcpKMZ_i5LJo3UBVrO_dxjGqTIc1lg-mURTDYFLRF4GHb7WbcJISCLqIxG2lGGn_iLlbVos/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>China Wall </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCjMfelc2Py_9BIrNVMzM8lUjwPeQ3vyGHgxWKrV5i9UIvKe52iYMa8_62itA3W51e1299s-9jFPErW_otlMdIxEo4g0AJJSL-tUAjtrngDEt7dMoixAWpV6jseeRHIAPGzgNM_F7r84/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCjMfelc2Py_9BIrNVMzM8lUjwPeQ3vyGHgxWKrV5i9UIvKe52iYMa8_62itA3W51e1299s-9jFPErW_otlMdIxEo4g0AJJSL-tUAjtrngDEt7dMoixAWpV6jseeRHIAPGzgNM_F7r84/s1600/IMG_1181.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Me with snowy Bryce Canyon National Park </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLgkwRZXI2jzStvRc3Cx6lEssN99lq1ZjoVk6Iq9UXGm6q3CYgs2-7oqgzWRaF3EO9gbIW-QXb5SHXcngPGKfhGyVmm4KT0fa1Dr_UBPl4ajWvcGuhuC-T5yzWUulVbBCaK6vDKWT3cM/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLgkwRZXI2jzStvRc3Cx6lEssN99lq1ZjoVk6Iq9UXGm6q3CYgs2-7oqgzWRaF3EO9gbIW-QXb5SHXcngPGKfhGyVmm4KT0fa1Dr_UBPl4ajWvcGuhuC-T5yzWUulVbBCaK6vDKWT3cM/s1600/IMG_1184.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Driving on the scenic drive in Bryce Canyon National Park</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-14799550020673013932015-03-15T21:00:00.000-05:002015-04-01T23:42:32.993-05:00Spring Break 2015: Day 2We woke around 7am, ate breakfast at the La Quinta, and were on the road by 8:15am. We saw some hot air balloons in the sky as we were packing up the cars.<br />
<br />
Emily started out driving. The scenery was certainly more beautiful today! I drove the second half of the morning to Tuba City, AZ, where we stopped for a late lunch at McDonalds / Subway. This drive on 2-lane highways though rural Indian reservations let me see a different way of life that I had not previously seen in the USA. I can see why life on reservations can be difficult. It was shocking to see what would be generally considered to be favelas/slums/etc. in other countries in our own country (and not in the big cities where I would expect them, but out in the rural countryside). As our car discussed how poor Arizona education is, I could not help but think that online learning and curriculum should really be able to drastically improve education if bureaucracy would allow it. There seemed to be a disproportionate amount of 'no drinking and driving' signs in this area as well. All in all, it was a sobering drive with lots of time to think.<br />
<br />
After lunch Emily drove 1.5 hours to Lake Powell. We walked on the bridge over the Glen Canyon dam, visited the visitor's center (where a nice ranger gave us an overview of the area on a big, carved stereofoam map), and then we hiked 1.5 miles round trip to the Horseshoe Bend Overlook. The hike was much easier than we anticipated, and the trail and viewpoint were pretty crowded. But it was worth it! The view was great! It is interesting that you have to pay an access fee for almost everything else in the area, but not for the Horseshoe Bend hike and overlook. We also noted some people having what had to be a very expensive picnic dinner outing at the bottom of the canyon (we suppose they came up in boats from Lee's Ferry) as well as some pit toilets in the canyon (which I suppose are safe enough since the dam controls the river level).<br />
<br />
After the short hike, Emily drove about an hour to our camp site near Kanab. We quickly set up camp at site 1 in the <a href="http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/kanab/recreation/camping.html">Ponderosa Grove NRA</a> camp ground and started preparing our mango, black beans, and mandarin orange tacos. The meal seemed well received, and just the right size.<br />
<br />
Emily and I retired to our tent shortly after dinner was cleaned up, as we were planning to wake up at 5:50am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoofPa9lHZVMQytskiNfauSLHa4zq4wtLe9vh4K5MQUcTPWVCRA-IEwFKUGYjfoKf3q78Q37z1Wzj7AZUaJtduD06wqjSYgTSEqHhl1AjX9BoTAq2jYUZ3V8A8hliUqAMopsDU7FaYsmM/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoofPa9lHZVMQytskiNfauSLHa4zq4wtLe9vh4K5MQUcTPWVCRA-IEwFKUGYjfoKf3q78Q37z1Wzj7AZUaJtduD06wqjSYgTSEqHhl1AjX9BoTAq2jYUZ3V8A8hliUqAMopsDU7FaYsmM/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hot air balloon from the La Quinta parking lot in Albuquerque</i> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltA0rt1O-XzRSuHrLx7qbWDFyn51RVcxtT2DhFZVm3ZYDOQxJ1YTXBiXYGMbiG3hCLFqYURqs7VOyOafoeBgd8599ILHtmRqnkO5xH6h1wcRx5fZDJw0pyar9wWka5lanLXeZfa24wWQ/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltA0rt1O-XzRSuHrLx7qbWDFyn51RVcxtT2DhFZVm3ZYDOQxJ1YTXBiXYGMbiG3hCLFqYURqs7VOyOafoeBgd8599ILHtmRqnkO5xH6h1wcRx5fZDJw0pyar9wWka5lanLXeZfa24wWQ/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Big sky, as the road seemingly continues forever </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBlz7xGGNN7ltmH3Zv0GCSlIWyAWV0dWftYcUekgYY51wP3dd10VFg7riH4xZ32ZP1aBDCxbmvZKO-NvVvc8FdJWvUOIkcCBf8Rf2Q6YppbEDNqotnp-mvluMRSE1dbReHLJ2OsNpVa0/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBlz7xGGNN7ltmH3Zv0GCSlIWyAWV0dWftYcUekgYY51wP3dd10VFg7riH4xZ32ZP1aBDCxbmvZKO-NvVvc8FdJWvUOIkcCBf8Rf2Q6YppbEDNqotnp-mvluMRSE1dbReHLJ2OsNpVa0/s1600/IMG_1082.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon Dam </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZnxPv0DNdzr3LjS5bJOBCxdy-C4DzoVGNAoVHBnI_5ynaMrLPHk6Z9HkO9PT-V4lInncEj7GT5-jxMTTnYl1IxBwO-kY31j3VyRCReW6xhBJJn8aV4NyI1uYEJHsyP32zvc528IhnhI/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZnxPv0DNdzr3LjS5bJOBCxdy-C4DzoVGNAoVHBnI_5ynaMrLPHk6Z9HkO9PT-V4lInncEj7GT5-jxMTTnYl1IxBwO-kY31j3VyRCReW6xhBJJn8aV4NyI1uYEJHsyP32zvc528IhnhI/s1600/IMG_1087.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The last part of the trail to Horseshoe Bend </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCfT7C9ctmMAmmyyihZxl90yXADCRxENhBAMV-uUeVHSkk00YztzPJgnQtqrfCtuJVL0SotN6RtLtOLAPUPeJ2JJZdAxE1ZfftMlQQdKkzFkayLLRZwyKYcmTy4B5m0cE4r9oQnH3sZo/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCfT7C9ctmMAmmyyihZxl90yXADCRxENhBAMV-uUeVHSkk00YztzPJgnQtqrfCtuJVL0SotN6RtLtOLAPUPeJ2JJZdAxE1ZfftMlQQdKkzFkayLLRZwyKYcmTy4B5m0cE4r9oQnH3sZo/s1600/IMG_1093.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>At Horseshoe Bend </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CwRcIEcuXQq6AZ6tVlaeqQepKuJI42PMFGNnXHEd_S0SBmv3FAtEVikwXn1S-rfsO8OQiaxFthoaA-PLw0H87mFXwz8-khJrigk8ZR_nbScS6vq0bD4vQ3y54ShTLutxMu8zn4L7ipM/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CwRcIEcuXQq6AZ6tVlaeqQepKuJI42PMFGNnXHEd_S0SBmv3FAtEVikwXn1S-rfsO8OQiaxFthoaA-PLw0H87mFXwz8-khJrigk8ZR_nbScS6vq0bD4vQ3y54ShTLutxMu8zn4L7ipM/s1600/IMG_1100.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Iconic Horseshoe Bend picture - you can see the picnic party and the pit toilet at the tip of the horseshoe</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAWi1vRSUe2QtBXJpT-kyMpyha8-Ei99DrTHdXMd1EgMVOj0DkZciR-Yk3g3XDU7F0f7RLiTNZS7_uPfg8j_2spLp9PligtlHtCGyuFw6TEYRkAZb7Pv1X4wf3BtJGO5P1h5MOg8tLgU/s1600/groupHorseshoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAWi1vRSUe2QtBXJpT-kyMpyha8-Ei99DrTHdXMd1EgMVOj0DkZciR-Yk3g3XDU7F0f7RLiTNZS7_uPfg8j_2spLp9PligtlHtCGyuFw6TEYRkAZb7Pv1X4wf3BtJGO5P1h5MOg8tLgU/s1600/groupHorseshoe.jpg" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our group at Horseshoe Bend (photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i><br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigShFG6yVmthPNAL9AQu0NAkGZqT5MSkQUPQofiLuyB6vnbcnkFLmoj2yRjYvD3CGpUuGsOvxK00ttHhOi0Wy0X92ADUBEpVu4YA_Lo5TB7dq9NUXJAH-z-Kn4GVcf7ahQsmg6G4mkU5c/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigShFG6yVmthPNAL9AQu0NAkGZqT5MSkQUPQofiLuyB6vnbcnkFLmoj2yRjYvD3CGpUuGsOvxK00ttHhOi0Wy0X92ADUBEpVu4YA_Lo5TB7dq9NUXJAH-z-Kn4GVcf7ahQsmg6G4mkU5c/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Lots of people made their way out to the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy5Hdi6VAdmhNUMFsMGHKM07cgu81cncC3ipAEcB6B5dZBSq95KHP_j354hJHBbeBMT6ojwEnsdhOzJk3WZx9dFcs0jvwL1SX2FeuSWkmI1b6bFf4xqnrW-i6XIjyQ-pnYPF_XRzzmyw/s1600/toby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYy5Hdi6VAdmhNUMFsMGHKM07cgu81cncC3ipAEcB6B5dZBSq95KHP_j354hJHBbeBMT6ojwEnsdhOzJk3WZx9dFcs0jvwL1SX2FeuSWkmI1b6bFf4xqnrW-i6XIjyQ-pnYPF_XRzzmyw/s1600/toby.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> Toby by our kitchen at Ponderosa Grove Campground </i><i><i>(photo by Tommy Vinyard)</i> </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-57282990637397091142015-03-14T22:00:00.000-05:002015-03-30T11:33:12.621-05:00Spring Break 2015: Day 1This morning we met at 6am, but Darren was running late so we did not hit the road until 6:45am. Emily drove the first half before lunch and I drove the second half before we stopped at Freebird's in Lubbock, TX. Freebirds was the perfect lunch! I even got free chips and queso since they did not have any queso ready when I ordered.<br />
<br />
Emily drove after lunch until about 100 miles outside of Albuquerque, NM. We had some great conversations during the drive, although the rest of our car slept during the vast majority of our drive.<br />
<br />
We ate dinner at an authentic New Mexican restaurant recommended by Ellie. I had a cheese and onion enchilada with red chili sauce, papas, rice, and a sopaipilla. It was all really good, and they divided our check based on what we ordered with no complaints.<br />
<br />
After dinner we drove 10 miles to the La Quinta in western Albuquerque for the night. I split a room with Emily, Kathleen, and Elizabeth. We all opted to go to bed early, and were in bed with the lights out by 8:15am.<br />
<br />
Note for future trips: Say in the trip description that showers might not be available for much of the trip. Some people seemed a bit concerned that we might not shower again until Friday night.<br />
<br />
Below are scenes from our drive between Austin, TX and Albuquerque, NM. Sorry for all the bug splats!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarXr18jwivY89YWOAdZn7Hnv4WwE3rfqdQpaZc3pztyo5DWkM82Uwn3SyMgov2clg5Kp4AZg191HL0AS8JgXq-H-dkC9tT4UrTVB3KzZOFAoRj_NEAWzxSiYZ7hyiskxxCh9ycAmM3Q4/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarXr18jwivY89YWOAdZn7Hnv4WwE3rfqdQpaZc3pztyo5DWkM82Uwn3SyMgov2clg5Kp4AZg191HL0AS8JgXq-H-dkC9tT4UrTVB3KzZOFAoRj_NEAWzxSiYZ7hyiskxxCh9ycAmM3Q4/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAXfVW6sYQgCBbGA3fh9DBdDGSrkm_cVc68d0rMnsvFUWBJq9k3UcfjV-wXhcFDAfiF9To5aT-ymUdSAyXeh21n8u0TR_64MN2M5flrEKGrMUSP9PZJDNQfnb8BrmjUYqDIagqJHBIR0/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAXfVW6sYQgCBbGA3fh9DBdDGSrkm_cVc68d0rMnsvFUWBJq9k3UcfjV-wXhcFDAfiF9To5aT-ymUdSAyXeh21n8u0TR_64MN2M5flrEKGrMUSP9PZJDNQfnb8BrmjUYqDIagqJHBIR0/s1600/IMG_1074.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5mE4rTJUs2oPcPfCfjQpq3dpeDVoxFbfK5SLc8-3d3PhVljhplmpfXDK1RUc9EuMY-dtrFLPJdFDbWMcEUeI2WoVch1pL5aQvPtVgXXoiBjTrIP-2cChj2xt7ln0oxy8p-hvUiEYgBE/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5mE4rTJUs2oPcPfCfjQpq3dpeDVoxFbfK5SLc8-3d3PhVljhplmpfXDK1RUc9EuMY-dtrFLPJdFDbWMcEUeI2WoVch1pL5aQvPtVgXXoiBjTrIP-2cChj2xt7ln0oxy8p-hvUiEYgBE/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-82414708025786520302015-02-22T23:05:00.000-06:002015-05-29T14:18:36.154-05:00Backpacking Lost MaplesThis weekend I guided an UT Outdoor Recreation backpacking trip to <a href="http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lost-maples">Lost Maples State Natural Area</a> with Ellie. Since my trip the previous weekend had been cancelled, this was my first trip as 'lead guide' - although it did not really feel this way since Ellie and I essentially split the role.<br />
<br />
I started communicating with my assigned guides for the trip - Ellie and Morgan - about a week before our departure date. Morgan ended up not guiding the trip since our participant numbers were low (just 8 for a trip that could take at most 12) and she was stressed due to upcoming tests. So it ended up being just Ellie and I. We led the pre-trip meeting on Wednesday, where we met the 8 participants and handed out gear. Our eight participants were an interesting mix where no one really knew each other before starting.<br />
<br />
I planned a menu of my favorite backpacking meals, and then completed a food buy on Thursday from 11am to 1pm, and then repackaged and labelled food for the trip on Thursday afternoon. I met with Ellie back at the Outdoor Center around 2pm on Friday to pull gear for the trip and make our 10 piles of group gear (one for each person on the trip). Our participants began arriving at 3:30pm and we departed shortly after 4pm.<br />
<br />
The drive to Lost Maples State Natural Area was slow due to Friday afternoon traffic. We had dinner at Whataburger in Fredericksburg and then made the remainder of our drive to Lost Maples in the dark. My car enjoyed <a href="http://www.aboveandbeyond.nu/">Above & Beyond</a> and <a href="http://tritonalmusic.com/">Tritonal</a> podcasts during the drive. :)<br />
<br />
Once we arrived at Lost Maples, Ellie and I were unable to find any self-registration envelopes, so we wrote notes on pieces of paper promising to come check-in and pay on Sunday afternoon and left them on our windshields. Then we drove to the western parking lot (which surprisingly only had one car in it), unloaded, and then took the West trail 1.95 miles to Primitive Campsite E.<br />
<br />
Once at Primitive Campsite E we selected a nice site and Ellie and I gave a demo on how to set up a tent. Then the participants set up the other three tents. Ellie and I shared our tent with the one female participant, so we all settled our sleeping pads and sleeping bags into our tent. Once everyone was settled in, Ellie and I discussed our plans for Saturday with the group, and then we all sat in a circle around a lit up orange Nalgene and told various jokes and stories. Around 10:30pm a relatively large and loud Boy Scout troup rolled into our campsite, but luckily they set up camp reasonably far from us. <br />
<br />
Around 11pm, I walked back to the pit toilet 0.26 miles away. On the way back, I stopped in the middle of the trail and turned off my light. The stars were amazing. I took a deep breath and realized that it is moments like this that always draw me back to backpacking and guiding despite the stress and physical demands of some of our trips. It really put me in a relaxed mindset for the rest of the weekend.<br />
<br />
I slept relatively well on Friday night, even dreaming about the Boy Scouts waking up early with a trumpet call. Luckily this did not actually happen, and I awoke to my alarm at 7am. Ellie and I got dressed and started cooking our hash browns and sausages breakfast. We brought 2 sausage sticks and 1.5 bags of hash browns - in hindsight, 2 bags of hash browns would have been a better amount. But I do not think anyone was hungry at the end of breakfast.<br />
<br />
We had camp packed up by 9am, and then did some circle + story stretches. After stretching, we hiked 1.03 miles through Mystic Canyon to the turn-off for the West Loop trail. I opted to stay with the backpacks while the rest of the group went on the 2.37 mile loop trail. Darren left me his folding chair, so I got to relax in peace for about an hour. I saw a few other groups hiking on the trail, but I spent most of the time studying the various birds flying overhead. Once they finished the loop trail, then we had just 1.11 miles to our lunch stop at Primitive Campsite C. We arrive for lunch shortly after noon.<br />
<br />
Lunch consisted of tortillas, peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and apricots. We also should have had honey with lunch, but no one got it out. Around 1:15pm we continued onward towards Primitive Campsite A. The first 0.35 miles were a rough, steep, uphill climb. But then the next 1.37 miles were flat and downhill. We stopped for some scenic overlooks and generally enjoyed the scenery during this hike. Once at camp, Ellie, Elizabeth and I set up our tent and then we all sat together and played cards until 5:30pm when we all walked back up hill to watch the sunset from a scenic overlook. The first scenic overlook we tried actually could not see the sunset, but the second one actually yielded a great view of the sunset. This was another peaceful, rewarding 'this is why I backpack/guide' moment.<br />
<br />
After sunset, we walked back to camp and Ellie and I cooked the pasta, carrots, celery, chicken, and spices meal. It turned out really well, and was the perfect amount for our group! After dinner we chatted for a while, but we were all pretty ready to retire around 9:30pm. I put my backpack under the vestibule in my tent since it contained all the trash for the weekend and the Sunday breakfast food, but did not think to tell everyone else to do the same thing since the forecast predicted the potential for rain.<br />
<br />
I slept really well Saturday night, and was very well rested Sunday morning. I awoke at 7am despite my alarm not being set to go off until 7:30am. I enjoyed just laying in my sleeping bag for those 30 minutes. However, the periodic dripping I heard on the tent implied that it was either slightly raining or had rained over night. A look outside showed that it had not rained, but it was gently misting. Hence, I put my rain gear on before getting out of the tent.<br />
<br />
I heated water for an oatmeal breakfast while Ellie and Darren went to filter another 8 litres of water. We all ate, and then took down our tents and packed up camp. We had just a short 1.3 miles back to the main parking lot, and then another 0.15 miles to our cars.<br />
<br />
We loaded up, and then stopped at the visitor's center. I got to buy a new state parks pass using the trip card since my park pass had expired in December. This is one of the few perks of being a volunteer adventure trip guide with RecSports, and I'm very happy to have a state parks pass again! :)<br />
<br />
Then we took a scenic drive to <a href="http://www.hcaf.com/index.php/stonehenge-ii">Stonehenge II</a> in Ingram, TX where we ate lunch shortly after noon. We had pitas, lettuce, hummus, peppers, olives, avocados, Pringles and Oreos. Again, I think the amount of food was just right! We then drove about 40 minutes to Dairy Queen in Fredericksburg, and then home to Austin. We arrived back on campus around 3:40pm.<br />
<br />
Once back at the Outdoor Center, we unpacked the bags, hung the wet tents, disinfected the sleeping pads, hung and disinfected the sleeping bags, cleaned the dishes, and put back the various other supplies. Once all the participants left, Ellie and I reviewed the trip evaluations, finished cleaning up, and returned the cars.<br />
<br />
For my first 'lead guide' trip, I think everything went very well. The post-trip evaluations were very positive, with the only negative comment being that we should have taught more about how to backpack on your own. This is a common comment - among both participants and guides - but the truth is that our program is ran more as a guide service than as a teaching program. However, if someone asks me to teach them skills or involve them in cooking/filtering/navigation processes, I'm happy to.<br />
<br />
Some particular post-trip thoughts:<br />
<ul>
<li>I planned the meals well - both in terms of meals that people liked and in terms of proportions. I was also happy with the very limited amount of trash I had to carry around - I also did a good job repackaging food in the Outdoor Center before the trip.</li>
<li>Ellie and I communicated well, and worked well together. Really no complaints. She is cool to work with, and we created a good, relaxed vibe for the trip.</li>
<li>Ellie and I also did a good job of communicating with the participants. I think they likely had a good idea about our plans and schedule throughout the trip.</li>
<li>I personally had no knee pain during the trip. I did wear my IT band, which does seem to make a big difference. </li>
<li>We did not need the first aid kit at all during our trip. No pain medicines, mole skin, ect were needed!</li>
<li>I would not change anything about the trip except I would have worn long-sleeves and/or sunscreen on Saturday and I should have asked the participants to put their backpacks under their vestibules on Saturday night since the chance of rain was high.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptEvbIRKbr0kfKnUhjRwWb-MGW35RXNj3t56Kk6QK03gzK0doTdFMY37kmyzhiig7OI8ngqeICxEABDqWrj-WyNnwtOlPrGfpwmCMb87Ozbh42o2DHnzYPl7HpOFsxZoVrAqJ5G0j5wI/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptEvbIRKbr0kfKnUhjRwWb-MGW35RXNj3t56Kk6QK03gzK0doTdFMY37kmyzhiig7OI8ngqeICxEABDqWrj-WyNnwtOlPrGfpwmCMb87Ozbh42o2DHnzYPl7HpOFsxZoVrAqJ5G0j5wI/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>On the hill overlooking the lake </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMvY_tSh93aZAjlMmg4eR299Gm78c89a5Ms2zMXEfxv5sLWJYwGfkyMZLhj4dMWxfSFemI4RpUeBSFjV6kJs_pkoj2N62LCbyTJgo0OrZbLAbsi3iZTqTG_7TIItFPQt3Mfuuckuz3-M/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMvY_tSh93aZAjlMmg4eR299Gm78c89a5Ms2zMXEfxv5sLWJYwGfkyMZLhj4dMWxfSFemI4RpUeBSFjV6kJs_pkoj2N62LCbyTJgo0OrZbLAbsi3iZTqTG_7TIItFPQt3Mfuuckuz3-M/s1600/IMG_0988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The lake and our lunch spot </i></div>
<ul>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEZ8t78CMkYoEZOzkg2ahQCyKzt-p4ixVYnibVc_1N3rK6EG1mjUFvzbx7CnP4hwDvpJaaFw4XHCePUJbxJboOFzStqmsYyqFRJYl1fJ25Ti8ARJtev8pNgpxRJwH2RJ2SB4xglanr5M/s1600/darrentan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEZ8t78CMkYoEZOzkg2ahQCyKzt-p4ixVYnibVc_1N3rK6EG1mjUFvzbx7CnP4hwDvpJaaFw4XHCePUJbxJboOFzStqmsYyqFRJYl1fJ25Ti8ARJtev8pNgpxRJwH2RJ2SB4xglanr5M/s1600/darrentan.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Darren's collage from our Sunday morning hike</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4GT0gGCGpthLxbp4_Y6jm1oGdO4juc468p4YMQDcmjb5qeCWYGObwVf8-4ZUCfYZkQELxzWqqgdIhc-tfAwz1j229vdSVHI3EMWMP1F9PFE6Dew9A_LSfC1Ui1QAM_72HDpsLZ85MHM/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje4GT0gGCGpthLxbp4_Y6jm1oGdO4juc468p4YMQDcmjb5qeCWYGObwVf8-4ZUCfYZkQELxzWqqgdIhc-tfAwz1j229vdSVHI3EMWMP1F9PFE6Dew9A_LSfC1Ui1QAM_72HDpsLZ85MHM/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> Just four bags of trash! That's great trash management! :)</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-23149182110178397532015-01-11T22:00:00.000-06:002015-02-11T15:14:36.359-06:00Wilderness First ResponderI just finished an intense 9-day/80 hour <a href="http://www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/wfr.shtml">wilderness first responder</a> course through <a href="http://www.nols.edu/">NOLS</a> <a href="http://www.nols.edu/wmi/">WMI</a>. It was hosted by UT RecSports in Gregory gym, so Manuel, Hannah, Ellie, Sebastian, Brad, and I assisted some with the day-to-day running of the course in addition to taking the course.<br />
<br />
The course prepared us to handle medical situations in the back-country for extended periods of time (while an evacuation is being prepared), as well as how to decide when an evacuation is necessary, when it should be rapid, and how to communicate our findings and needs regarding the injured patient to front-country 911 operators.<br />
<br />
We learned about the <a href="http://www.nols.edu/alumni/leader/02summer/patientassessment.shtml">patient assessment system</a>, which provides a guide for us to follow which assessing the patient. And then we practiced applying it in many scenarios as we learned about various medical issues and illnesses that might occur while leading a trip in the back-country. Prevention was a recurrent theme during the class - it's always easier to prevent an injury or illness. Along these lines, we learned about how to encourage good camp hygiene (wash hands and pots adequately, isolate illness) and personal care (dry socks, foot checks).<br />
<br />
I'm going to completely rebuild my personal first aid kit - especially for international trips. In both Turkey and Peru I suffered non-trivial injuries to a foot and hand, respectively. In both cases, caring for the wounds required multiple trips to pharmacies where it was difficult to convey the types of supplies we wanted (and these supplies were sub-standard, in both cases). Hence, I plan to stock my first aid kit with at least sterile gauze, conforming gauze bandages, <a href="http://store.nols.edu/store/pc/Transparent-Semi-Permeable-Dressing-p392.htm">occlusive semi-permeable dressings</a>, 1" athletic tape, an irrigation syringe, wound closure strips, <a href="http://store.nols.edu/store/pc/Tincture-of-Benzoin-Vials-5_-p80.htm">Tincture of Benzoin</a>, moleskin, gloves, and two triangular bandages (and certainly more items for some trips).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-62225712294496142462015-01-06T17:03:00.000-06:002015-02-02T12:54:01.423-06:00Spring 2015 Adventure Trip Staff AssignmentsIt's hard to believe that a year ago I was in guide school canoeing in Big Bend's backcountry and now I'm mid-way through a <a href="http://www.nols.edu/wmi/courses/wfr.shtml">NOLS wilderness first responder </a>course and assigned to lead guide some UT RecSports trips this spring!<br />
<br />
For Spring 2015, I've been assigned to:<br />
<ul>
<li>2/14-2/16: <a href="http://www.utrecsports.org/public/upload/files/general/OD_AT_SP15_Camping_Caving_Colorado_River_February.pdf">Camping/Caving Colorado River</a> at Colorado Bend State Park with Andrea and Joseph. I've been meaning to go camping and hiking at Colorado Bend State Park, so this trip should be fun. I'm also excited about it being my first trip as lead guide! </li>
<li> 2/20-2/22: <a href="http://www.utrecsports.org/public/upload/files/general/OD_AT_SP15_Backpacking_Lost_Maples_Feb.pdf">Hill Country Backpacking</a> at Lost Maples State Natural Area with Ellie and Morgan. I guided this exact trip in the Fall, but I'm excited to go back and get more experience lead guiding.</li>
<li> 3/14-3/21: <a href="http://www.utrecsports.org/public/upload/files/general/OD_AT_SP15_Mission_Wolf_March.pdf">Alternative Spring Break to Mission:Wolf</a> with Emily and Tommy. I'm the third guide on this trip, and I instinctively have some reservations about an animal sanctuary that allows humans to have contact with wolves, but I'm excited about being part of another alternative spring break trip and I'm trying to go into Mission:Wolf with an open mind. I'm specifically excited about getting to do some hiking on national forest lands, improving my leadership and guiding skills, and just getting away from everything for a week.</li>
<li>5/20-5/24: <a href="http://www.utrecsports.org/public/upload/files/general/OD_AT_SP15_Backpacking_South_Rim_May.pdf">Backpacking South Rim</a> at Big Bend National Park with Brad and Andrea. I did this hike as a very gruelling day hike, so I'm really excited to do it as a backpacking trip where we can have really low mileage every day and have much more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. It will also be my first extended trip as lead guide!</li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-79619018060445526592015-01-01T20:18:00.003-06:002015-08-22T16:22:22.885-05:002014 RecapWow! 2014 was a great year of growing through adventure.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.utrecsports.org/adventure-and-climbing/guide-school">Guide school</a> was the reason this blog began, and it really was a transformative experience. From the skills I learned, to the people I met, to just the experience of it all. It's hard to put into words the power or affect that guide school had on me. There's something about being away from civilization. Of looking all around you from a high point and seeing no building and no one that was not part of your group. Of facing fears head on, and overcoming them. Of learning to be more upfront and honest about your fears and abilities. Of realizing you can do things you previously did not believe you could do. Of learning when to consider the needs of others over your own (and when not to). Of learning how to mitigate and diffuse group conflict. Of seriously considering our impact on the places we visit, and learning how to minimize it.<br />
<br />
But guide school was just the beginning. You really take skills from the classroom into real life as you start to actually guide trips. I was lucky enough to have Emily as lead guide on my first trip guiding, and amazingly it was to Lee's Ferry and the Grand Canyon as part of an alternative Spring Break. What a first trip! But I feel like you learn a lot on your first trip, and I certainly did. My other overnight trip in Spring 2014 was to South Llano State Park with Jakub as lead guide. Jakub is seriously the most 'giving' of our guides, and it was a pleasure to work with him and learn from him.<br />
<br />
I was originally only assigned two trips for the Fall 2014 semester. This really saddened me, but I was luck enough to pick up two additional trips that I really wanted when other guides backed out of guiding them. I ended up guiding all of the backpacking trips ran in the Fall, and really honed my backpacking skills and grew tremendously as a guide.<br />
<br />
In recap, 2014 saw:<br />
<ul>
<li>9 posts about the second half of guide school (January)</li>
<li>9 posts about the alternative Spring Break trip to the Grand Canyon (March)</li>
<li>14 posts about my Europe trip (September/October)</li>
<li>4 posts about Fall 2014 backpacking trips (October/November/December)</li>
<li>12 other posts</li>
</ul>
I'm excited to see what new adventures 2015 will bring!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-82644288882167590712014-12-21T23:00:00.000-06:002015-05-29T14:18:08.553-05:00Backpacking Caprock CanyonSean and I led a 4 day / 3 night backpacking trip to <a href="http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/caprock-canyons">Caprock Canyons State Park</a> as a post Fall semester trip. Sean had proposed this trip, and I had been to the park before, so we were well prepared. We also had three people - Brad, Andrea, and Will - who had just finished guide school part 1 come on the trip as 'shadow guides'.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/qa9cc0rbhas8vuz/Caprock2014.zip?dl=0">Download all photos</a> <br />
<br />
Sean and I finalized the menu on Tuesday, and then Brad and I did the food buy while Will, Sean, and Andrea pulled gear. We spent $315 on our food buy (8 meals + snacks), which was really good considering that our budget was $500. This comes out to just $2.63 per meal per person! Once we returned I worked on sorting, repackaging, and labelling all the food while Sean went to some far-away store to buy more backpacking fuel and the others finished the gear pull. This made me the meals expert throughout the trip.<br />
<br />
We met Wednesday morning at 6:15am to divide the group gear, tents, and food into 15 approximately equal-weight piles. Of course, the piles with dromedaries weighted more, but this is unavoidable and at least the dromedaries were empty sometimes! I also made an effort to separate the meals such that everyone's packs would decrease in weight at about the same pace. I picked the pile with the smaller dromedary, dried apricots for Friday's lunch, bagels for Thursday's breakfast, tortillas for Wednesday's dinner, the smaller first aid kit, extra baggies, and a rain-fly.<br />
<br />
The participants arrived around 6:30am, and we hit the road at 7:10am. We stopped at Subway for lunch about half-way. The entire drive, not counting the lunch stop and a few gas stops, took around 6.5 hours. Since Sean and I were the only authorized drivers, we each drove our vehicles the entire way. At least Sean towed the trailer! It wasn't that tiring, and the scenery was interesting enough since we were almost completely on 2 and 4 lane back roads (many with 75 mph speed limits). I got really comfortable passing slow moving vehicles on 2 lane roads at high speeds on this trip (which is pretty crazy considering how nervous I was the first time I did it on the Guadalupe Mountains trip just a few weeks ago). We took the older Suburbans, which at points did not seem to appreciate going 75-80 mph.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the park around 3pm and checked in at the visitor's center. Here we learned that we would have to return each day to check in for our camp site each night. This was awkward and frustrating since this was supposed to be a backpacking trip! We decided to come back the next morning (Thursday) from the Wild Horse site and check-in for our North Prong primitive site, and then hike in and back out on Friday night to check in for our South Prong primitive site.<br />
<br />
We ran a shuttle to the Wild Horse camping area, left some of the dromedaries (mine had leaked all over my bag - thankfully my dry bags and zip-lock bags had protected everything except my fleece and rain gear - I was really thankful I had decided to put my sleeping bag in a big dry bag at the last minute when I was packing), and hit the trail around 3:30pm from the Canyon Rim trail head near the Honey Flat camping area. We hiked a relatively flat 4.76 miles on the Canyon Rim trail and the Wild Horse trail before ending our hike at the Wild Horse camping area. We arrived shortly before it was completely dark, and everyone set up the five tents while Sean and I prepared our dinner of mango, black bean, and mandarin orange tacos along with sliced cheddar cheese. This dinner was really good, but could have used a bit more filling for the tacos. After dinner we heated water for tea and hot chocolate while the participants did the dishes.<br />
<br />
After no one claimed to have any empty space in their 3-person tents for Sean and I, one group admitted that they were fitting four people into their tent so Sean and I realized we'd have a tent to ourselves. It always works best for the guides to share a tent, since we tend to wake up earlier than the group every morning to start cooking. It was a nice luxury to have a 3-person tent for just the two of us.<br />
<br />
There was only one other site occupied at the Wild Horse camp, and its occupant had a few horses. We heard these horses throughout the night, but more annoyingly, a rusty windmill woke us repeatedly during the night with its loud creaking. I had a really strange dream that night too in which I was sitting in Emily's office back at Gregory Gym after apparently not remembering anything about the trip that occurred after the first night (but apparently having made it through the entire trip and drive back safely). I was throwing up and really sick, and they were trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Strange dream that seemed really real at the time.<br />
<br />
Sean and I woke up at 7:40am on Thursday and quickly heated water for our breakfast of bagels. We woke the participants shortly after 8am. We ate breakfast, and then dealt with that night's camp site registration and setting up the car shuttle at the South Prong parking lot while the participants packed up their remaining gear and took down the tents. I ended up with a full large dromedary since my smaller one was left behind (since it was leaky). I was fully prepared for this heavier load to make the day's hike miserable, but it actually did not end up being bad at all! We finally left the Wild Horse camp around 10:30am. We talked with the 'shadow guides' before the hike began, and put them in change of the guiding starting from the beginning of the hike (and ending at the end of the next morning's breakfast).<br />
<br />
We hiked about 4.66 miles before reaching North Prong primitive camp. We had lunch about 3.5 miles into the hike, around 12:45pm. Lunch was massive, as it consisted of a half block of cheese and a half block of sausage for everyone. As hard as I tried, I could only finish half of my half block of cheese (and spent the remainder of the trip attempting to finish the other half). After lunch we continued onto camp, arriving around 2:30pm. The hike became prettier near the end of the day as we hiked deeper into the canyon and were able to see many of the red rock formations.<br />
<br />
We set-up camp, and then I led some people that wanted to go off-trail exploring on how to disperse our off-trail impact. We ventured to some tall rock formations, at which point we realized the trail from our camp actually led exactly to where we had wanted to go. Oh well - it was still a good learning experience for the participants to learn how to hike off trail while minimizing their impact. We scurried up a small red rock hill, and sat and enjoyed the views. My leg did not like the descent from the hill though, so I went back on the trail to camp with a few of the participants. Once back at camp, we noticed that the participants who had stayed near the tall rock formations had climbed really high on some. Not only was it potentially dangerous, but Sean noted that it also seemed like they were likely having an affect on the foundations. I felt bad that I had not considered this. Sean sent Will and Andrea to try and get them to come down.<br />
<br />
Once everyone was back at camp, some of us began playing cards while others took naps, read books, and chatted. I played spades and spoons for a few hours. Eventually the 'shadow guides' cooked the quinoa dinner, while Sean supervised. Dinner took a while to prepare, but it was tasty. I'm personally not a fan of quinoa, but I forced myself to eat two small bowls. The walnuts were a good addition, and I would probably add more in the future. There was some leftover quinoa at the end, so we bagged it up.<br />
<br />
The next morning, Sean and I woke at 7:30am and found that a rain puddle had formed near our heads during the night. Sean's down jacket and down sleeping bag had gotten wet, as had my synthetic sleeping bag. We got up and prepared water for our oatmeal breakfast. The participant that had the brown sugar forgot about it, so we did not have brown sugar. No one missed it, so perhaps we can leave it behind in the future. We aimed to leave camp by 9am, and got rather close. We did our daily group circle stretches, and then began our hardest day of hiking (still only about 4.39 miles). From the start, we climbed a steep trail up to the John Haynes ridge. The day remained overcast and misty until shortly after lunch around 1:30pm. The John Haynes trail was rougher than most of the other trails, but the views were pretty even with the overcast, hazy weather. We stopped for lunch before a steep climb. Lunch - which was tortillas with peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and dried apricots - was very popular. This was a meal we did during the Guadalupe trip, and it has easily become my favorite backpacking lunch meal.<br />
<br />
After lunch we hiked a bit father on the John Haynes Ridge trail, before deciding to take a short 0.3 mile each way detour to a Fern Cave. This 0.3 mile stretch was probably the hardest of the trip! The climb down to the cave was steep and the trail seemed to have eroded substantially in some sections. We probably should have left our packs at the detour point, but we left them about 0.2 miles down the trail. My knee was not happy with this descent, and really did not like when a rock gave way beneath me and led to me falling about 3 feet into mud (thankfully, I had my rain pants on at this point). The fern cave was cool though.<br />
<br />
The last bit of the hike from the detour point to the South Prong primitive camp required some steep descents. Especially since it had been raining earlier in the day, some of these descents were difficult. There was one point where the rock was so steep and smooth that many of us opted to sit and slide down the rock. The trail was also difficult to follow at points, so some of the descent might have been more difficult than planned since I'm not sure we were on the actual trail at points. None the less, we reached camp around 2:30pm and quickly set up our tents. This time Sean guyed out the rain-fly near the broader end of our tent, in case it rained again. We also tried to air out the tent since there was still a lot of wet residue from the rain puddle that morning. Then Sean, Brad, and I hiked 1 mile really quickly back to my Suburban and we drove to the visitor's center to check-in to our final camp sites. Apparently our reservation had been for the South Prong tent camping sites by the parking lot (and not the South Prong primitive sites that we had instead set up camp at), but they moved our reservation to the primitive sites. However, the primitive sites were more expensive (since less people were allowed per site), so I had to pay the $16 difference with my credit card since we had no other forms of payment with us. Emily is going to handle the reimbursement once the Christmas break is finished. We each refilled a dromedary bag and moved both vehicles to the South Prong parking lot. Then we made the 1 mile trek back into camp. Once back at camp, Sean and I started cooking our final pasta dinner with chicken, soy-based bacon bits, sundried tomatoes, peppers, and spices. This was another meal we had on our Guadalupe Mountains trip, and it was just as delicious this time! After dinner we heated some hot water and then called it a night.<br />
<br />
We awoke Saturday morning at 7:15am to cook our final breakfast - pancakes! Sean manned the sticky skillet while I manned the non-stick medium pot. It was a fine line setting the stoves such that the pancakes were not burnt yet the stoves did not go out. We both produced some pancakes that looked beautiful, and some that were beat up and/or terribly burnt. In each case, they tasted great though (especially with syrup). It was a fun meal to end the trip on!<br />
<br />
We packed up camp and did the short 1 mile hike out to the Suburbans. We loaded our backpacks into the trailer and then headed to the visitor center to let the participants change clothing and buy souvenirs from the gift shop. It felt so good to change into clean clothing!<br />
<br />
Around 10:45am we began our drive homeward. We stopped around 1:15pm for lunch at the same Subway we stopped at on the way. It took forever to get through the Subway line - we spent 75 minutes at lunch! After lunch we continued onward and reached campus at 6:10pm. It was a long drive back, and I was getting a bit fatigued by the time we reached Austin despite drinking two energy drinks during the trip home.<br />
<br />
We spent about an hour cleaning, drying, and restocking gear as well as filling out evaluations. All of our gear was so muddy, wet, and dirty from the trip! However, with fifteen people helping, it went relatively quickly.<br />
<br />
<u>Overall thoughts</u><br />
I was amazed that my right knee did not bother me very much! Between wearing the IT band while hiking and consistently taking ibuprofen, I kept the pain to just mild soreness and stiffness. I experienced no sharp pain during the trip! Going into the trip, I had put the chance of experiencing this little pain at about 10%, so I was very happy that my knee did as well as it did.<br />
<br />
It was an interesting experience trying to step back while guiding and let the 'shadow guides' make mistakes. I've been constantly taking on more and more responsibility when guiding, so it was a change of pace to step back. Of course, mentoring new guides is part of the process though and will need to be something I begin to work on. From our side, I think I would try to give a bit more of an introduction to the 'shadow guides' perhaps the night before after letting them watch us guide for a day. My biggest comment to the 'shadow guides' was that they needed to keep the group more informed (how long are we stopping for, when is lunch, what should we do now that we've arrived at camp, ect) and take more initiative. But considering that they had not been through guide school part 2 and this was their first trip, I think they did reasonably well.<br />
<br />
The trip as a whole went well. The route was perfect, progressing from simpler scenery to downright amazing scenery. Both of our primitive camps were set in great areas. Parts of the hike were rough, especially with the wet trails, but the hikes were never too difficult (especially considering the short distances we covered each day). It was awkward to have to check-in at the visitor's center each day, but I would not let that keep us from running the trip again.<br />
<br />
I used my rain pants for the first time since the South Llano trip in Spring 2014. I always carry them on trips, but rarely use them. I remembered on this trip how nice they are though, and I bet they will be utilized more on upcoming trips.<br />
<br />
Personally, this was a good trip for me after the Guadalupe Mountains trip. I really struggled physically, both with knee issues and fatigue, during the Guadalupe Mountains trip. I had some serious doubts during and after that trip about my abilities as a guide. However, in preparing for this trip and in guiding this trip I regained confidence in my guiding abilities. And I learned that everyone can have bad days on trips - it's more about how you push through them and keep going.<br />
<br />
UT RecSports ran four backpacking trips this semester, and I guided all four! I've grown so much since the first trip of this semester to Lost Maples. My outdoor skills have improved, and I feel really comfortable backpacking now. My guiding skills have also improved drastically. I can thank Emily for much of this, since she was lead guide on my first trip over Spring Break 2014 and then on both of the Fall trips we guided together she pushed me to step out of my comfort-zone and fulfil lead guide roles more often. I'm excited to see how I continue to evolve in the Spring!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAZ0JbuDaPfRHw9LQRYsyq4DVmUfTx-EJlHeG5RGDqwqiUpGtY8Gy6O05z1AAiZ0rI150ffgpuCss42awKErxYvYD2muIjmxNOTBauB7B47qiSvxASovyQ-Y2N7VaQyaMnxtzHttwDn0/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAZ0JbuDaPfRHw9LQRYsyq4DVmUfTx-EJlHeG5RGDqwqiUpGtY8Gy6O05z1AAiZ0rI150ffgpuCss42awKErxYvYD2muIjmxNOTBauB7B47qiSvxASovyQ-Y2N7VaQyaMnxtzHttwDn0/s1600/IMG_0938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Beginning our trip at the Canyon Rim trailhead near Honey Flats campground </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBZEHmg6fWCGpWnabj2Vmbr9kDb7WkM4RG9ONrDrm8Dm6u_Ih0HQtQMoYPy842wqmFGUHtaDwWLtlV-AWwFaI7-gxy5rAzPZVwjYaFWSREAcz-mEgzHpHwmfs8HIkFyYTqscHJ5wyj88/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBZEHmg6fWCGpWnabj2Vmbr9kDb7WkM4RG9ONrDrm8Dm6u_Ih0HQtQMoYPy842wqmFGUHtaDwWLtlV-AWwFaI7-gxy5rAzPZVwjYaFWSREAcz-mEgzHpHwmfs8HIkFyYTqscHJ5wyj88/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>On the trail on the first day </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP_rARvL3bjM5f07C8JC3HUgUhLHDy558oU_shgTBb_I1kkHFPF_9bmA6cxH4Rv7_QOIz2ugwXceib8dUEF_ZMUWOmOvWZaG2FOZ_60DuLAXO9UA9gFK9xs02S32hPjFg8AggOy0NUgE/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP_rARvL3bjM5f07C8JC3HUgUhLHDy558oU_shgTBb_I1kkHFPF_9bmA6cxH4Rv7_QOIz2ugwXceib8dUEF_ZMUWOmOvWZaG2FOZ_60DuLAXO9UA9gFK9xs02S32hPjFg8AggOy0NUgE/s1600/IMG_0943.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Group picture on day 2 (photo by Sean)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y8oHZaOfRSIehjMheR6P_IwfpEdlc8uH-UcNd4zUhebGth3-dBw68xN_5SekkpLHQQCeWeQvEtAhLE4TfzSYq00GMOwavjrEDw9TWqWm5MjDW3DXTpyF481heePpb4KynWirOtJgqgg/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Y8oHZaOfRSIehjMheR6P_IwfpEdlc8uH-UcNd4zUhebGth3-dBw68xN_5SekkpLHQQCeWeQvEtAhLE4TfzSYq00GMOwavjrEDw9TWqWm5MjDW3DXTpyF481heePpb4KynWirOtJgqgg/s1600/IMG_0947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The views become more scenic on day 2 </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGSsrBmqjmMmFVQfuGoK58eOWUL4aUF-EpFRTxHbUUN5alCCpG-WMrQrrfXgA4mzKbzZ4YOSG1dD0_fnrmqoqCD2DKf-hCB7h5qzZkE_e1Xoeny4FlGns2Ns7sTqhe6NzH-OGhMqmoRM/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGSsrBmqjmMmFVQfuGoK58eOWUL4aUF-EpFRTxHbUUN5alCCpG-WMrQrrfXgA4mzKbzZ4YOSG1dD0_fnrmqoqCD2DKf-hCB7h5qzZkE_e1Xoeny4FlGns2Ns7sTqhe6NzH-OGhMqmoRM/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Our group hiking on day 2 </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByrdQqfWgBGN3nbUx7NMLdS1jk7TV8S2relPNrQp5rJfJO0UdNJhVKcF2GbjG4EerKCXR4C8_tr6DDw3OO5yqqET_dlCXeHM8UYuU04Sz4dPqEXA22aagXnrvemjK_FjPNpSmE4bCW0E/s1600/10863901_10205562698330522_6293468835966573100_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhByrdQqfWgBGN3nbUx7NMLdS1jk7TV8S2relPNrQp5rJfJO0UdNJhVKcF2GbjG4EerKCXR4C8_tr6DDw3OO5yqqET_dlCXeHM8UYuU04Sz4dPqEXA22aagXnrvemjK_FjPNpSmE4bCW0E/s1600/10863901_10205562698330522_6293468835966573100_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The North Prong primitive camping area (photo by Brad)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRAhxBOVasfYv3pVIX3egmEzk-jVA2LYUTc-Re81j5hxbcRhMS22tI9jQaFeRqyPD-N9WQbKCt6_OkbqtV_0K-pqlajzjsekzKyYgrOr0wTpU4P-1gGyFNQvFFYHOvE8kXePUm6verv8/s1600/10847223_10205562717370998_4043320459777740113_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRAhxBOVasfYv3pVIX3egmEzk-jVA2LYUTc-Re81j5hxbcRhMS22tI9jQaFeRqyPD-N9WQbKCt6_OkbqtV_0K-pqlajzjsekzKyYgrOr0wTpU4P-1gGyFNQvFFYHOvE8kXePUm6verv8/s1600/10847223_10205562717370998_4043320459777740113_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hiking off-trail in a somewhat dispersed manner (photo by Brad)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBvdwBV7bl-dXwiZYHXeIDDOvVAPS5BuVjwZ0mJM1xBXKB4KWMJ5MHMn4JSXw5DB2ON3upEBImN0qz_xACTqDyAsqDJ5JxraGOhewwmGPbkOeO3RltcU0afwxEdrUtrLqB4etl39Cib8/s1600/1511965_10205562722691131_948706219586802422_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBvdwBV7bl-dXwiZYHXeIDDOvVAPS5BuVjwZ0mJM1xBXKB4KWMJ5MHMn4JSXw5DB2ON3upEBImN0qz_xACTqDyAsqDJ5JxraGOhewwmGPbkOeO3RltcU0afwxEdrUtrLqB4etl39Cib8/s1600/1511965_10205562722691131_948706219586802422_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Some of our group on the rock formations by the North Prong primitive site (photo by Brad)</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_wEy9boguVoMzKyfek9Dho5EZiqOhVJ0k3Eb_zvy1fP-BjyANDid4lisBLJOMHgot7fjYUW9C4ob263AHqZi_7EKEpWTOkq5Z6oBGOyj3BE4No5z2UvCu9Ezz6XSTwnj8LT7P8WOvIE/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_wEy9boguVoMzKyfek9Dho5EZiqOhVJ0k3Eb_zvy1fP-BjyANDid4lisBLJOMHgot7fjYUW9C4ob263AHqZi_7EKEpWTOkq5Z6oBGOyj3BE4No5z2UvCu9Ezz6XSTwnj8LT7P8WOvIE/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Morning 3 was foggy as we hiked up the John Haynes Ridge trail </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJv2C9mhvig93t2CNwCV9KLGiar6UcSl2d1mXDONF0yodpdEOhST8exm2jpX2bZVlwqha4BUR-auN3C60lzVFmMpBVUIIYktcnUbNzXctvbs85UEls6fOlCbA2Vix-paVpOWHMDggFKU/s1600/2014-12-19_16-37-11_748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJv2C9mhvig93t2CNwCV9KLGiar6UcSl2d1mXDONF0yodpdEOhST8exm2jpX2bZVlwqha4BUR-auN3C60lzVFmMpBVUIIYktcnUbNzXctvbs85UEls6fOlCbA2Vix-paVpOWHMDggFKU/s1600/2014-12-19_16-37-11_748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bison near the roadway by Lake Theo </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwePDdsbFTXx2MybeARXAM1YThlnfN1Bx2GKiDbrW-AUQuP_ccnTbIz8iD7u8NNQ0_TU0FHFSAnEKtkHDTVmNhrcOYwfoibjCPvUW2cot3aesJugr4cXdaagfhCixuiGQYuTUMgHI0yI/s1600/2014-12-19_16-37-25_136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwePDdsbFTXx2MybeARXAM1YThlnfN1Bx2GKiDbrW-AUQuP_ccnTbIz8iD7u8NNQ0_TU0FHFSAnEKtkHDTVmNhrcOYwfoibjCPvUW2cot3aesJugr4cXdaagfhCixuiGQYuTUMgHI0yI/s1600/2014-12-19_16-37-25_136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A herd of bison on the roadway near Lake Theo </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBlx_NxwTbAJFO64m0TOpLKaT2xB2m9Ovnbe88-wFoTGDX1kDYaUJfsYOQSDB1PvVZKI3XGFDTBcqD0uZBYLuLApKnQCkAi6qWvEgJVXAdTOtOsBvXcMsc1XSV4PN-I89VDLR4gGporI/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBlx_NxwTbAJFO64m0TOpLKaT2xB2m9Ovnbe88-wFoTGDX1kDYaUJfsYOQSDB1PvVZKI3XGFDTBcqD0uZBYLuLApKnQCkAi6qWvEgJVXAdTOtOsBvXcMsc1XSV4PN-I89VDLR4gGporI/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>On the trail on day 4 </i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9YlojA9AgdQRI8mLNE8XgyOlWe8tBD3JEVvKV3Arm-3P8P1x9i9nnWqTj5kddbG1tlMQWu5GxwHBGcH6MpXMgcg_E3zBupMcSd1UGjQkKq8JRGMX0oRHvw15kKyeWydDdBc71LcFbtA/s1600/2014-12-20_11-56-11_568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9YlojA9AgdQRI8mLNE8XgyOlWe8tBD3JEVvKV3Arm-3P8P1x9i9nnWqTj5kddbG1tlMQWu5GxwHBGcH6MpXMgcg_E3zBupMcSd1UGjQkKq8JRGMX0oRHvw15kKyeWydDdBc71LcFbtA/s1600/2014-12-20_11-56-11_568.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The sun finally comes out on our drive home</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1081735062271493267.post-37949246621411878932014-12-10T23:00:00.000-06:002015-05-29T14:17:43.636-05:00Sawnee Mountain Preserve + IT Band Knee IssuesOn Sunday my dad and I went to <a href="http://www.sawneemountain.org/">Sawnee Mountain Preserve</a> near my parent's house in Cumming, GA.<br />
<br />
We parked at the Spot road entrance, and went on the 3.5 mile Indian Seats trail. We climbed up to see the Indian Seats, which also provided a nice view north towards the Blue Ridge Mountains. My dad is afraid of heights, so he did not want to get very close to the edge! After enjoying the view for a while, we continued onward towards the visitor's center at the other entrance. We never saw the rock climbing area, so I guess you have to hike a bit off-trail to get to it - and they probably did not mark it to dissuade people without permits from climbing. The visitor's center was closed on Sunday, but from looking through the windows it seemed like it had some nice exhibits for kids.<br />
<br />
We were surprised by how many other hikers and runners were out on the trail. It made me happy to see people using and enjoying the preserve and its trails. About 2.5 miles in, my right knee began hurting pretty bad again - the same pain I had been experiencing during the recent Guadalupe Mountains backpacking trip. I took it easy, and then took some <span class="st">ibuprofen</span> once I returned home. However, when I sat and iced it I experienced some of the worst pain I've ever felt - I could not even move my knee without excruciating pain. It got better with heat, but it was very concerning.<br />
<br />
Once I returned to Austin, I visited the sports medicine clinic at UT. My knee issues were diagnosed as <span class="st"> iliotibial band friction syndrome. The doctor said that rest, ice, compression, and elevation along with </span><span class="st"><span class="st">ibuprofen</span> will help the inflammation, and that using a roller and doing stretches and exercises will also help. However, she said I'll likely not be feeling great by the time of my next trip to Caprock Canyons.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">I considered backing out of the trip, but I have been looking forward to this trip and I know the UT Outdoor Recreation program will not be able to find another guide to take my place (since they already tried when Hannah backed out of the trip for stream team about a week ago). I'm hoping for the best, but also preparing for the worst - I'll take lots of </span><span class="st"><span class="st">ibuprofen</span>, a knee strap for IT pain, and probably a tennis ball for rolling. Hopefully I do not regret opting to go on this trip. At least the doctor said I will not make it worse by using it, although I may be in a lot of pain.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCMLiSr_DJzBUMyO3CxddmWqxGyQhQOK-nA1gApxLlyij-kwETlZR28XRakbJ1gD7BHPrjepeID8v4W_KeH7UU_MzUQ2HjgXHjLGq2veeavpW9oY0-LY4Fg6xpDjPa8ANOs4DIDHtf3I/s1600/2014-12-07_12-39-43_866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifCMLiSr_DJzBUMyO3CxddmWqxGyQhQOK-nA1gApxLlyij-kwETlZR28XRakbJ1gD7BHPrjepeID8v4W_KeH7UU_MzUQ2HjgXHjLGq2veeavpW9oY0-LY4Fg6xpDjPa8ANOs4DIDHtf3I/s1600/2014-12-07_12-39-43_866.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="st"> View from near the </span>Indian Seats at Sawnee Mountain Preserve</i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10260630707048855041noreply@blogger.com1