Sunday - September 9th. & Kathy's Birthday

Today we were scheduled to hike The Subway.  The Subway is located in a remote wilderness area of Zion Park called Kolob Terrace.  Kathy had studied long and hard for a special hike for us and when both our attempts to obtain hiking permits for The Wave hike failed, Kathy was successful and obtained a permit for The Subway.  Just to give you some perspective, there are two ways to hike the Subway; upper or lower.  The upper hike starts at the top where the hiker needs to rappel down a canyon wall and hike to the Subway and continue through the lower trail.  It's a one way hike and a car needs to be left for them at the trailhead we started from.  Canyoning skills are required, knot tying of course and 60 feet of line.  Swimming is also involved since the water inside the Subway is around 5 feet.  Nyla and Kathy's hike was the lower trail - canyoning experience not required.  Our hike was 5 miles from our starting point to our destination, explore the area for awhile and then then turnaround and hike out for 5 miles back to our starting point. 

Here's the hike summary; We had a steep descent over 500 feet to the canyon floor.  We had to look for the trail that others before us had taken, or make up our own.  It was recommended that one may want to hike in the river.  There were gigantic boulders that we had to "boulder hop" across if we chose that as the means to move up river.  Eventually the walls of the canyon narrowed to the point that you had to walk in the water but it was very shallow.  We had to be concerned primarily about slipping on the rocks.  We knew we were close when we saw nothing but water cascading in tiers and once we moved upward and around a bend, we saw the keyhole shaped entrance of the Subway.  We were the only people at the Subway and we couldn't believe our good fortune of having the whole place to ourselves.  We explored the area, sat and had some food.  We took pictures and decided we should head back.  Neither one of us wanted to admit that we were a little tired (OK - I mean exhausted) and knew that body parts were starting to ache.  Also the sun was shining in the canyon so let's add hot temperatures into the mix plus knowing what we had to go through to return.

To summarize the trip back; while we were careful not to get our boots wet on the way up, after while we just didn't care.  Our boots will never be the same.  We slipped, we slided and one of us kept hitting her head on trees and rocks.  Thank goodness her head is hard.  Another one of us ripped her pants on a stick and now is ready to hike the "Peek-A-Boo" trail.  We saw snakes and we didn't even care.  No screaming like a girl from us!  We needed to save screaming energy for our hike back.  When we arrived to the point where we needed to ascend up the canyon wall I was very happy but knew we still had a long way to go.  On the way back up we would hike until I thought my heart was going to explode, rest, drink some water and move on.  When we finally made it to the top, it seemed to take forever to get to the parking lot but knowing there was ice cold water waiting for us, it was all the motivation we needed.  Please know that we had plenty of energy bars, snacks and water to sustain us.  When we arrived back to our cars we were greeted by the ranger who after some nice chit chat asked to see our permit for the hike.  All papers in order, off we went in search of a Dairy Queen because we deserved it - plus it was Kathy's birthday.  I told Kathy we would evaluate the hike in about a week when the pain has subsided, the cuts and bruises have healed and just like a woman who forgets the pain of child birth, we too may someday forget our pain.

It's amazing how a shower can rejuvenate you back to feeling human (which the white washcloths are permanently stained red-brown now) and Kathy wants you to know that she has checked this hike off her list and will never be doing it again! 

So we had much to celebrate Sunday night; our successful hike (meaning no one broke a bone or died), a wonderful vacation and Kathy's birthday.  We went into town and had a wonderful dinner including top shelf Margarita's, fish tacos, deep dish veggie enchilada and well deserved desserts. 

Inside The Subway

The Cascades Before the Subway


We are now on our way home and we stopped at the dam end of Lake Powell and went through Monument Valley.  We will see you all very soon.

This will most likely be our last posting and my calculations indicate we hiked a total of 62 miles.  In closing I would encourage everyone to take advantage of our beautiful National and State parks throughout our country.  We have so much to be proud about our Parks and by the number of foreigners that we met, they must like them too.  Thank you for taking the time to keep track of us.  We had a great time and I hope you were able to experience a little bit as well.

XOX,
Nyla & Kathy

Saturday - September 8th

Today we drove to Zion National Park and here are a few of my first impressions; 1) Of course it is a beautiful park; 2) The road is the same red color as the canyon walls; 3) there is a mile long tunnel you drive through and when you pop out - Bam! Red and white canyon walls against a blue sky greets you.  4) You park your car and are shuttled throughout the park and 5) There are a ton of people everywhere.  An additional comment I would like to make is that the traffic through the mile long tunnel is one way which means that traffic through the tunnel is alternating northbound and southbound.  We feel we were so special because we were given the baton to hand to the park ranger indicating we were the last car heading southbound and it was time for northbound traffic to have a turn.  The ranger was really cool because she acted just like a runner waiting for the hand off. 

Anyway, Kathy had successfully obtained a hiking permit for Sunday's hike called "The Subway" so we picked it up at the visitor's center.  Of course she had to sign our lives away but more about that later.  The first hike we did was Lower Emerald pool.  By the way - the pool isn't emerald.  The trail is concrete and pretty easy.  Our next hike was River Walk.  Just as the name suggests we walk along the river.  It's shady, cooler and full of squirrels!  There are signs everywhere that say not to feed the wildlife however people must think squirrels are not wildlife.  I never saw a squirrel pose for pictures but the Zion squirrels do.  And they are just a little chubby (the squirrels, not necessarily the photographers).  My apologies for the last squirrel tangent.  At the end of the walk, Kathy and I put on our water shoes and started hiking up the river to look for the Narrows.  We really had no idea how far we needed to walk and with a river full of people, we walked back. 

After taking the shuttle back to the parking lot, Kathy suggested we eat in the town of Springdale which is a stone's throw out of the south entrance of the park.  Springdale is a very quaint town with restaurants, lodging, outfitters and of course little shops.  We had lunch, shopped a bit and bought tickets to see the OmniMax Zion based movie which I declared was the educational portion of our day.  After the movie we drove through the park, exited out of the North entrance and back to Kanab.

When we returned to our room, we plotted our adventure for Sunday - The Subway Hike.  We decided to get up at 5:30 am since the drive to the trailhead was one hour away and we wanted to start around 7:00 am.

Waterfall into Lower Emerald Pool

Friday - September 7th

 First, I have to mention that our accommodations for Thursday night was in the cutest little stand-alone-cabin.  Actually there are quite a few places to stay that are cabin's.  It was a great place to stay and we had anything and everything anyone would want in a room.  So - Friday; we left the cutest little cabin and our first stop was Red Canyon.  We did a short hike and of course the morning was so beautiful.  Kathy's Dad described Red Canyon the first time he saw it as "it looks like someone sprinkled paprika on everything" and I couldn't explain it any better. 

We then worked our way to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.  We've been to the South Rim in the past and it is a very busy place.  The North Rim isn't quite as busy and is very peaceful as well as beautiful.  It was a rainy day but the rain lightened up after while.  The temperature was a bit cooler than the usual 90 degree days we've seen - mid 70's.  We went to the Lodge which is very beautiful inside and out and walked to the view point into the Grand Canyon.  We eventually worked our way to the end of the scenic point to wait for the sunset, however a rather large storm came through close to us and affected a perfect sunset.  The colors were still beautiful even with the clouds and we practically had the whole place to ourselves. 

We drove to our next location - Kanab, UT

 Red Canyon

Cape Royal-Grand Canyon

Thursday - September 6th.

After a delicious breakfast at the B & B prepared by JoBeth, we headed on Scenic Bypass Route 12 for Kodachrome State Park.  We hiked a six mile loop in the park where the path was uneven to say the least.  I can tell you more about my feet and a description of the path than the scenery.  I really had to struggle to look up because that is when I got tripped up.  Again, it was a hot sunny day!  We took a side trip to Panoramic Point and the 360 degree view was beautiful.  You would think being in the desert one would see sand, cacti and so on.  Well - you do but there is also a fair amount of green plants as well.  We didn't see anyone else on the trail - it was as if the park had closed down just for us!

We then headed to Bryce National Park and where we had the whole place to ourselves at Kodachrome, it was like Disney World at Bryce.  There were three entry booths open!  After stopping at the visitor's center for our usual purchases (Kathy is buying magnets and I am purchasing patches) we headed to the very
end of the park and worked our way back towards the entrance.  We stopped at the viewing areas and admired the hoodoos.  There are quite a number of evergreen trees so with the contrast of green, pinkish hoodoos and blue sky, the combination was very beautiful.  Around 4:00 pm we started our hike along the Queens Garden Trail and we both agree this is one of the best hikes you can take.  The hike out of the canyon is pretty strenuous however when we stopped for a quick drink of water the view from all points was breathtaking!  We hung out for sunset and people watched.  So I bet you are wanting to know what lessons we learned today; when you are using the pit toilets at the park, please take a few seconds to be sure you have locked the door.  You never know when a person from Ohio (who will not be named) will open the door to use the facilities and see you sitting there!   Please everyone - heed my words! 

Bryce Canyon Hoodoos

 

On the Queens Garden Trail

Wednesday - September 5th.

 

In the morning, we headed south on Scenic Byway route 12 and took a side trip along the Burr Trail.   Our destination today was the Lower Calf Creek Falls, a six mile hike.  The temperature was hot as we were hiking in a desert environment, but as we neared the falls it was more an oasis and beautiful.  The falls are 126 feet and it is a great place to relax, cool down and just be thankful for such a beautiful day.  Of course we had to go back through the hot up and down trail but the prize at the end was ice cold water!  We stayed at the most beautiful B & B - Slot Canyon Inn.  We would recommend this B & B as the decor is beautiful and JoBeth the owner is a very gracious hostess. 

 

FASHION ALERT:  We saw a woman on the trail that was beautifully dressed in a smart outfit - not your typical hiking attire.  Her accessories were outstanding as she had a beautiful silver and turquoise necklace.  I didn't see a sweat bead on her at all!  Actually the most fashionable person on the trail was our very own Kathy.  Kathy sported a light sage green brimmed hat with a matching bandana folded smartly to catch any perspiration that dared to appear on her neck.  It was such a smart look that I approved her purchasing another color  that matched her hiking outfit.  It truly is about the accessories!

 

 Lower Calf Creek Falls

Sunny Beautiful Day

Tuesday - September 4th

Tuesday afternoon we drove the scenic drive of Capitol Reef.  To set the mood we played Kathy's newly purchased Indian flute canyon music CD.  Our first stop was the Goosenecks and Sunset Point.  Our next destination was the Capitol Wash where we hiked to the Pioneer Register and the "Tanks".  The Pioneer Register is a canyon wall that was used by passing pioneers to document their passage.  There are signatures dated from the 1800's.  Of course people passing through today will be fined $250 if they were to document their presence.  We then went to find the "tanks" which are basically large potholes that hold water.  This hike was rather steep and hard to follow but eventually we found them.  Maybe Kathy was impressed, but I have to admit it wasn't one of my favorite hikes.  Anyway, since the sun was setting and we had to hike back to our car, we started to return to the bottom of the canyon.  Imagine my face when I turned to Kathy and said "You're never going to believe where we are - we're back at the tanks"!  I'm sure that I didn't add any four letter type words in that sentence.  I wish I had dropped the M & M's rather than eating them during the hike.  So since I am typing this you know we must have found our way out and we did - thanks to Kathy.  I'm sure I'm going to lose some long ago earned Girl Scout badge for this.

 Sunset Point

 Pioneer Register

Tuesday - September 4th

Kathy and I are currently in the town of Torrey and we've been hobnobbin' around Capitol Reef National Park.  We arrived late yesterday afternoon after a stop at Natural Bridges National Monument.  We viewed three bridges but decided not to hike down one of the trails as it was pretty darn hot out with a pretty steep descent which meant a pretty steep ascent.  We had hiked to see an ancient Indian cave previously and with the hot sun and little breeze, we decided we were sweaty enough. 

We crossed over the Colorado River at Lake Powell.  While at the viewpoint we watched another beautiful thunderstorm off in the distance.  Little did I know that we would be up close and personal to it!  Eventually we drove out of it and back into the sunshine.  Other than the spectacular views, we were passed by a speedy car going way over the speed limit (ask me I know because I was over the speed limit) who when she passed the SUV in front of me, hit her brakes eventually passed the SUV and you guessed it - she passed the sheriff.  I'm sure she received a pretty hefty fine. 
 
NERD ALERT:  Along with the don't drink and drive campaign, another high profile educational type message being shared is "Don't Bust the Crust".  One footprint can destroy what took 100 years to form Cryptobiotic.  It's part of the desert ecosystem and it is alive.  I've attached a photo of Cryptobiotic. 

Today we faced a bit of disappoint.  Due to all the rainfall that has occurred over the last two days, the road that would lead us to Cathedral Valley and the waterpocket fold was not in ideal condition.  So Plan B occurred which was a 2 mile hike to Hickman Bridge.  Now that I'm reviewing the stats of the hike, I don't feel bad as it was marked "strenuous" changing to "moderate".  We also stopped to look at petroglyphs or rock art. 

 Kathy at the Arches

 Self Portraits-Arches

 Petroglyphs

Cryptobiotics

Over the past few days, we've seen quite a sampling of what is the latest in fashion attire.  Or as I'd like to ask; "Did you not know you were going hiking today"?  We have seen hiking attire consisting of dress and heels, clunky jewelry, proper protective hiking attire with beaded chandelier earrings and a couple wearing a dress shirt/tie by the gentleman and a dress on the lady.  OK - so I think he just proposed to her based on her holding out her left hand and admiring a ring.  OK - I'll let that one go.  It was a lovely setting to propose.

We'll be out later this afternoon for a scenic loop around the park. 

Tropical Storm Isaac - Slow In Denver - Hiking Day One

August 31st. - Friday morning; Kathy and I left ahead of schedule as we were on the road by 6:30 am.  Our concern was Tropical Storm Isaac as we knew we would run into the storm around St. Louis, MO.  We had a few bouts of heavy rain/wind, but it didn't slow us down.  What did slow us down was an accident on I-70 West and we sat for an hour waiting for the wreckers to clean up the carnage.  We saw another very bad accident in the Eastbound lane and those poor people were going to be there for over an hour.  We didn't see the sun until we drove into Kansas and we were very happy to have Isaac out of our lives.  We drove as far as Russell, KS for the night.  Several observations; many cows and wind turbines.  We also saw signs to stop in the OZ museum and I have to admit it took me a little time for me get it - yes - I had a "Duh" moment when I realized Oz-Kansas - oh I get it now. 

September 1 - Saturday - being that we still felt like we were still in EST, we left ahead of schedule on a very beautiful sunny day.  Had a smooth trip except for all the Labor Day traffic west of Denver, CO.  About 35 miles from Moab, we left I-70 West and took the scenic highway to Moab.  We took the route next to the Colorado river and this was my first sighting of canyons.  It was one of the most beautiful rides of my life!

September 2 - Sunday - We hit three parks today; The Arches (National Park), Dead Horse Point State Park and The Canyonlands (National).  We both agree that the investment we made in our hiking shoes was well worth it.  I'm basing this on neither one of us launched ourselves into crevices or the canyons themselves.  We saw all kinds of weather today - sun, clouds and a thunderstorm.  Our day ended with a beautiful rainbow!

As soon as we have better internet connectivity, we will post pictures! 

And The Countdown Begins!

It's hard to believe that Kathy and I will be on our trip to Utah in a little under three weeks!  The iternary is all set, reservations made and hiking permits in hand all due to Kathy's hard work.  All I need to do is hand over the money!!  Her talent is planning, planning and planning and I'm very grateful that she does this.  I kinda just sit back and enjoy the fact I didn't have to research, plan and plot.  Of course she shared everything with me but since I've never been to any of the places we are going and Kathy has, I agreed to everything!  Some beautiful places we are going are Moab, Torrey, Escalamte, Tropic and Kanab.  So I know you must be wondering if we reached our peak physical goals - well - I can't speak for Kathy, but let me just say I wasn't total couch potatoe but I know I could have pushed myself a bit harder.  Time will tell!  I did purchase some pretty awesome hiking boots which feel better than bedroom slippers, water shoes and hiking shorts.  I finally found hiking shorts that weren't Daisy Dukes or below the knee so I'm pretty happy about that. 

Check out the photo I've attached - it is part of the trip theme!

Oh - and the dates we have scheduled - August 31st. through September 12th. 

It's Official - We Have Dates

Dates for the Utah vacation have been set!  August 31st through September 12th, 2012 are the dates of our adventure.  To prepare we're committed to:

• No Camping
• Increasing our core strength
• New hiking shoes

There is much planning to do, joining in a hiking trail lottery and figuring out how to be sure that coffee is available EVERY morning!

Kathy & Nyla's Reunion Vacation

Look for future posts 
Kathy and I are going on a road trip in September 2012. Ten years ago we went on a wonderful trip out West and had a once in a life time experience. In hindsight I wish I had documented our trip in more detail by keeping a log and taking more pictures. I experienced so many new things - Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Crater Lake, Hacida Head Lighthouse, Oregon Dunes, Napa Valley just to name a few things we did in ten days. What wasn't so wonderful was the airport security. A year after 9/11 security was brutal. All I really remember was being singled out for "special security screening" before boarding at the gate and having my "girly parts" patted down in front of everyone. The other not so great thing is that I backed into a defenseless pine tree with the rental car. Fortunately no whip lash was suffered by Kathy and I and no damage to the car. So a decade later I'm excited with today's technology that I'll be able to document our trip with a laptop versus no computer, a better camera (digital versus film), better cell phone (Smart versus just a cell phone), hopefully in better or the same shape as we were ten years ago (we have 7 months to strengthen our bodies), No canceled flights & no full body scan of girly parts at the airport, and best of all - a Blog!!


For now I can tell you that we are departing the first of September, we are driving (more room for wine), our destination is Zion and Moab and we are going to do a lot of hiking! What we are NOT doing is camping. I do not camp, I won't camp and Kathy has agreed we don't have to camp. I love that girl!


Look for future updates!