Sunday, July 24, 2011

Canyoneering

I love to be outside in nature, but I am sorry to say, I haven't spent much time in the great outdoors in the last few years. That really is a shame, because it's where I feel the most like me. I think growing up in the sticks will do that to you. :)

In the end of June, I went for a quick tip to Las Vegas and Zion National Park. I have a few things to say on this: I haven't been to Las Vegas with a friend - only for work. What a difference that makes! Holly and I walked and shopped 'til we dropped. I had a great time. Still, Sin City can live up to it's name. It's not very hard to get hints of the seediness that takes place. I also haven't been to Zion since I went with my family and friends (shout out to the Goldtowners) as a teenager. The red rock walls I remembered did not disappoint. It is a beautiful park. This recent trip was very short, but I was able to try something new: canyoneering. We hiked and had 7 repels of approximately 100 ft. Wohoo!



In this next picture, please observe that my feet are above my head. That is NOT what you want to have happen. :) It was my first drop, and obviously I got it wrong at first. Not to worry, I was able to right myself shortly thereafter.





After the first one, I got the hang of it. I really had a GREAT time. I loved it. I felt pretty relaxed. (Although this next picture doesn't show it too well. I think I look a little stiff. I remember being less comfortable holding myself still for multiple pictures.)







This was one of our last repels. It was one of my favorites. Look at how the boulder is wedged. So cool. It was a sweet view to look up at as I descended.





Holly and I had a few war wounds (cuts and bruises) to show for our efforts.
It was worth it.

In full swing

As you may have noticed, I have been ridiculously out-of-date and neglectful in my postings. Thank you for coming back even though it's been months. The spring was busy with family stuff (which has settled a bit) and then a lot of work trips. (Not really blog worthy stuff.) I started to get back into fun adventures in the last few weeks. I just posted the Yosemite trip. Enjoy. ( I didn't want three posts in one day - thus the post dating trick.) I'll be adding a few more adventures in the next little bit.
Again, thanks for stopping by.