After a week in Oregon and then a trip to Phoenix, where I did some job-related training and networking (no hiking, I’m afraid), a simple backpacking trip seemed desirable.
We went to a favorite place where we enjoyed the December light, solitude, and the opportunity to see new and familiar things.
We followed the designated trails and soon went down a side canyon with few footprints but memorable scenery.
And the usual signs that we are far from the first to walk these canyon floors.
We continued to walk along the hoodoos and the cliff walls and take in that awesome winter light.
We soon found an alcove full of striking images that, together, make an even more impressive whole.
We continued to walk into the late afternoon and enjoyed this light playing upon another set of striking images.
We woke up to a beautiful morning in the desert. I may have said a few sardonic words that Joan captured for posterity –
(We replaced our five-year-old, 200+ night Wonder Tent with another closeout version. After five years, many patches, and a few zipper repairs, it’s time to replace!)
But, all kidding aside, we love this quiet time in the backcountry and waking up to views that can only come with the solitude of the winter landscape.
And I enjoyed it more, of course, after one particular magical beverage –
We hiked out and made our way back via a direct path, and I showed Joan two new sites.
We saw dinosaur tracks –
Handprints tucked up a wall –
And images we’ve both seen previously –
We soon made our way back to the trailhead, where we enjoyed some last views, saw some friends we knew wrapping up a weekend of their own, and brewed some hot drinks at the tailgate.
It’s an excellent and welcome way to wind down a December week.