“When you get to a fork in the (canyon), take it!”
“You can observe a lot by just watching.”
–Famous philosopher Yogi Berra
I rarely get sick, but Joan and I got a doozy. We spent two weekends at home away from the backcountry. Our concerned neighbor, who knows our schedule well, texted Joan, noticing our truck was home two weekends in a row, and wanted to see if we were OK!
Some rest, some movies on the couch, and too many cough drops later, we felt better the following weekend and met up with our friends Holly and Dan in New Mexico, spent the night in a camper cabin, and enjoyed visiting the Aztec Ruins National Monument and the nearby Salmon Ruins Museum,
Aztec kiva recreation. From Joan.
From Salmon. Also c/o Joan.
It was not a backcountry trip, but getting out of the house for a weekend and seeing some dear friends felt good.
But we needed a backcountry trip.
To sleep under the stars, take in the cold air, drink our hot cider while seeing the moonlight, and walk the canyons we call home.
We went to a place we always enjoyed seeing, but it always led to something new, different, and memorable.
The beauty of these canyons always calls to us, but the history and culture contained within its walls will always call to us as well.
We love winter in this part of the world. Though cold, not unbearably so, and the lack of snow makes it so we just need thicker pads and clothing more than specialized equipment, such as skiing.
And the winter light makes for a highlight when backpacking this time of the year.
We settle into our camp, get dinner going, and enjoy our customary chocolate with hot cider and a splash of rum.
From Joan
And then we hike more after a night that the quiet, peace, and satisfaction these wild lands provide.
We could live here another twenty years, and we won’t see all there is to see.
We spent two nights in this place and found a sense of contentment walking all day, seeing no one but ourselves, and enjoying the public lands.
The land will abide long after we leave.
Great piece! From the title I thought you were being fired by our new fascist techbro overlords!
More Yogi Berra influenced than whatever-twitter-calls-itself-today influenced. 🙂