We've been hiking through the desert. It's amazing. Hot. And, a little nerve-wracking. The last seven entries will give you all the details!
8-21-06
Start: Moab, UT
Destination: Moab, UT
Elevation: 4,023 ft.
Miles: 0.0
Weather: Hot
We got up this morning and tried to get somewhat organized. It frustratingly made a lot of sense not to hike today. I am actually finding days off leaving me insanely anxious to get back on the trail. But we took full advantage of the day and really got a lot done. We did some shopping for a few things we needed - gear and groceries - did laundry, stared blankly at more maps... we even did some fun window shopping.
I'm finding this part of the trip to be hard on my head. I'm trying to decide between taking the trail and really submersing myself in the hike end of this, or taking the road for part and taking more advantage of towns (media & awareness), vehicle support, and convenience of water - and possibly saving some time. We are falling behind schedule, and for the first time in the trip, I think mom and I are both feeling a bit nervous. And anxious.
My stomach hurts at the thought of missing some of the actual trail route through these states. It's really beautiful here, and I know some of this country is very remote. The Henry Mountains area, Cooper told us, is the last area of the lower 48 states to be explored! How freakin' cool is that?! And sadly, it's another area we're trying to decide if we should skirt around and take roads. Our #1 personal goal for both of us was to make a solid line east to west - not a dotted one - meaning making all the connecting steps across America. That means no skipping, and no rides. We've been successful with that so far. And that's the one thing we refuse to turn back on. We also want to have fun. What do we do?
It's serious here. Before I got to Utah, ignorant when it comes to our country's geography, I thought, "Aah, we can find a few shortcuts if need be." It's been put simply like this: "Out here, every road is where it is for very good reason - there's no cutting across - you'll die." Reason being, canyons. If you step 3 feet to the left in some cases, you could drop 2,000 feet into a canyon, or run face-first into a wall of red sandstone. So, I guess, no shortcuts here!
So anyway, there's my frustration. It's a challenge I plan to beat. I am working my mind and our options over and over, and after talking with a few people, including our vehicle support in the next few days, I'm sure we'll have it figured out.
Everything really seems to fall into place and work out if you just let it fall. I find when I get really frustrated, sometimes it's best to just think, "Move on and hope for the best." Or as Modest Mouse says, "Float on." I love those two words together. They make me relax and smile. It might sound flimsy, but it chills me out. We will not enter dangerous territory unprepared - that's for sure, but "float on" is something we can do.
Maybe Modest Mouse should meet us at Point Reyes and play "The World at Large" when we finish! :)
"Onward, James!" Westward we a' go!
Sorry - Comments are disabled.