Here I am–just about at the halfway point of my two year stint out here in the Wild Wild West. So I figured it was time for an update–and maybe one day, I’ll be able to update this blog on a more regular basis.
All is well out here–despite the fact that I miss the ocean and my family back east every single day. But I’m doing what I set out to do–take care of myself. I’m losing weight, getting into the best shape of my life, and taking it all in with the enthusiasim of a 5 year old at her own birthday party.
There have been two really cool things that I’ve done that I haven’t blogged about yet–and they couldn’t be any more different. And they both embody one of the reasons I moved out west on my own–to embrace adventure and challenge myself. So let’s start with the first cool adventure update of this post.
The girl who loves the water more than anything–actually did pretty good climbing a mountain. Well–it was more of a cliff. And to my flippered feet–it was a razor thin gigantic rock growing out of the earth. And one wrong step in parts–and I wouldn’t be here writing this. And that’s not an exaggeration. But it sure was beautiful. I climbed Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, Utah. Here it is from the ground.
I went with my best friend Christal, who flew in from Florida for the trip. We were accompanied by my work buddy Travis, who grew up in the mountains and climbs like a monkey. I’m so glad the good Lord blessed him with a sense of patience–because we were…well, slow. Or just “careful” as I like to call it. We were both a little nervous and a lot out of our environment at the start of the day–Travis took things a little lighter.
Regardless–it was about a 5,000 foot rock. The trail at the bottom started of with a gentle upgrade, harmless, running alongside the Virgin River.
The trail below
It was beautiful–and we eventually worked our way up to a spot called Walter’s wiggles. 21 VERY STEEP switch backs at about 15 yards a pop. From there, we climbed up to Scout’s Landing–a nice spot somewhere near the top of the tree line where you could turn back before the really cool part started.
About halfway up, before the rocks started
There, the trail turned into a mountain of rocks, with chains bolted in for people to hold onto. On either side in many cases, there was nothing but a sheer drop down the cliff face. The Virgin River–a good size river with rapids at eye level, turned into a little line thousands of feet down. The tour busses running through the park looked like matchbox toys. But the air–it was so clean, and the sky was so blue–not a cloud in sight.
Heading up the rocks
Long Way Down
We all made it to the very top, and the view was something I’ll never forget. Christal did a phenomenal job–despite her fear of heights. I was so proud. And up on that mountain, looking around at all of this beauty that I’d only seen in tv shows. It was so real–beauty everywhere we turned. The trip down the mountain–down the rocks, holding onto the chains, down the wiggles and the curves–led to a very surreal moment for me. Christal took my pack, and I ran the last mile off the mountain. It was mostly downhill, but there were a few uphill spots–and it was wild. The sun had dropped low enough that the canyon bottoms were in the shade, but the huge tops of the rock formations were bathed in golden sunlight. The river was back beside me, and all I could here were my footsteps, the sound of my breathing, and the rapids. We all met up at the bottom, played by the river, then enjoyed a beautiful outside dinner under the shadow of Zion. I’ll never forget the day.
The second big trip took me back home–well, sort of. Back to the ocean. Christal flew out and we took a short trip over to Huntington Beach, California. The drive took us through Death Valley, and some incredible mountainous terrain–probably the biggest mountains I’ve ever been in.
Finally–we got to the ocean. We stayed at the Hyatt Resort in Huntington for for two nights–and it was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered. I’d been to San Diego, but I’ve never been in the (cold) Pacific until that day. I got to get back out on my Custom X body board and ride the waves in the (cold) Pacific. My first trip out–I saw a dolphin surface about 10 feet in front of me. You can’t make this stuff up, people. We rented a cabana and two chairs, and had private beach butler service for the day–which meant we could stay hydrated and even eat lunch–without ever having to leave the ocean. They were the best fish tacos I’ve ever had–by far. A little sand and salt can only serve to make things better.
Home
Beach Butler service
We spent the rest of the time watching beautiful sunsets.
And getting cookie turndown service in our room.
And living the surfer lifestyle.
And unfortunatley–I don’t have a picture of the small child’s sandcastle Christal destroyed. Walking on the beach while trying to take pictures–when you’re coordinated challenged in the first place–can always make for a humours end. Fortunately, when she did fall in the sandcastle, the child didn’t cry–and even asked her if she was ok. Grace upon grace, I tell ya.
The weather was cold by Vegas standards–in the 80′s and 60′s, which meant I froze after living through the summer that has been 1000 degrees at least (or 112, but I never exaggerate.) And I cried when we left–but my time to return to the shore is coming. I just wonder who I’ll be and what I’ll be doing when that day comes. For now, I’m focusing on one day at a time–looking forward to the next wave caught or mountain climbed, and am so thankful I am getting a chance to live in the American West.
Palm tree from my pool
Vegas skyline
Vegas from roof
Great blog! I’m so blessed and thankful to have been able to share those adventures with you. I too have seen things I never thought I would ever see. I will remember and cherish these moments for the rest of my life. So thank you for the awesome memories and for being the bestest friend I could ever ask for! =)