Saturday 8 November 2014

Zion national park - the Narrows

The Narrows Trailhead
As they say in big bad USofA, I'm cowboy camping. Meaning under the stars. Although I'm under 4 layers. Cloudless sky, my nooky nicely protected from the wind.  . Under the canyon rock face. Camp site 9. It is loooverly. So far. Camping at zion with tarp on. Was very cold indeed. Icy wind. Blowing under the closed side. No wind in number 9. Did wake up at 3 ish. Added on the down jacket. No 9 got cold.

Cold!





This is everything I expect in the way of spectacular canyon walls. Didn't expect the water to be so freezing. Took a picture of a little Eddie,  on the side of the bank. It still had ice on the surface. That was 1 PM.  tried to stay out for as long as possible. Soon it be came impossible. So stomping through with gay abandonment. 

In fact I knew all that conquistadorsing in the Pungwe would find its use. Not that I was on my arse. Just navigating the river. What rocks to stand on which to avoid. Must have cross that River a hundred times.
It's magic how this River closes in. From wide open to a narrow cutting through the rock. I may have paid more attention in geography if this is what Mr Parker droned on about. 

Took me forever to pack up that morning. Packing the kitchen, the bedroom, the daily ritual, first time used a poop bag. Gotta pack it all out of the Narrows you know. After all last thing you want to see as you stomp through the river is a floater pass you by. Left to the last, put the wet and Icy cold socks, Neoprene socks and boots back on. Ouch.
Actually ended up hiring some you bueat fancy canyoning boots. Was a little circumspect, have to say they drained brilliantly and the traction on them rocks was reassuring. Hired from zion adventure Co. Same guys that gave me the ride to the top of the river, Chamberlain ranch, that d being the start point. With a cool guy, Cam, an accountant, corporate refugee. Now a canyoner. Now poor but happy!



Most of the second day was stomping through the river. Either the feet had become acclimatised or the water was warmer. Either way less numbness.
You knew you were coming to the end when you saw day hikers coming up.
And for the weight watchers; was happy to get the pack weight down 10.4kg. And that included the Neoprene bottoms and top. Had 2 litres of water. Figured don't need much. Readily available, after treating of course.
All in all a euphoric experience. Seriously awesome.