Plan Plan Plan

My life is kind of boring lately (if you don’t count all the frustration I have had with my medical insurance lately -> maybe more on that later).

But I am not complaining about the boring because it is going to get real busy quickly and I need to put all this work in now to have an enjoyable time during my scheduled sabbatical.

Sabbatical you ask? Yes I kind of left my job of 18 years. Instead of going back to work right away I decided to take some time off and deplete my savings. How long I will be gone is up in the air at this point. All I know is I am starting in Europe and making my way around the world as long as I can.

For now it is all business – making sure cobra is lined up for emergencies (been a nightmare), get in physical shape in order to handle the stress of traveling (lots of gym time), and to plan my travels (coffee in the morning with kitty). I don’t want to plan every moment in advance but at least for the first month or so I want to ensure clean and safe places to sleep every night. Once I get my groove I may wing it a bit more.

My life is kind of scary and unknown at this point but I really don’t see any other path for me so I have to take it.

I’ll try to blog as I can but most of my posts will be after the fact for obvious reasons. If you are a friend who would like to reach out to me real time then drop me an email. See you later!

Narrows River Hike – Zion

Last fall my aunt was very sick in Las Vegas. Another aunt and I were out to visit to help take care of things while she was being treated. Times got very stressful so my aunt suggested I disappear for a couple days and hike the Narrows River at Zion National Park.

So I decided to get some water shoes, borrow my aunts hiking stuff and head out there for an overnight.

The drive to Hurricane Utah wasn’t too bad except it was boring and you have to watch your speed since you frequently pass by small town speed traps along the way.

I was happy to settle down at my sleepy motel.

I started early the next day to give myself time to figure things out. Most importantly I needed a map and to check what the flash flood forecast looks like for the day.

What you are essentially doing is hiking in a river in a canyon. The river can be shallow or deep in many places. I have been told the water can even be over your head in some places so you are essentially swimming.

I must have picked the perfect day to visit. Little threat of rain and the river level was low. In fact, the worst I had was up to my waist.

Be sure to not bring anything you don’t want destroyed by water and/or have dry bags.

Once you take the long shuttle ride there is about a mile hike to the river.

Jump right in, the water is fine.

The hike can be done in a day (up and back) or multiple days with camping (permit required). I had a guide to how far I could go before I should turn back but I ended up just turning back based on time. I expected to drive back to Las Vegas that evening so I hiked two hours up and two hours back. Not quite sure how far I ended up.

It was amazing experience. The weather was perfect, the river was perfect. I am so glad I got to sneak off to do the hike. If the stars align for you when you are in Zion then do it!