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  • Salado Restaurant; An Elevated Twist on New Mexican Cuisine

    [***Update: As of August 4, 2024 Salado is no longer open. Best of luck to the owners on their next chapter…]

    Salado, located at an elevation of 9,953 feet in the historic mining town of Fairplay, Colorado.

    Salado brings flavor and flare to dusty, historic mining town.

    While adventuring in the Colorado mountains, the town of Fairplay has been a frequent base camp. I have been delighted to find a hidden gem in this historic mining town; a restaurant called Salado. The courtyard of Salado is reminiscent of Southwest adobe architecture and for a split second you might feel transported to the center of Santa Fe, NM rather than the middle of almost nowhere Colorado.

    Owners, Chad and Kristin Farr, work hard to provide creative dishes using local and fresh ingredients. It is evident that Chad (Owner/Chef) takes great pride in his presentation of each dish. The dinner menu seems to have a few staple entrees combined with a few rotating/seasonal dishes. They now serve both dinner and lunch.

    Pumpkin seed encrusted mahi, seasonal dish. Served with wild mushrooms and jasmine rice with poblano artichoke pernod cream sauce.

    For appetizers, I definitely recommend the cactus fries (not pictured) and/or the jalapeno poppers (pictured below). They also have a nice selection of regional craft beers or signature cocktails.

    Creative cocktails
    Jalapeno poppers! YUMMM

    The front of the house which consists of Kristin (Owner/Host) and several servers/bartender, are very friendly and welcoming. The quality of the service has always been warm and professional. The ambiance is clean, open, and modern.

    Comfy, sleek, and modern ambiance.

    Salado is a Spanish adjective that means “salty.” The next time you find yourself out on an adventure, and in need of some flavor, stop by Salado for some creative, flavorful cuisine!

    Venison Medallions with Prawns
    Quail (seasonal)
    Penne Palatki
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  • Scotts Bluff National Monument: A Place Where Several National Historic Trails Converge.

    Photo: Scotts Bluff National Monument, J. Foster 2023.

    Most roads can take you to where you want to go. But all roads- if you pause long enough to think about it-can carry you back in time.

    On a recent road trip to Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, Nebraska (only three hours northeast of Denver, Colorado), I stood at an intersection where several historic paths converge. Located within the ancestral homelands of the present-day Arapaho, Cheyenne, Pawnee, and Lakota are several geologic features that have stood as landmarks over the centuries.

    One such feature is now known as Scotts Bluff, named after Hiram Scott, who was a mid-level employee for the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. Although there are multiple histories as to his final days, it is said that Scott was on his way back from a fur trading rendezvous when he died near the bluff in 1828. By the time prairie schooners and covered wagons made their way to the area in 1830, the bluff was already known as Scotts Bluff.

    Photo: Approaching the tunnel, looking back towards the visitor center, J. Foster 2023.

    As settler colonialism dominated the 19th century, many people traveled west in search of land and farming opportunities. From 1841 to 1869 as many as 250,000 emigrants passed by Scotts Bluff. As you stand atop Scotts Bluff you can look in multiple directions and know that you are looking out at several of the famous emigrant overland trails: the Oregon National Historic Trail, the California National Historic Trail, the Mormon Pioneer National Historic Trail, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail (For more information about America’s historic trails, check out the National Historic Trail System website). Most of the above trails followed the same path as they traversed from Missouri or Kansas until they got to Wyoming, then they started to split off towards Oregon, California, or Utah. It was really interesting to stand in this spot and reflect on the history that surrounds this landscape.

    Hiking at Scotts Bluff National Monument

    The Saddle Rock Trail winds its way up and around to the summit of the bluff, and even has a short, hand-carved tunnel! (It is quite evident this tunnel was hand-carved; you can even see the finger marks throughout!) This hike is 3.2 miles roundtrip from the visitor center. As you climb to the summit, the views of the bluff and the valley are constantly changing. There’s also a nice audio tour along the trail, which provides tidbits of history as you hike (cell phone required).

    Photo: Audio tour stop along the Saddle Rock Trail, J. Foster 2023.

    Hikes that originate on top of the bluff:

    North Overlook Trail originates at the northeast corner of the summit parking lot. This half mile trail consists of a nice overlook of the North Platte River Valley, including the towns of Gering and Scottsbluff.

    South Overlook Trail starts at the southeast corner of the summit parking lot. This short asphalt path leads to views of remnants of the Oregon Trail, Mitchell Pass, and the Visitor Center.

    Photo: Entrance to Scotts Bluff Summit Road, J. Foster 2023.

    Driving the Scotts Bluff Summit Road:

    Scotts Bluff Summit Road is a 1.6 mile drive to the top of Scotts Bluff. The road is only open during the day (hours vary by season). Trailers and vehicles longer than 25 feet and higher than 11ft, 7 in. are prohibited.

    Safety Tips:

    • Be aware of changing weather patterns
    • Bring water and sunscreen
    • Be aware of prairie rattlesnakes in the area. Do not let small children wander away from you. Stay on paved trails.

    Junior Rangers Wanted

    Learners of all ages can earn a Jr. Ranger badge! Ask at the visitor center!
    Photo: A hiker on the way to the top!
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  • She’s Fly: A Fly Fishing Company Empowering Women To Be Their Own Guide

    Gear table with She’s Fly logo.

    She’s Fly is a woman-owned and operated business based in Northern Colorado, that offers fly fishing clinics, retreats, and gear made specifically for women. Owner/Founder, Dylan Demery began fly fishing as a way of processing the loss of her husband, to feel close to him. Now, she and Co-Founder Emily Anderson teach the basics of fly fishing in hopes of empowering other women to feel confident casting their own lines out in the water.

    I recently attended a Ladies’ Fly Fishing Basics Clinic hosted by She’s Fly and Sweet Heart Winery, in Loveland, Colorado. I have always wanted to learn the basics and this three-hour clinic was a perfect introduction. It was evident that Dylan and Emily feel at ease with a rod and reel and have found their niche in the art of fly fishing.

    Practicing the clinch knot.

    We began by learning the anatomy of a rod (e.g. reel, line, leader, tippet). This was the first time I had ever heard of the word tippet–I was definitely a newbie. We learned how to tie a surgeon’s knot, for when you need to secure your leader to the tippet. And then we practiced what Dylan and Emily said was the most popular knot for securing your fly: the clinch knot (see above photo).

    After practicing a few different knots, we discussed gear basics such as: rod/reel, forceps, nippers, and the importance of using a silicone–not nylon–net (for the safety of the fish). Then we moved into more serious gear options like waders, sun protection gloves, and other accessories. She’s Fly offers a nice woman’s vest from Summer & Co. to help hold your tools, along with some other “fly” gear.

    Owner/Founder: Dylan Demery (left) and Co-Founder: Emily Anderson (right).

    We ventured outside and Emily demonstrated three different casting techniques. (Side note: it is not exactly how Brad Pitt did it in A River Runs Through It). The main take away from this demonstration was: less wrist!… allow your wrist and arm and rod to become one entity as you move/extend back and forth. We practiced casting into a small cone inside of a hula hoop that was on the ground. This was very helpful!

    Later, Dylan shared about river etiquette and how to read a river. She encouraged us to take a look at the macroinvertebrates beside, on top, and even under the rocks inside the riverbed–these might be an indicator of what the fish are looking for. “Match the hatch” was her motto.

    “You can’t not be present when you’re fly fishing.” -Dylan Demery

    She’s Fly: fly box

    Upcoming She’s Fly Events:

    The next Ladies Fly Fishing Basics is coming up on April 16, 2023. Clinic size is limited for a smaller class experience. Get your tickets and reservations here.

    She’s Fly is a local partner for the upcoming Fly Fishing Film Tour, a traveling film festival showcasing the best films about fly fishing! They have stops all over the country! Coloradoans: they will have stops in Denver, Boulder, Steamboat Springs, and Fort Collins. For tickets or more information click here.

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  • Redwood National and State Parks: Like Nowhere Else on Earth

    Entrance to Mill Creek Campground at Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. (Photo: J.Foster, 2021)

    There is an ancient sliver of land in the northern most region of California (often called the northern, northern of California) that is unlike anywhere else in the world. It is a region, like Narnia, that once you step inside—beckons your imagination and awakens your soul to nature’s mysterious and magical side.

    It is home to the tallest trees in the world. Contained in its canopy and understory are other layers of life and biodiversity. There is a reason movies like E.T., Star Wars, and Jurassic Park were filmed nearby; it is both ancient and other-worldly. Bright yellow banana slugs slowly glide along the red mulched earth. Rumors of the endangered northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet speak of their existence in the towering canopy. Ferns, redwood sorrel, western hemlock, and neon moss wrapped around maple trees also compose this fairyland scenery. It is a place of beauty and resilience.

    The place I am referring to is Redwood National and State Parks.

    Currently, it is the only National Park that is comprised of three State Parks (e.g. Jedediah Smith State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park). The park is managed as two regions: the northern region (Crescent City, CA) and the southern region (Orick, CA). The park tells the story of how different agencies came together to help protect the remaining 4% of the world’s coastal redwoods. The coastal redwood (sequoia semperviren) is a different species than the giant sequoias (sequoiadendron giganteum). The coastal redwoods are the tallest (reaching up to 380 feet sometimes!!) and the giant sequoias are generally the largest by volume/width. (Although there are some coastal redwoods that can rival the giant sequoias).  The third species of redwood is the dawn redwood found in parts of Asia (metasequoia glyptostrobeoides).

    Redwoods draped in mystique near Last Chance Grade, along the Redwood Highway/U.S. 101 (Photo: J.Foster, 2021)

    I worked one summer as a campground ranger for Redwood National and State Parks and one of the things I enjoyed most was feeling like I was living on the edge of the world. The jagged coastal cliffs with tide pools and amazing sunsets to the west…. and the deep, fog-soaked redwood canopy situated along the redwood highway just a few minutes inland.

    After living and working in the dense tall forest, I sometimes felt like my own taproot was competing with the other living things for sunlight and chlorophyl. I would often seek the openness and light from the Pacific at the end of the day.

    Pacific Coast View, (Photo: J. Foster, 2021)

    One of the many things I appreciate about Redwood National and State Parks is that the California State Parks and the National Park Service continue efforts to restore the redwood forest from generations of logging and land degradation. They are working to improve vital watershed areas, coastal ecosystems, and they continue to protect these sacred trees and their habitat.

    If you would like to learn more about how you can help save the redwoods, please check out the Redwoods Rising program through Save The Redwoods League.

    Banana slug (ariolimax columbianus) gliding on the forest floor. (Photo: J. Foster)

    Things to do in the Northern District of Redwoods National and State Parks:

    Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is a must see when in the Crescent City area of RNSP. You really can’t go wrong with any hike in the Jedediah Smith area. This particular park contains 7% of all the old-growth redwoods in the RNSP system. Therefore, you are quite literally surrounded by ancient giants.

    One of the best treats located in the area of Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is the Smith River. It is the only undammed river in all of California, its emerald waters flow freely from the Klamath Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. It is truly one of the most beautiful rivers in the country! You can experience the river from Jedediah Smith Campground or Day Use area (there is an $8 entrance fee). During the summer, a footbridge connects Jed Smith Campground to Stout Grove. I definitely recommend hiking from the Jed Smith Day Use area through the campground to the bridge. (Check the park website for opening dates of the footbridge).

    During the summer, a footbridge connects Jed Smith Campground to Stout Grove, over the Smith River (Photo: J. Foster)

    Hikes:

    Stout Grove Trail

    Stout Grove Trail (if you park in the parking area off of Howland Hill Road) is a 0.6 mile loop. It is a short hike but offers amazing views of magnificent coastal redwoods. I guarantee anyone over the age of thirty will feel like you are on the planet Endor, as you await ewoks and storm troopers to jump out at any turn. You can also walk down to the Smith River and see the river as it cuts through the redwood forest.

    Simpson Reed Grove Trail

    Another great family-friendly hike is the Simpson Reed Trail. This is a 0.9 loop trail and like many of the other hikes in this area–superb redwood forest scenery!

    Boy Scout Tree Trail

    For those looking for a longer hike, check out the Boy Scout Tree trail, 5.5 miles out and back. This trail has plenty of old-growth trees and a small waterfall just a little beyond the Boy Scout Tree.

    Grove of the Titans

    This trail just recently opened to the general public. There are trees on this hike that will blow your mind and leave you awestruck. I am not going to say any more than that because sometimes you just need to be surprised and explore for yourself. (Another great asset of this park is that it hasn’t yet lost all of its mystery. I pray it never will.)

    Important: please stay on the metal boardwalks that you find along this trail. They are there to protect the root systems of these magnificent trees.

    Scenic Views:

    Howland Hill Road (Scenic Drive)

    One of my favorite scenic drives in all of the Redwood National and State Parks region is Howland Hill Road. It is a 10 mile, ONE WAY (although you will often find people going in both directions, but it is very narrow and meant to be one way) dirt road that starts in Crescent City and meanders through Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park (ending at HWY 199, near Hiouchi). There are several areas to pull over and hike/explore and meet up with trail heads. Be advised: No RV’s or trailers are allowed on Howland Hill Road.

    Howland Hill Road, a dusty adventurous tour through the redwoods!

    Enderts Beach Road to Crescent Beach Overlook

    For one of the best sunset views head over to the Crescent Beach Overlook off of Enderts Beach Road. There is a small parking area with a picnic spot that overlooks an awesome stretch of Crescent Beach. If the weather is right, you will not be disappointed! Also, watch out for elk when driving near Enderts Beach Road–they are often spotted crossing the road in this area.

    Sunset View from Crescent Beach Overlook, Enderts Beach Road. (Video: J. Foster)

    Local Fare:

    SeaQuake Brewing

    You can’t visit Crescent City, CA without stopping at Seaquake Brewing! After a day of hiking treat yourself to one of the best burgers on the West Coast (the 9.2 burger, named after the earthquake and subsequent tsunami of 1964)! Or try one of their signature IPA’s! This is definitely one of the best restaurants in town! SeaQuake Brewing, 400 Front St., Crescent City, CA.

    Visitor Centers/Campgrounds in the Northern District:

    Visitor Centers in the Crescent City area:

    Hiouchi Visitor Center (1600 US-199, Crescent City, CA 95531) It is located in between the town of Hiouchi and the Jed Smith Campground/Day Use area. It is easy to miss if you are speeding by….

    Crescent City Visitor Center/NPS Visitor Center (1111 2nd St., Crescent City, CA 95531) It is located near downtown Crescent City.

    RNSP Campgrounds in the northern district:

    Mill Creek Campground at Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park

    Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

    For more information regarding camping reservations click HERE.

    During the summertime, camping reservations are highly encouraged!

    One of the best moments of my life, exploring Redwood National and State Parks, (Photo: J.Foster)

    Things to do in the Southern District of Redwood National and State Parks:

    Hiking:

    Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail

    In 1968 Redwood National Park was established to protect the remaining redwood forest from clear cut logging practices. Lady Bird Johnson Grove is the dedication site and was named by President Nixon in honor of the former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson for her conservation efforts (1969).

    The trail is a 1.5 mile loop and has a nice selection of old-growth redwoods (some with burned out areas known as “goose pens” where early inhabitants kept geese). One of the hobbies I enjoyed while exploring Redwood National and State Parks was trying to learn the various fern species. Did you know there are over 345 species of fern in North America? See how many various fern species you can find on this trail.

    Fern Canyon

    This is a really cool hike.

    However, it comes with some important rules/regulations/information. As of 2022, between the months of May -September you MUST have a PERMIT to access the Gold Bluffs Beach Day Use area (which is where you park to access the Fern Canyon Trailhead). Click HERE for more information on how to get your parking permit/reservation.

    Also, be aware that Davison Road is a narrow, steep, bumpy road not suitable for RVs/trailers. Depending on the time of year/weather there is also a possibility of one or two river crossing areas that are not good for low clearance vehicles. Check the park website for more up to date road conditions.

    Fern Canyon Trail, (Photo: J. Foster, 2021)

    From the trailhead walk a little until you get to the mouth of the canyon. Then proceed upstream for about a half mile. At this point you will see a more traditional type of trail wind uphill, meeting up with the James Irvine Trail. To make it a loop, take the trail to the left (you are now up above the streambed in which you just hiked) and walk back towards the beach, eventually ending up where you began–at the mouth of the canyon. There are other trail options in this area so pay attention to trail signs to be sure you are taking the route you want.

    Fun fact: Fern Canyon was featured in Jurassic Park 2, The Lost World. It is a unique hike, walking in a shallow streambed with walls made of ferns….it really did feel like something out of a movie!

    Prairie Creek Visitor Center and Trailheads

    The Prairie Creek Visitor Center has several trailheads right outside the doors with varying skill levels and lengths. If you are short on time, stop and have a picnic at the visitor center and then choose a short hike nearby. Several short hikes to choose from: Redwood Access and Revelation Trails (1.2 miles), Elk Prairie Loop (2.8 miles), or take a short drive to Big Tree (2 minute walk from Big Tree parking lot). For a longer hike, the James Irvine and Miner’s Ridge Loop (7.2 miles).

    Scenic Drives:

    Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway

    This 10 mile stretch of road takes you through a scenic drive of redwood forest. Several pull out spots and trailheads are along the way. If you have the time, this is a much better option than taking US 101, if your objective is scenery.

    Black bear near Bald Hills Road, (Photo: J.Foster)

    Visitor Centers/Campgrounds in the Southern District:

    Visitor Centers:

    Prairie Creek Visitor Center (US Highway 101, off the southern end of the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway)

    Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center (US Highway 101 just south of Orick, CA)

    Campgrounds:

    Elk Prairie Campground (located within Prairie Creek Redwoods SP)

    Gold Bluffs Campground (located within Prairie Creek Redwoods SP)

    For more information about camping reservations click HERE.

    Coastal Redwoods, (Photo: J.Foster)

    A trip to Redwood National and State Parks is truly an unforgettable experience. Today, most of us are surrounded by concrete or agriculture. Why not surround yourself with an ancient primeval redwood forest adventure?

    Tips:

    Parking

    Parking within Redwood National and State Parks can be very limited due to the growing trend of visitation to our NPS sites. Trailheads and Day Use areas can be very congested. Remember RV and trailer parking is even more limited outside of the campground areas.

    Safety

    Remember to keep your valuables out of sight and/or with you when parked at trailheads.

    Tide Pools

    The best time to look for tide pools is when the tide chart predicts negative numbers. The lower the number, the better chance for tide pools. Be aware of weather and possibility of rogue waves. The beaches along Crescent City are a good spot for exploring tide pools.

    Poison Oak

    Be aware that there is poison oak in areas. Be careful if you find yourself wanting to hug various trees as poison oak can be wrapped around the tree in vine-like fashion.

    Elk

    Be cautious when driving through the park as herds of elk are often present near or even in the road at times.

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  • Radish and Rye: New Mexican Fare With an Amazing Whiskey Menu.

    Radish & Rye located in Santa Fe, NM

    On a recent trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico I had one of the most enjoyable dining experiences of recent years. After a brief Google search, I found that Radish & Rye had many great reviews and a savory food and drink menu. So, we took a chance and made reservations. As we entered, the ambiance felt intimate and upscale. The hostess and waiter were both quite friendly and seemed eager to accompany us on this new foodie adventure.

    The bourbon lover in me immediately noticed the extensive and high-quality bourbon, whiskey, and rye list! They also offer flight menus! I tried the flight from Buffalo Trace so that I could taste the Eagle Rye and Elmer T. Lee for the first time. I felt like we were back on the bourbon trail with such an exciting and stellar bourbon list!

    Radish & Rye, Whiskey/Bourbon Flights

    We love the farm to table mission and philosophy to seek locally sourced agriculture. The menu had a handful of offerings for each of the categories: appetizers, entrees, desserts. The vibe felt almost like a take on New Mexican soul food. It was perfect! We ordered the pan fried trout with a green chili corn bake (doesn’t that sound like a mixture of New Mexico and the southeast?) and the blackened snapper. Both were full of flavor and prepared just right. It’s no surprise that we later learned Chef Dru Ruebush won “2022 Best Chef in Santa Fe” by Edible New Mexico. Everything about our visit this particular evening felt like it was meant for us–even the music playlist kept playing songs that we loved. Some nights are just magical. Our evening at Radish & Rye was exactly that.

    Left: Pan fried trout with green chili corn bake
    Right: Blackened snapper

    So, if you are interested in one of the best full-service dining experiences Santa Fe has to offer, or you just want to try a well-crafted cocktail…find your way to Radish & Rye!

    Reservations encouraged.

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  • Hiking the Narrows: A Refresher Course on Life

    By: Jessie Foster

    Photos: Rebekah Sorkin

      

    Heading into the Narrows

    Several months ago, my hiking buddy and I began planning an epic road trip from Denver, CO to Mt. Carmel, UT with the Narrows as the ultimate goal. Located within Zion National Park, the Narrows is a high-walled canyon where the Virgin River flows through. Hikers literally traverse the river on either a half-day, up and back (which does not require a permit) or a top-down hike (which does require a permit and a lot more time). Upon leaving Denver, we took the southern route going down through southwest Colorado and up through southeastern Utah.

    After preparing our dry bags and finalizing our footwear choices, we entered Zion National Park. We parked at the Visitor Center and waited for the park shuttle to transport us to the Temple of Sinawava, the last stop on the line. This stop is where the Riverwalk Trail begins, a paved trail shrouded in lush habitation that follows the Virgin River and eventually leads into a deep, narrow canyon. Thus, the Narrows hike begins.  

    We arrived at the trailhead at 10:30a.m, an hour and a half later than we intended but it did not deter us. Eight hours later, at 6:30pm, we arrived back where we started. Those eight hours spent hiking over rocks and small boulders, through a steady river flow taught me a lot about myself. It also reaffirmed several key lessons about life.

    The processes of life are all around us.

    At the very start of our hike, just after the first bend in the river, we started to smell an alarmingly foul smell. I started having conversations with myself about how over-used such trails and parks have become, chalking up the odor to people not packing out their human waste. However, as I looked down and to the left, inside one of the first carved out openings that set back from the water there were maggots on the bottom of the rock wall. Of course, maggots symbolize death so as Rebekah and I looked to see what was decaying, we quickly saw the remains of a dead, rotting deer.  I imagine that the poor thing must have wandered into the canyon and got swept away by a flash flood, coming to rest where we now stood. This was not the most pleasant way to start our adventure but later on in the day this experience took on new meaning, almost as clear as an Aesop fable.  

    Throughout the hike we were surrounded constantly by three elements: rock, sand, and water. The entire canyon was a visual reminder of process, change, and the power of water. We observed the way the canyon walls curved and were carved, the way some rocks were smooth and others porous (Rebekah’s favorite word) from water’s presence. What is life but time and pressure? What is life but the processes of burgeoning and decaying?  At the very end of our awesome journey, as we walked with sore hips and tight quads back to the shuttle, we came across a large deer feeding on the bushes about six feet away from us. This lone deer noticed us and continued to feed on leaves, letting us watch. It was a striking end to the day…beginning the trek with death at our feet and ending the day with life and nourishment. The cycles of life are all around us.  

    As we rode the shuttle back to the Visitor Center, I couldn’t help but overhear the people next to us. A lady who looked in her early forties, who was from Michigan, was talking with a woman in her sixties about all of the National Parks they have seen and hikes they still want to do. When the subject of retirement came up, the younger woman stated, “I think you just have to do it now. We aren’t promised retirement. You never know how much time you have.” 

    The deer we saw at the end of our journey.

    New Adventures Create Opportunities to Conquer Self-doubt…

    As eager and excited as I was to participate in this uniquely beautiful and slightly challenging hike, I had moments of wondering if I was overestimating my abilities. Of course, taking a self-assessment is wise when undertaking such adventures but sometimes our inner critic can often judge too harshly.  

    During the hike there were moments when my anxiety reared its head. Moments when a three feet width of river suddenly started to cause me panic (even hours into the hike, after already trekking through rushing portions of the same current). At times the dialogue in my head began asking such questions as: Am I going to fall? Can I make it? But I reminded myself that not only can I do this but, in fact, have been doing it for a few hours now.  

    Up to my neck (almost ) in the Narrows.

    I remember reading some of the writings of Chris McCandless in my favorite book Into The Wild where he wrote:

    ”…And I also know how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong but to feel strong, to measure yourself at least once in the most ancient of human conditions, facing blind, deaf stone alone, with nothing to help you but your own hands and your own head.” 

    I took a deep breath and cautiously but with determination put one foot in front of the other, giving a silent middle finger to the voices of self-doubt. The feeling of accomplishment I felt as we walked out of the Narrows will stick with me the rest of my life. 

     

    Adventures are better when shared.

    Friends and hiking companions.

    Continuing the theme of Chris McCandless writings, he wrote in his journal toward the end of his life: “happiness is only real when shared.” And I must concur. 

    I’ve always been an independent person (mostly) and I have done solo hikes and solo trips before. But there is something about having a friend or fellow traveler along that makes the moments richer and altogether more fun. I mean, every few minutes while hiking the Narrrows we had to stop and just say out loud, “Whoa! Look at the beauty” or some variation thereof. I imagine if either of us had been hiking solo people would of thought us mad, as we stopped to proclaim the beauty so exuberantly before us.  

    But seriously, the laughs, the talks, and the shared experiences add to the enjoyment of the journey. And such is life….But even more, there will always be another soul with flesh on somewhere on this spinning globe that will know exactly what I mean when I say: remember when?  

    One hike: two different experiences.

    The half-day, bottom up hike is one where you can only hike so far before you have to turn around and head back the same way you came (unless you have a special permit). On the way up the Narrows the sun was shining mostly directly down upon us. The canyon was bright and sunbeams danced all around us. On the return hike, the sun was less direct and the canyon became less illuminated. Thus, the canyons own natural colors became more visible. The river became more greenish-blue. Instead of sunbeams dancing it was now shadows that danced before us. Both directions were beautiful. Both directions offered different experiences; something I wasn’t expecting.  

    I am reminded that sometimes I miss things the first time around.  

    Sometimes I misjudge people. Sometimes I turn off my mind before the ride is over. Or I close my eyes before the real performance begins. If I had kept my eyes down on the return hike, thinking that I had seen it all before, I would have missed out on the canyon’s true beauty. 

     I must remember to keep my eyes open. And to remember that the elements of surprise and wonder may just be around the corner…even if it is a path I have already journeyed.  

    Sometimes it is helpful to plan your steps. Sometimes it is helpful to go with the flow.  

    The river showed me things about myself.  

    Besides bringing to the surface bits of self-doubt it also showed me parts of my personality and that of my hiking buddy.  

    Ready to walk through the river!

    There were numerous times when we had to criss-cross the river due to boulders or one side being more or less rushing than the other. About twenty minutes into the hike I began to develop my own system of navigating the hike for myself. I would look upstream and see what was coming and where the white water was so that I could go around (if possible) the more powerful currents. The river became like a chess board as I tried to think two steps ahead. My hiking buddy was fearless. I noticed her several times taking on the river in sections where I chose to go to the left but she was chill with going to the right side. She was spontaneous and fierce; taking the river as it came to her.  

    I believe life is best lived when balanced between these two approaches: planning and spontaneity. I must be mindful of how I tread and yet if I try to plan out every step I will certainly take all of the joy out of life (not to mention be very frustrated when unforeseen events occur). I must also learn to go with the flow.  

    Like the river, I must remember that I am strong. But I must learn to bend. It is okay to have both deep and shallow moments. And it is okay to let people in. 

    The beauty of the Narrows…

    (This post was originally shared on my older blog: www.DenverExcursions.Blogspot.com. I have revised it and added more photos since the original post).

    TIPS:

    *For lodging the night before the Narrows, we camped at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort about an hour northeast of Springdale, Utah. Highly recommend!

    *A lot of people have asked what footwear to use while doing this water hike. It is a bit unconventional, but I wore a pair of wool socks and old tennis shoes. I did not want my toes to get stuck between any rocks that were under the water. This worked really well. I also recommend hiking poles for certain sections of the hike.

    *Do your due diligence and monitor the weather. You do not want to be in a slot canyon during a rain/flood event. Late spring/early summer worked well for us, having less monsoon rain. But definitely be aware of the weather for whatever day(s) you go.

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  • Bent’s Old Fort and Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Sites

    Entrance to Old Bent’s Fort

    Situated along the Old Santa Fe Trail, in present day La Junta, Colorado, is a reconstructed trading post where at one time mountain men, various Indigenous tribes, Mexicans, and Anglos converged. Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site was the main trading grounds for the Bent, St. Vrain Co., it was a multi-cultural hub during the mid-1800s and not uncommon to hear a handful of different languages spoken on the property. During its prime, the dealings at the fort actually impacted global economics. Bent’s Old Fort represents a unique time in borderlands and American West history.

    Interior galley, inside of the fort

    We visited for the first time during their limited candlelight tours, which usually take place a couple of weekends in December. (Tickets are required). During this special tour, volunteer living history reenactors help to make history come alive. The fort was beautiful by candlelight, as shadows flickered and lurked along the interior/exterior walls. 

    Storage room, fur trading room

    Earlier in the day we visited the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site, located in Eads, Colorado (1.5 hours east of Bent’s Old Fort). This is a sobering and moving memorial to the Cheyenne and Arapaho individuals who died during the American Indian Wars. Chief Black Kettle flew the American Flag and a white flag, as a sign of peace. However, General Chivington of the 1st Colorado Infantry (Volunteers) and 3rd Regiment of Colorado Cavalry ignored the peace signs, ordering an attack. Most of the casualties were of women, children, and elderly. 

    Entrance to Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site

    The park is completely an outdoor experience designed to be a walking tour. There is a small mobile unit set up for visitor contact and small bookstore. The park is isolated and remote but honors a significant moment in Colorado history. I’m glad I was finally able to make my way here. 

    It is a long, dusty drive to see these two sites (we had fun dodging tumbleweeds along the way), so I definitely recommend making an overnight trip. If you want a place to stay not too far from the fort, I suggest KOA Journey in La Junta, CO. It was clean, close, and had an adorable caboose to rent for a night! The interior of the caboose looked practically new and was designed with an eye for detail and an artsy vibe.  

    We had so much fun!

    KOA Journey office, La Junta, CO
    The Caboose where we stayed–and LOVED it!

    *This post was taken from my former blog (www.denverexcursions.blogspot.com). I am in the process of migrating my old blog to this new site.

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