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Matt here.I am not one for a simple "This is what I did today" post. Sometimes my posts turn out that way, but I am not a big fan. I wish I could convey something insightful or inspiring with every post, but most of the time, I fail in this endeavor (thus the lack of posts). I like substance and ideas. Not simply 'this is what I ordered off the menu...'
My father is awesome at writing with a message. He maintains a daily journal that is always fascinating to read. Nothing can happen during a day but in his writings such events are always interesting and captivating.
Last week, we hiked a vigorous trail up Bell's Canyon. This is my father's account:
"Oh I hurt! I get up, I hurt! I walk, I hurt! From the waist down I just hurt!
Matt was set on a hike yesterday and pressed me into service. 8:30AM he, Alex, Isaac and I found the Little Cottonwood Trailhead to Bells Canyon, and with sticks to steady, we started up. Above the first switchbacks vistas open and we spot five deer, at least one with a large rack. We pause only momentarily at the reservoir, then I detour us on to the "romantic" route around the lake and up to the water diversion facility. The trail is far to the north but we stay south on the stream, flounder and explore until just below the upper bridge where we get back on the trail.
Ever upward over the bolder strewn route, frequent pauses, "how much further?" --this is a climb, not a hike! Steeper, longer, aches, rests... Alex never tires, Matt leads, Grampa uses Isaac as excuse to slow, wait, try again. We should be there! Isaac can't go further... streetches out, determined to wait our return. Matt goes ahead to explore -- 300, 500 yards, calls me twice on the cell-- to return? --push on? Then he finds the falls! Eureka! He yells encouragement down the canyon. Isaac hears his dad! ...draws new life, strength, determination... and leaves Grampa struggling in the rear.
The reward is breathtaking! We descend to the bottom of three sets of cascading falls --100 feet of plunging splendor! A thrilling reward! We pause and snack. The weather has been awesome-- cool and blue skies. We have phone signals and I report to Karen, but we still have a long way back-- a steep, rugged, bolder strewn retreat. I need sticks in both hands to steady my lunging steps. Knees, calves, thighs -- all hurt and ache, but we keep moving.
Alex is in total control and could have gone farther. Matt is strong and stable, but feeling his limits. Isaac is awesome! He pushed to the top, pranced back down, and all were waiting with the engine running when Grampa slithered out the bottom. We were all ready for the hot tub. I was still slow getting in and last out, but happy for the entire ordeal."
Oh my goodness the pictures on this post are amazing! I love the first 2 photos. WOW! I love hiking!
great pixs Matt. But how come you show none of the rigor and boulder-strewn climbs? You make it look so serene, but I suppose that's a better way to remember it.
Ya, don't you hate those poetic types who always can write with such enthusiasm and rhythm. I have a few of those in my family also...you put us all to shame grampajo.
Spectacular!
I bet you could spend hoours reading his journal entries and not get bored! I do think you follow in your fathers footsteps.
It was great to see you guys last week. Jen, you looked great. Can't wait to hear the fun posts on dealing with twins!!