Capitol Reef Field Station: Day Two
A good night sleep does one well. After getting some good sleep and staying toasty warm through the night, we a woke before 8 am to get a great start to the day. We had wonderful pancakes and hash-browns with tasty orange juice.
Getting our gear together and putting on multiple layers to stay warm and to later shed only took a few minuets. Our first destination of the day was Cassidy Arch. It was a beautiful three and half mile hike. We gained high altitude as we looked at the wonderful and breath taking surroundings of great red rocks and many different layers of strata. At first the hike was surprisingly intense after the first 45 minuets, it calmed down quite a lot, becoming less physically intense.
After attempting artificial suicides of the beautiful arch, we enjoyed the peaceful ability to soak in nature. The return part of the hike provided a wonderful discussion on the history of language and the integration of other languages into the U.S. We then ventured into the supposed hide out of Butch Cassidy.
Butch Cassidy sure got a work out getting to his cave and supposed arch. We went over huge rocks, under trees, and through big bushes. We arrived at a wonderful cave filled with sand and brought adventure to the mind as I thought about the possible activities that were engaged in.
We all met up for a terrific lunch on the side of the road. I must admit I looked quite silly as I preformed random movements in front of the group to stay warm, even with my six layers on. I looked much like a giant marshmallow who shouldn't have been able to move my arms whatsoever. Getting back into the vehicles we went and visited the location of a dinosaur bone sight.
Seeing the dinosaur bones still stuck in the stone preserved as it was found, all naturally was beautiful and very touching. I was fascinated . I began to think of what the dinosaur may have looked like, how big its family was, what did it do on a daily basis, and lastly how did it loose its life. It was an emotional opportunity to become connected to the nature I was surrounded by.
We ventured on to a man made waterfall due to a high way being put into the park making travel more convenient and saving over a mile and a half of driving time. It was amazing to see how the water had carved out its new home so well. The rocks became smooth and the path was unblocked allowing a smooth trail to cut through the rocks.
I got in the car after and could not for the life of me keep my eyes open. I quickly fell asleep. Later we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and great conversation as two of the local town folk came up to discuss oral histories and the best way to preserve Wayne Counties history. Somehow in the midst of all that we decided to go for a late night and pitch black hike using only the moonlight and stars to guide us. It was breath taking.
I began the hike looking once again, like a marshmallow but quickly having to remove layers. The night was perfect! Not too cold or warm. The moonlight bathed the red rock causing it to become a totally different colors. We were left with a stunning master piece by mother nature. The rocks took on almost a white glowing essence in the moonlight. We hiked for quite awhile visiting a water pocket, a bridge, and a once waterfall.
We ended by doing a solo walk for about 100 meters perhaps less. We individually walked in sheer silence through a canyon lit with glowing moonlight providing solitude, peace, and a beautiful oneness with nature. As I walked I thought of the people that had gone here long before me. About the amazing Indians, the out laws, the wars between the Indians and the White man. I thought of what they considered precious and sacred to their heritage. I thought of what I valued most, of my life long dreams, and of my goals. I thought of where I've been and what I've done. Who I am becoming and what I will become. It was awe inspiring.
After returning to the field station I immediately hit the sack to sweet and peaceful dreams.
Getting our gear together and putting on multiple layers to stay warm and to later shed only took a few minuets. Our first destination of the day was Cassidy Arch. It was a beautiful three and half mile hike. We gained high altitude as we looked at the wonderful and breath taking surroundings of great red rocks and many different layers of strata. At first the hike was surprisingly intense after the first 45 minuets, it calmed down quite a lot, becoming less physically intense.
After attempting artificial suicides of the beautiful arch, we enjoyed the peaceful ability to soak in nature. The return part of the hike provided a wonderful discussion on the history of language and the integration of other languages into the U.S. We then ventured into the supposed hide out of Butch Cassidy.
Butch Cassidy sure got a work out getting to his cave and supposed arch. We went over huge rocks, under trees, and through big bushes. We arrived at a wonderful cave filled with sand and brought adventure to the mind as I thought about the possible activities that were engaged in.
We all met up for a terrific lunch on the side of the road. I must admit I looked quite silly as I preformed random movements in front of the group to stay warm, even with my six layers on. I looked much like a giant marshmallow who shouldn't have been able to move my arms whatsoever. Getting back into the vehicles we went and visited the location of a dinosaur bone sight.
Seeing the dinosaur bones still stuck in the stone preserved as it was found, all naturally was beautiful and very touching. I was fascinated . I began to think of what the dinosaur may have looked like, how big its family was, what did it do on a daily basis, and lastly how did it loose its life. It was an emotional opportunity to become connected to the nature I was surrounded by.
We ventured on to a man made waterfall due to a high way being put into the park making travel more convenient and saving over a mile and a half of driving time. It was amazing to see how the water had carved out its new home so well. The rocks became smooth and the path was unblocked allowing a smooth trail to cut through the rocks.
I got in the car after and could not for the life of me keep my eyes open. I quickly fell asleep. Later we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and great conversation as two of the local town folk came up to discuss oral histories and the best way to preserve Wayne Counties history. Somehow in the midst of all that we decided to go for a late night and pitch black hike using only the moonlight and stars to guide us. It was breath taking.
I began the hike looking once again, like a marshmallow but quickly having to remove layers. The night was perfect! Not too cold or warm. The moonlight bathed the red rock causing it to become a totally different colors. We were left with a stunning master piece by mother nature. The rocks took on almost a white glowing essence in the moonlight. We hiked for quite awhile visiting a water pocket, a bridge, and a once waterfall.
We ended by doing a solo walk for about 100 meters perhaps less. We individually walked in sheer silence through a canyon lit with glowing moonlight providing solitude, peace, and a beautiful oneness with nature. As I walked I thought of the people that had gone here long before me. About the amazing Indians, the out laws, the wars between the Indians and the White man. I thought of what they considered precious and sacred to their heritage. I thought of what I valued most, of my life long dreams, and of my goals. I thought of where I've been and what I've done. Who I am becoming and what I will become. It was awe inspiring.
After returning to the field station I immediately hit the sack to sweet and peaceful dreams.
posted by Kathleen at 7:47 PM
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