Photos Capitol Reef 2010

Spring 2010 CRFS

This was my first time visiting Capitol Reef and the one word that comes to mind is Spectacular - everything was breathtaking. But it wasn't just our surroundings that made this trip so special, it was the comradery of the group that made it so fun and memorable.

Day one we started off with an immediate hike - my group climbed up above Chimney Rock. It was quite a hike (for someone who doesn't hike a lot) and my legs were really tired, but it was so amazing to look back up and realize how high we had climbed through mud, ooze, snow and a blizzard. It was an amazing sense of accomplishment and really brought home the beautiful place we were going to spend the weekend. That night after dinner we joined in for fun and games and laughed so hard my stomach and cheeks hurt.

Day two we were off for a full day of hiking. If you had asked me if I wanted to go on a hike through the snow and over rocks taller than me I would have said no way - but actually doing it was amazing. Hau makes the best host/trail guide because he gives you the history of the culture in the area and stops to share geological information on how the various rock formations were created. He has a great respect and love for nature, history, and those who lived here before us and you can't help but gain a greater respect and love for all that Capitol Reef has to offer. He likes to challenge guests to go beyond their comfort zone and I definitely did that. I really appreciate the team support in making sure I didn't get left behind - being the tail end most of the time.

The petro glyphs were amazing - much larger than others that I have seen, and Hau helped us gain a sense of respect for this sacred place left by an ancient culture. Even if we aren't a part of the group defacing these valuable relics, we can be more aware and look for ways we can support through legislature, etc. in helping to protect these fascinating traces of an ancient culture and our beautiful parks.

I can't define my favorite moment - because there were so many, but I will never forget standing on the edge of the complex in the evening, watching the deer graze hundreds of feet below and being able to hear the creek rambling through the valley. It was so quiet and serene it was easy to imagine an ancient indian tribe roaming through the valleys for food or slumbering under the beautiful rainbow mountains.

Capitol Reef and the Field Station definitely invoke inner reflection and a sense of peace and wonder. Thanks to everyone for helping to make it an adventure I'll never forget.

Boots!

This was my wife's first time up here at Capital Reef and it was my first time in the winter. This place is amazing! After we got into the visitor center we started out on a hike on the cliffs and right into a snowstorm. It was so cool to be on top of a mountain in a whirl of whiteness. Note to self though, make my wife wear snowboots next time. As cool as Vans are, they do not make the ideal hiking footwear. The field station is so, so nice, such an oasis of comfort in the wilderness. just remember to be quiet even though the ranger is loud himself. haha

First day

We made it to the Visitor Center safely (thank you, thank you, thank you). Then we took a great hike scrambling up boulders in the snow. Fabulous scenery. We had to make a white knuckle drive through the snow and red mud to reach the Field Station. We ALMOST made it up the hill but not quite. So we dragged all the food and baggage up the last hundred yards or so. The students are AWESOME to pitch in and help. This is a super group and we will have a blast.