#tripday 4:
What is, camping? A nerving, peculiar, boring experience? Or an obsessive, uniting, push yourself experience?
I’m not to proclaim an opinion for anyone but myself, however; if you often feel obsessed with how camping can unite you on an entirely new level with your mates, where you’re eager to push your boundaries-
Go forth reading!
On #tripday four, we undesirably had to say our “see you laters” to Destiny and Tate, and by that I mean a “we won’t see you until YOUR WEDDING, IN SEPTEMBER” kind of parting. Waiting until the absolute moment of departure to accept the fact, it was a couple of tight hugs later and down the rocky dirt road they went. Earnestly bummed about not having more time with them in moab, we managed some smiles and coordinated a day with the rest of the pack in Canyonlands National Park. I have to admit, it was a unusually peculiar day compared to the intense hike we’d all happily endured the previous morning.
After semi-hectically ensuring the 7 different drivers were all fueled up, we caravanned 25 miles towards the Canyonlands entrance. As typical National Park goers know, it cost anywhere from $15-$35 for a 7 day park pass, depending on the park you’re visiting. From what I’ve learned in my few years, there are two exceptions to this rule! One, plan for your trip to be during National Parks week, that’s when you’re allowed free access to these areas, or two, if you’re unable to travel during that time, ask the ranger at the entrance station if you can purchase an annual National Parks pass- this year, Seth and I paid $80 for this pass, allowing us to visit whichever National Park, as much as we wanted, all year long! That is a killer option if you ever plan on undergoing an extensive trip, like the one I’m currently blogging about :) Being National Park rookies in Moab, we were still paying separately for these passes, which as you imagine, adds up quickly. We came about this information when chatting with some camping buddies we made while enjoying Zion- so even halfway through Zion, we didn’t know it existed!
(This is a moment where I over exhaust the importance of research people!!)
Once everyone had paid their dues, we met up at the visitor center to grab a free park map and reevaluate what we’d take on as our daily quest. Not having much experience in this park, we decided to do the first couple of incredibly touristy “sight see” stops. Crawling mellowly out of our vehicles, it was evident that Canyonlands felt as if it were possible we’d just step foot off a soaring rocketship onto a dusty, red planet. Earth had its own defying agenda when sculpting the vast depths of the canyon walls, leaving one walking out to an extreme prominence, looking into what could be declared as the shadowed unknowns.
Extensively overwhelmed by the underlying dimension of our first stop, we spent a small amount of time effortlessly climbing the few looming rock formations available, and casually mosied back to the vehicles. If there were to be an “off” day for a group our size, we’d come to that halt. Regardless that everyone wanted to do the obvious and frantically explore, the “all happily agreeing” part wasn’t as easy as it had been prior days. Feeling an off energy, we all agreed on a moderate 5 mile hike that would take us down into the depths of breezy Canyonlands. Seth and I were itching for exercise at this point, in which we unconsciously decided to pick up our already mom-walk of a pace and run sections of the trail! I say we unconsciously decided, because we’re both kind of freaks in that manner; both addicted to fitness, both trying to be our best selves whenever possible. It’s a win-win relationship, being able to make the best of any situation, as well as keeping us challenged on our easiest days!
Getting about halfway through our hilly trail run, Seth was ahead of the group, and I had slowly trickled behind him. Taking a moment to capture a picture, mr.need-for-speed had kept going, which meant I’d lost him until he sat down for his lunch break! Feeling a little frustrated, I finally spotted his sweaty, red Rocky Mountain Underground ball cap. The only problem was? I had to fearlessly manage hiking up a questionably steep cliff side, and just to inform everyone, I’m a wussy when it comes to most heights! It wasn’t helpful that I couldn’t find the designated trail at this point, sadly leading me wandering around like a lost puppy, peering high and low for a glimpse of that darn beautiful man! Trying to keep my composure as I sketchily traversed across the jutting wall, I heard a whistle. Briskly moving towards the sound, I finally catch his roaming attention, “Hey! HEY! HEEEY!! SETTTH!”
I couldn’t help but laugh at how pathetically helpless I must’ve sounded or appeared, considering he relaxingly sat there, smirking to the moon, a delighted face jam packed with a hearty Cliff bar.
After what felt like a terrifying eternity to reaching his side, I sweatily draped myself over his muscled legs like a worn rag, gesturing for a refreshing drink of H20.
Recharged and well nourished from a short snack break, we trekked on to finish up the last mile and a half. Jogging atop the Rim of our panoramic hike, we endlessly admired North to South at the beautiful rock walls, to the snow capped mountains in the sun kissed distance. Although this particular hike wasn’t all we’d hoped for, it brought a calming sense of happiness; we’d taken advantage of an uneasy decision by effortlessly making the average hike our own.
Being the first ones back, Seth and I agreed on a mini picnic down on the outskirts of the hiking trail, allowing Zenna to join us in basking in the radiant sunshine. Kicking off our Hoka hiking boots and enjoying the subtle breeze tickle our toes, it’s in these cozy moments of self-reflection you understand the impact of a single decision. Understanding that camping is being surrounded by people you enjoy, but sticking to your “goals” for that day, for blatantly ignoring them could result in a negative mood. Maybe some of your group isn’t as eager for a hike, and there’s some unnecessary bickering? Brush it off and be where you desire to be for that moment of your life; your happiness shouldn’t become altered due to any outside forces lack of excitement. Perhaps you could positively influence the group, encouraging for a tasty round of s’mores around a quaint fire ring later that starry night? A way to insist on redirecting the negative moods into cheery ones- because really, who can be mad eating s’mores? (Not me!)
I look at this day as one where we might not have had the most stellar time, but equally as important. Personally, if someone is able to go camping, and expect a “standard” of nature? They may be experiencing the outdoors with the wrong intentions. So relax! Take a breath, go easy, and remember that every National Park, as well as place, is going to offer different activities! It’s all about research, and how much effort you’re willing to put in to find it. Would this one experience change my obsessive perspective of camping, because maybe I was “bored” or unfamiliar with the area? Wrong. I’m filled to the brim with frantic ideas of where we could go next, how to make it better for a larger crew, and completely overwhelmed with the fact I was able to run this hilly, five mile hike!
Take the positives, let go of the negatives, and try accepting these both equally. Camping is what you make it, just like any other activity you take part it.
Never stop pitching your tent,
Xo
The Bug