Capitol Reef

Matt and I went on a little camping trip to Capitol Reef National Park this weekend. It was really fun, but we are both a little sore today. Yesterday we went on a 15 mile hike through Upper Muley Twist Canyon, definitely the longest I've ever hiked in one day. It was a record for Matt too. It was getting pretty painful by the end! Though much better for me than a 10 mile hike we made on a backpacking trip last summer carrying a 40 pound pack. That pushed me to my limit.

Our campsite just outside Capitol Reef

We decided to sleep under the stars rather in a tent so we could watch the meteor shower that night. We saw a few shooting stars, but missed most of it because we were too tired.

While we were playing around the campfire I made a torch using a big glob of tree sap. In this picture I was pretending to be in an angry mob. (I probably associate torches with mobs due to all the church videos I've seen in my life.)

Matt giving me some attitude the next day at the trail head. We had to hike in 3 miles to get to the trail head, which added 6 miles round-trip to the 9 mile loop.

On the trail

We had to do some scrambling at various points, which slowed us down some.

The reef

Nearing the end of the loop. We were happy to return to this point because it meant only 5 or 6 miles to go.

What a wonderful sight to behold!

That evening after our hike we packed up camp and drove part way home, staying the night at Matt's parents' home in Venice. Before Venice, we stopped at the Walmart in Richfield. After three hours in the car we were so stiff we could barely move. We were laughing hard because we looked like we were doing a slapstick Balky and Larry routine just trying to get to the store entrance. Going with the cart was a no-brainer.

Me the next morning in Venice, after a shower and a good night of sleep, barely worse for the wear.

A huge thanks to Matt for once again planning a great adventure!