The Vibram Experiments - Part 3 - Pine Creek

We actually had a real adventure today! We hiked (and swam and rappelled and climbed) Pine Creek in Zion today. May I be the first to say that I feel my (and especially Meisha's) hardcore level jumped a few notches today. Ok, so I'm not really that cocky, but we really had a lot of fun and the sights we saw today were absolutely breathtaking. Because we were swimming and in water most of the time, we could only take a cheap little disposable camera. So sorry, the pictures are quite poor and grainy. We'll have to figure a way to get the good camera through next time. Either way, without further adieu, the pics:

Meisha. Posing. Before things got cold and wet.

This is Kevan. He works with me. At Stephen Wade. He's doing something with the rope. I believe I took this picture because the sunlight in front of him looked much cooler in person.

Meisha and me trekking through the waters, looking as official as possible.

Here we are again, making a bold attempt to show off our coolness.

Meisha. Fresh after a very nice rappel. She came down from up where the light is shining through. I took some really amazing shots of her coming down, but alas, it was too dark and they didn't turn out :(

This is Kevan again. He standing found the only patch of sunshine and is desparately trying to warm up. That water was seriously cold.

This is the last rappel out of the 6 or so (can't quite remember) that we did. It was awesome. 80 foot freefall into a really cool cavern. I wish I would have taken some pics from the top. You're literally coming of the top blind and don't see what you coming in to until you drop in.

Here's Meisha again. Exhibiting her amazing rappelling skills.

Me. Looking very excited. The hike out was not nearly as fun and exciting. Still, some very cool scenery and I picked up a sweet sunburn on my neck.

That's it. Thanks for looking =}

Namaste.

Happy (LATE) Mother's Day.

I drew (or painted or manipulated or discombobulated or something) this picture and framed it for my Mom for Mother's Day. I know it's a little late, but hey, we just saw her last weekend and gave it to her then so it's ok, right? Right.

WOOD. Watch. Now. Yes. You.

Found this video today. Seriously...... frickin'...... awesome.
(Don't forget to turn my blog's music player off before you watch it. It might be an all-too-interesting meshy montage of music).

Enjoy.

The Vibram Experiments - Part 2 - Angel's Landing

Hey there everybody! I'm back with another grand adventure! This morning I decided to put my new goofy shoes to the test and hike Angel's Landing in Zion. If you got too scared by the rappelling pics, you might want to stop scrolling - Dallin, you might to triple unpeel you eye lids. Without further delay, here are some cheesy cell phone (didn't bring the good camera) pics for you eye balls to feast upon:

Here's what Angel's Landing looks like from the ground

Looking off a little more than half way up.

Taking a sit and chill break just a little before the top.

A view looking back on were I'd come from (you hike right along the ridge next to the cliff).

Here it is! The top! (insert ominous choir sounds here)

Ridiculous self portrait attempt #1 (Unsuccessful)

Ridiculous self portrait attempt #2 (Semi-successful)

Looking over the edge from the top.

Some nice European girls played "You take my picture, I'll take yours." with me. This is the result.

You made it! And you're in one piece. You didn't fall! You and I are now both better people.

And there you have it! The thrills, the chills, the smiles, the feet. Thanks for coming along with me on the pictorial reenactment. I sure have had fun. How about you?

P.S.- I did the whole hike in 2.5 hours (total up and down). I share this fact with you because it makes me feel special. And hardcore. And..... I guess that's it.

The Vibram Experiments - Part 1 - Rappelling

So I'm planning on doing a canyoneering hike in Kolob Canyon in a few months with Kevan (a coworker of mine). It will consist of rappelling down waterfalls, jumping off cliffs, swimming, lots of hiking and a rope climb up a 400 foot cliff to get out. Exciting much? Yes.

Well Kevan invited us to do a practice run at Red Cliffs today and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity for us to test out our new Vibrams (funky monkey toe shoes). All I can say is that they are fantastic! They grip the rocks unbelievably well and really make it fun.

And guess what? We took pictures! Go figure. Here they are. Look at them. Now. If you're not scared.Me on top of a cliff. Do I look good?

Here I go.

Aaaawwww. Look at Meisha in here funky monkey feet. :)

She's so hardcore. Notice the little people standing on the road below. It give a good idea of how high we were.

Meisha. Workin' it like a pro.

Hey! This is fun? Who woulda thought?

Still so hardcore.

About 2/3 of the way down.

Did I just come down that?

Practicing the rope climb. I was tired after 10 feet. On the big hike I get to do 400. Workout time anyone?

Trying to look like a pro rock climber. Did it work?

That's it. Thanks for looking.

4 AM Rant?

I would.

If I could.

But I'm tired.

So I'm going to bed.

This is all you get.

Good night.

Or morning?

:P

PLUS:

Check out the band playing on my playlist.

They're called Agalloch.

I like em.

However,

If you're going to listen to the song,

You must have at least a 9 minute attention span.

OR

You must open a new tab and allow the song to play

While you sooth your ADD.

With me.

And the song.

Don't worry.

We'll get through it together.

It'll be OK.