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.

Zion Trip with Dallin and Seth

We had a really amazing trip. Had some good hikes, good talks, good relaxation, good contemplation, and got to wear some really killer hats. I had a lot of problems with the focus on my camera, so sorry about a lot of them being fuzzy. Maybe it adds to the effect of the picture, yes? There's a lot of pics here, so if you find the slideshow taking too long, you can GO HERE for the full gallery. Enjoy.

My New Life

• Zip jacket up.
• Backpack on.
• Headphones in.
• Crank Things Falling Apart and grin.
• Glove one, glove two and feel the leather wrap around the handle bars.
• Feet to pedals and I'm off.
• I instantly feel the rain hit my checks and begin to run down.
• As The Great Collapse gets going, I pedal harder and realize I'm passing all the cars.
• Enter parking lot.
• Weaving through pillars coming within inches.
• Peppers of red and green, onion, cheese, ranch and drinks.
• Jamming as I walk through the aisles, flashing strange people with my even stranger smile.
  
• Food to backpack.
  
• Glove one, glove two.
• Enter the pillar slalom. Even faster this time.
• Skidding around the corner and down the road.
• Thighs burn.
• Pushing harder through the rain.
• Pushing harder through the pain.
  
• And home.
• This is my new life.
• And I love it.