{"id":16716,"date":"2022-09-22T05:42:08","date_gmt":"2022-09-22T12:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=16716"},"modified":"2022-09-22T05:42:10","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T12:42:10","slug":"chesler-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=16716","title":{"rendered":"Chesler Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It was still fairly early<\/strong> as I leave the Slickrock trail and head for the trailhead to Chesler Park, the hike I came all this way out here for. Bouncing slowly along the dirt road for a spell, I finally find the start of the trail. The silence out here is certainly foreboding. I make sure that I am fully prepared with an abundance of water and gear before getting started. I can feel a snowstorm approaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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The solitude out here<\/strong> could easily crush one’s soul if not prepared. I felt as though it might get me as well, even though most of my existence has been wrapped in solitary stillness. I see that I can do an 8-10 mile loop through the high desert as long as I keep my wits about me and follow the trail signs and cairns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I swear I just heard a mountain lion scream in the distance. I pick up the pace, keenly watching the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Halfway in now<\/strong> and the snow starts to fall. I gauge my distance and think about turning around, but instead I decide to continue onward and hope the snow doesn’t cover the trail. Luckily it was just a squall and quickly moves on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I come to a cave\/fissure<\/strong> and enter to take a break from the cold and get a bite to eat. A single ray of light is shining down into the blackness. An allegory to finding shelter in a storm I suppose, a refuge in a church while madness rages on outside. That is how I feel about Nature and the outdoors in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I’m in the final stretch now, only a couple of miles to go. The views as I exit are impressive, each corner I turn holds new wonders and fascination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There really is nothing like being so alone<\/strong> out in the wilderness, venturing far into the depths of the desert in wintertime, and then emerging from the trail safe, happy and satisfied with one’s accomplishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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