{"id":3827,"date":"2011-11-19T13:12:00","date_gmt":"2011-11-19T13:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/2011\/11\/19\/calf-creek-falls"},"modified":"2021-09-22T03:55:01","modified_gmt":"2021-09-22T10:55:01","slug":"calf-creek-falls","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mywalkabout.net\/?p=3827","title":{"rendered":"Calf Creek Falls"},"content":{"rendered":"
Fingers slowly run across the long, grey tipped whiskers on his face. Staring into the dirty mirror, trying to remember the reflection I see, the person I am now.\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Minutes, hours, days…all jumbled together in a haze of nothingness.<\/p>\n

When did you last shower?<\/i><\/p>\n

No point in checking the clock for the time, as all one sees is darkness outside. I grab the barest of essentials : water, camera, long john’s, trail mix, music.<\/p>\n

The air outside is unseasonably mild, yet electric with the impending storm approaching.<\/p>\n

Don’t think about it, just get in the car and drive….<\/i><\/p>\n

And with the stars twinkling overhead, I leave the darkness of cities still in slumber to the vast emptiness of my destination….<\/p>\n

<\/a> Covering 1.9 million acres, the Grand Staircase\/Escalante<\/a> is a wonder of nature and perfect for one who wishes to not be bothered. In the cool November morning air, I stumble upon the Calf Creek Falls trailhead.<\/p>\n

It sounds as good as any trail to explore in this wilderness. I set final preparations and head out,\u00a0 hearing the faint sounds of scavengers in the desert howling atop the high rock cliffs.<\/p>\n

*****<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n
Did you hear that?<\/i><\/div>\n

Scanning the plateau high above me, I see native people looking down, coyotes pacing back and forth, vultures hovering from above.<\/p>\n

Remember to breathe, drink your water, you are stronger than they are….<\/i><\/p>\n

The bright sun mixed with dark shadows plays trick on my mind. I am alone, so totally alone out here. Mile after mile, pushing forward on the sandy trail.<\/p>\n

Do not prolong your day, use your time…<\/i><\/p>\n

The river trout scurry as my figure frightens the fish in the pristine waters. I hear a thunderous roar…<\/p>\n

You must be close now.<\/i><\/p>\n

The emerald pool catches the torrents of water cascading down the rocks. I marvel at nature’s work, her sculptured and smooth <\/i>artistic ambiance.<\/i><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/div>\n
I eat, drink, rest for an indeterminate amount. Hiking back, I scratch my long whiskers, and smile as I remember who the reflection is.<\/div>\n
I am the same, yet different.<\/i><\/div>\n
These thoughts stick with me, mulling them over as the sun sets over the mountains.<\/div>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0Just another day outside of one’s four cornered room….<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

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