Diggin in the Canyon

Mom and Lou recently purchased a Jeep Liberty so they could pursue their off roading dreams. They bought it used with only 9k miles on it and in great condition. We planned a trip up Provo Canyon on a trail behind Wallsburg yesterday and it was quite interesting. Its always a little terrifying crawiling along a rocky road with a mountain side out one window and a cliff out the other. I admit I was a little tense. Dane's parents seem to live life lately with a carefree adventurous outlook that I don't really share. I wouldn't be suprised if they ever totalled their SUV. Needless to say, it was a little thrilling while it lasted. The novices that we are, Dane and I showed up in clothes not intended for hiking use. We definately didn't intend to do any outdoor activities, but the car mysteriously died while on the trail about 3 miles up the trail. Poor Dane and Mom had to hike back down for help.

They took about an hour and a half to get back to us (not too shabby) with help. A wonderful Samaritan happened to be at the bottom of the mountain! He was having a rough day and decided on a whim to take a drive. We were so grateful for his timing and help. The first step to getting down the mountain safely was to turn the car around - VERY difficult to accomplish on a narrow trail with a cliff on one side. But we did it! With a tow rope providing back up tension, we pushed and rolled it around to face the other direction. Then we had a very bumpy and tense ride down. Poor Lou's legs were killing him by the time we were at the bottom.

We were hoping on spotting some wildlife: cougar, elk, beaver, etc. I imagine we would've succeeded in our goal had the car been on board with the plan. We had to settle for a puple catepillar and a pretty hummingbird. Oh yes, a copious amounts of blood sucking, west nile carrying mosquitos. :( Luckily, Mom and Lou are always prepared and had extra blankets and jackets, water, flashlights, and most importantly OFF wipes.

I will have to post pictures when I get around to down. In the meantime, I'll post some off roading pics I found online.