Walking through the streets of Charleston is like a step back in time. There are so many unique architectural details, saturated colors, exposed masonry, grand mansions, and side alleyways to explore. While in town this September, we left the car and just walked everywhere we could. It's a rather small city, which made it easy to feel comfortable exploring. The people were welcoming, the weather was warm, and the food and drinks were great. We'll be back!
Exploring the Zion Narrows
At the farthest end of the Zion National Park road lie the Narrows. Here, the expansive canyon walls close in to their most confined point. There is a 1 mile footpath from the main road to the entrance of the Narrows, after which, you enter the Virgin River and literally hike upstream.
An outfitter in town rents out the necessary equipment - waterproof canyoneering boots, neoprene socks, and a trekking pole. These turned out to be critical in navigating the very cold rushing water that was up to our midsections at times and the loose rocks beneath. We secured our gear the night before so we could get an early start the next morning. Camera equipment brought some additional complexity with dry bags and tripod strapped to my daypack.
Taking one of the first shuttle busses into the park (40 minute ride, 20 minute walk) got us to the Narrows before 8:00AM. There were very few other hikers at this time and the early morning made for great reflected light photography. Long exposures helped to capture the motion of the swift current. The morning air was cool in the shadows and the water was in the low-50 degrees.
This is one of the most unique hikes, as it is in water, the entire length. In some sections such as 'Wall Street' the canyon edges closed to within 20 feet. Other areas required careful selection of crossing points and a bit of floating at times. We ventured about 2 miles upstream in a few hours - finding our way upriver made for slow but fun progress. The return trip downstream was much quicker once we knew our route.
If you are ever in southern Utah, this is a must-hike!
Scenes from the 2017 Boston Marathon
The 121st running of the Boston Marathon was another incredible Patriots Day in Massachusetts. It was a warm race for the runners, with temperatures in the high 70s and strong sun in the morning. Viewing the race from mile 24, so many good-willed fans cheered along the runners down the final stretch of the course towards Boston. Katherine Switzer made her return to the race 50 years after she was the first woman to run the Marathon in 1967. She wore her original bib number 261. In all, Marathon Monday brought out the best in people to make for an amazing day.
Edna Kipligat, #1 women's division.
Rose Chelimo, #2 women's division.
Jordan Hasay, #3 women's division.
Geoffrey Kirui, #1 men's division.
Galen Rupp, #2 men's division.
Meb Keflezighi, #13 men's division and winner of the 2014 Boston Marathon.
Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to ever run the Boston Marathon 50 years ago, with her original bib number 261.
Fans cheered from early morning all through the afternoon.
By mid-day at mile 24, it was sunny and in the 70s, making it a tough last few miles.
Some runners got a boost of energy from the crowds.
Cruising downhill.
Anxiously awaiting the first wave of runners to arrive in Brookline.
A runner from Alaska taking high-fives from the crowd.
Personalized cowbells bring fun and energy along the route.
Canyon Walls on Fire
Lower Antelope Canyon glows a deep red with the light reaching down the narrow slot canyon walls. This section was empty, quiet, and very beautiful.
Vermont Chapels in Winter
With the 70+ degree weather we've had this week, it's hard to imagine just a week ago it was a cold New England winter day in the upper reaches of Vermont. With the long weekend, we ventured to Burlington to explore a new city. On the way, we stopped in the town of Stowe and the Von Trapp lodge nearby.
The stone chapel was built by Werner Von Trapp in the late 1940s after returning from the war. It's situated deep in the woods, on a hillside. We snowshoed up to the location and ventured through the forest after.
The more traditional church is Stowe Community Church, located in the heart of Stowe. It had just rained earlier and the sun was beginning to shine through. I spotted a puddle that provided a great reflection of the steeple.
February Snow Day
Most of New England is staying warm inside their homes today due to the snow storm. It reminded me of winter storm Nemo - turns out it is exactly 4 years ago to the day when we received about 25 inches in the Boston area! Here's a scene from Coolidge Corner when roads were closed and trains had stopped running, so residents were free to cross-country ski and walk anywhere in the aftermath of the storm.
Canyon Vista
"It is a vast wilderness of rocks in a sea of light, colored and glowing like oak and maple woods in autumn, when the sun gold is richest."
- John Muir
Alleyway VW Type 2
Sometimes you just spot something out of the corner of your eye as you're walking along. Hiding down an alleyway was this classic VW Type 2 in the late summer heat. Quietly rusting and hardly, if ever, driven.
Early Light After Snow
Up quite early to shoot the rising light in Lincoln, Mass last week. Beautiful colors reflecting through the trees after a brief snowfall the night before.
The Heart of the Wave
in Travel
The end of a 3.5 hour hike through the desert and slick rock on the Arizona / Utah border brought it all into view. The months (years, actually) of entering the Wave lottery finally landed us backcountry permits to visit this special place. It's a difficult hike in 100+ degree temperatures and only a handful of visitors are allowed to attempt it each day.
We hit the road before sunrise, with about an hour drive down a rough dirt road, then the hike following only GPS coordinates. We reached the Wave late morning. Every angle of sandstone is literally flowing up and down this formation. After exploring all of it, we took a break to take it all in. We refueled on water and energy bars, snapped a few pics of ourselves to prove we were there, and made our way back in the afternoon sun.
Bucket list item: check.
See more photos of the Wave from an earlier blog post.
