The sheriff rolls down his window and asks if we saw anyone back where we came
from. He's been called out to rescue a deputy stuck in the mud up the road. We
didn't go far enough apparently. "No, didn't see anyone. We turned around when
it got too muddy." We exchange pleasantries and go on our way.
I would have to stop later and chip dried clay off the wheels with my pocket
knife because it was throwing them out of balance.
I was researching how to shut off the traction control when I got back. You
can't. Others discuss this "feature" in a sometimes humorous discussion on a
site: "experience felt like running out of gas, no reponse to pushing on the
gas pedal, car became a boat anchor". This is consistent with my
experience.
http://tinyurl.com/5b3zed
Apparently
the vehicle is good at getting you stuck in mud, deep snow, sand and other
situations you might think of where you need to maintain momentum through a
spot.
From another web site: Toyota insists the system works as intended,
and spokesman Bill Kwon believes without it, drivers would still be
stuck. "A vehicle without
TRAC in those conditions," Kwon said. "would probably just start
spinning in place and eventually spin out of control. In my opinion,
it's better to have the vehicle stop then to have the wheels
spinning and out of control."
I'll take Kwon for a ride sometime and see if he still
thinks that (in his car of course) ;-)
Note: I like my car; but now know it's limitations.
Vegas was a fun change of pace but I would soon be headed on the most
notable adventure of the trip: a four-day, 38 mile backpacking trip through
Paria Canyon. Wow!!
A satellite image map of the hike can be seen here (you can zoom in on
parts):
http://tinyurl.com/6xyc85
I started at the White House trailhead.
The Paria Canyon and it's most notable tributary Buckskin Gulch (the longest
slot canyon in the world) are considered by many to be one of the finest
backpacking trips in the US. I agree.
The hike is a photogenic thrill ride with mesmerizing scenes around every corner
and sufficient solitude (in the lower part) to make it a true wilderness
experience.
I saw a number of people on the first day, 5 or 6 on the 2nd day then nobody
after 6pm on day 2 until the trailhead at 7pm on day 4. 49 hours of no
contact. I still spoke occasionally though... mostly swear words like "#$%@ing
Quicksand!!" ;-)
I had read trail descriptions, trip reports and talked with the rangers before
staring the hike and saw occasional statements like "watch for quicksand after a
flood". One source reported that quicksand was rare and more of a remote
possibility than something to worry about.
Quicksand has a rubbery firm top layer and will support you briefly before
collapsing. I learned how to feel it out with my hiking poles after going down
fast. I sank immediately up to my shins, then went down onto my knees in the
river which was now waist deep (surprise!!). Trying to keep my camera dry and
avoid sinking further, I was able to crawl/shuffle my way out but not without
first dunking my ipod (still works), and pockets full of snacks and maps.
The hiking was slower from that point forward as I probed each step in the river
which was muddy so you couldn't see the bottom. (see photo).
There
was quite a bit of quicksand. On some sandy areas before crossings hikers
scrolled with hiking poles "Quicksand --->" or "DEEP! -->"... that was nice.
I met a guy named Ryan from Minneapolis/St Paul on the first day and briefly on
the 2nd who was traveling the same way and was ahead of me. Cool guy was a
photographer for a paper in the area and wants to do freelance photography full
time.
Hiking was frequently in the river with countless crossings and several
stretches where the hiking was just easier in the river. (wear pants... the
backs of my legs were very scratched up from bushwhacking in shorts).
The canyon was amazing and easily one of the best hikes I've ever done.
Drinking water was a bit of an issue as the river water was too muddy to be
drinkable so you had to watch for springs marked on the map. The biggest
stretches were on the first and last days.
