Well, Penny Lane hiked and Annie Belle rode. Sometimes, the terrain and sun can just be too much for a little seven pound black dog. We can leave her in the motorhome but those little brown eyes just beg to go. Sunday was just one of those days that we didn't have the heart to leave her behind.
Paria Canyon: White House Trailhead to the Confluence is a 9.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kanab, Utah that features a river and is rated as difficult. The full hike is also listed as one of the most dangerous due to the threat of flash flooding. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is accessible year-round. Paria Canyon is the longest slot canyon in the world and has four main points of entry: White House Trailhead, Wire Pass Trailhead, Middle Passage, and Lee's Ferry Trailhead. We had been to Lee's Ferry and crossed the Paria River so we had a good mental image of where we were vs where we were going. The entire trail from White House to Lee's Ferry is 38 miles. We were looking to go 6-8 miles. The official word of 9.3 miles to the confluence is hotly debated by those who have hiked this trail. Most say to be prepared for 14-15 miles out and back.
NATURAL CAVES AT THE BASE OF THE CLIFFS
THE PARIA RIVER
BEAUTIFUL MULTI SHADED CLIFFS
MY LITTLE HIKER
ROB AND PENNY POWERING ON
FLOWERS ON THE CLIFF
The trail starts wide and runs right along the river. Hikers will have to cross the river many times so getting wet feet is a definite possibility. We managed to get back and forth via rocks and sand bars. Penny busted the river wide open. It was not deep but it was wet.
PENNY LANE GETTING ONE OF MANY DRINKS
We were able to let Penny off leash but not for long. As soon as she knew she was free, she started zipping around. Zipping is fun to watch but she uses a ton of energy when she does it. We knew we had a hike ahead of us so....... It was not hot but the sun was very bright and it will sap even the most hearty of hikers.
This is a fantastic hike. The trail narrows as you hike towards Lee's Ferry. The scenery is beautiful and hiking along the river is a huge plus.
THE CONFLUENCE WHERE BUCKSKIN GULCH REACHES THE WHITE HOUSE TRAIL
(stock photo)
You would not want to be in the above area if there was a threat of bad weather.
Some good things to note about this hike. Always be aware of the weather. A slot canyon can become a magnet for flash flooding.
We had sun and no clouds but we were still careful to note opportunities for higher ground. Most readings about this trail warn of the dangers of flash flooding. If the weather threatens rain, take a pass on this hike. Another note: Have water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat and maybe dry socks and a small towel. Depending on the time of day, you may have full sun. Depending on how high the river is, you may get wet feet. If you are on a shorter out and back then wet feet will not be an issue. If you are out for a full day of hiking then dry socks may make for a more comfortable hike. We were lucky. The river was available for Penny but our feet stayed dry even though we crossed 10-15 times.
We decided to turn after a couple of hours. We were not prepared for a full day and the river ran dry. We had water for us and the dogs but we did not pack a lunch. It was an out and back hike but the return trip was equally lovely.
We returned to Lewis and spent the rest of our day recovering.
Monday started with a good run. The morning air was cool enough to enjoy a good cardio workout that came with beautiful scenery. Rob and I ran separately. We have different speeds so we do not always run together.
After running, we got the kayak ready and went for a paddle. We paddled across the lake to a small island.
THE YAK (Sunny)
BEAUTIFUL BLUE WATERS OF LAKE POWELL
ROB "CLAIMING" THE ISLAND
The lake was busy but we had a really good paddle. The boaters were courteous and gave us plenty of room in our little vessel. Sunny is proving to be better that we expected. It does not take long to get air in her and she is easy to maneuver. Once we are done, we deflate, dry and put her right back in bag she came in.
We spent the rest of Memorial Day sitting outside reading and doing a little prep for our upcoming moving day. I gave Penny and Annie a bath. They were both dusty, dirty and itchy.
We had an early dinner off the grill and an early night to bed.
Another great day in this thing we call life.
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