We finally got permits to do the Subway (after trying to get them for several weeks, yayy)! Tyler and Trent came with us this year. We wanted to start later in the morning to avoid the rush of people and because Misty wanted a nap after her graveyard shift the night before. Trent, however, had "important plans" at 7pm that he needed to be back for, so we decided to compromise and leave town at 10am. We arrived at the Wildcat Trailhead in Kolob and began hiking at 11:30am.
The first 3 miles to get to the actual "Subway canyon" took us downhill through Kolob slickrock territory. When we reached the trecherous downhill climb into the canyon, we saw another group a distance away that appeared to be stuck halfway down a steeper, rockier, and more dangerous route. Kyle tried to get to them to tell them to turn around and use the way we came but once he got within yelling distace they were gone. We sure hope they made it down ok!
Tyler and Trent ditched their shoes near the bottom of the downhill climb because of blisters, and hiked the "hippie-way" until we reached cold water. They then decided that the shoes were worth the pain :)
Once inside the canyon, the air cooled us right down. The walk was enjoyable until we reached the first swim into a shady, ice-cold pool. Just as our clothes would begin to dry out, we'd have to swim through another, and then another, freezing-cold, water-filled slot. I kept wondering why I like to do this hike year after year!
We used the webbing to get over a few waterfalls and at the last big rapel, and then we were out of the cold slots and into the sun again!
At a mossy, steep waterfall, Trenton got too close to the edge, slipped, and went sliding out of control to the bottom. Luckily there was nothing for him to run into so he wasn't hurt, just soaked again and surpised. After four more miles of boring, hot riverbed hiking, (and a few snakes) we climbed up steep switchbacks to bring us to the end of the trail where the car was waiting. Our hike ended just before 5pm, timing us at about 5 1/2 hours for the entire thing. Only after we got back into town did we find out that Trenton's "super important plans" involved a hot date that night. :P
1 comment:
after you left the salon, I realized we forgot to exchange blogs, so I am glad you found me! Your hike looked fun and hard, take advantage of fun stuff like that cause kids put a damper on that :)!! Have fun dont work to hard!
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