I cannot turn back now. I have begun the life of an adventure enthusiast and it has quickly become my passion. From now on, I will climb as many mountains as possible, explore as many canyons as the land offers, and participate in all extreme sports currently invented.
This past weekend was an excellent start to this new goal. Laura accompanied me, once again, for some exploration and fun. On Sunday, we joined a group hike into the Seven Castles Waterfall. This hike is located on Basalt Mountain in a protected parcel of land. The only way to access the canyon and waterfall is through private land that requires a permit. Therefore, with about ten other people, we journeyed into what is known as a gateway of the Utah Redrock Desert. From the Roaring Fork Valley, seven gigantic sandstone towers rise from the mountains. A small canyon is formed in between each structure. Our hike led through one of those canyons. A small creek- at this point in the season, only a few inches deep- wound it's way through the canyon. The walls are 100 feet high, attesting to the strength the creek must have once held. The red sandstone was soft and sparkled in the sunlight. We followed the trail about 2 miles into the canyon; at times, it was only 3 feet wide. Finally, we emerged into a basin with a large waterfall running smoothly down the rocks. With the aid of ropes, the few adventurous ones in the group, climbed to the top of the waterfall. From there, we climbed up 3 more waterfalls before reaching the end of the canyon. It ends in a large circular arena, carved out by the water of a 100 foot waterfall. The water pours over the edge of the canyon walls; a truly magnificent spot.
Laura and I lingered here longer than the others, appreciating the steady roar of the water as well as the peace of the canyon. We were eventually forced to leave, however, as a small rock slide started on the edge of the canyon. As we hastened down the stream, we looked over our shoulders to see if anyone was stalking us from the canyon rim. It could have been a chipmunk that started the slide, but then again, it could have been a mountain lion. We were certain it was a mountain lion.
It took some time to rappel back down the slippery waterfalls, but we made sure to take advantage of the cool water. Out of the entire group, I believe Laura and I were the only ones that came out soaking wet. I suppose that's what happens when you stand in a waterfall. The Seven Castles hike is such a wonderful place because it is so secret and private. I will certainly be returning to ski and dogsled the canyon.
After the excitement of the waterfall canyon, it was unlikely that we could have an even better day...but we did. Yesterday was a thrill. Ever since seeing the paragliders on Red Mountain about a month ago, Laura and I have been planning on going. We set the date and started working up some courage. Yesterday morning, we were all set to go, except for the sudden rain storm. It never rains in Colorado in the morning, unless apparently we're planning on flying. The guides suggested we cancel, but we were determined to see it through. Thankfully, about half an hour before our flight time, the skies opened up to a beautiful sunny day. The wind picked up, making it perfect for paragliding and the guides instantly got everything set up. I didn't even have time to think from arriving at the launch site to jumping off of the cliff. We were strapped into a harness, clipped into the parachute, and told to start running. The parachute pulled me backwards as I ran, but then we were swept forward, off the edge of the cliff and into thin air.
The wind current swept us over the ridgeline, high above the pine trees and hiking trails I had come to know so well. My guide was very informative, explaining the technicalities of paragliding and how he got started in the sport. For 20 minutes, Laura and I floated hundreds of feet in the air. The entire Roaring Fork Valley to Mount Sopris was open below us. Slowly, we began edging out of the current to begin our descent. When we arrived directly over town, we had an option: a slow, lazy descent or a roller coaster ride. Definitely, always choose the roller coaster ride. By shifting our weight and taking sharp turns, we were able to go into a corkscrew. At times, we were parallel to the earth and I even went upside down a few times. Even the most exciting roller coaster in the world cannot compare to the thrill of flying upside down with only a parachute attached. After that, gravity pulled us towards land. With a running start while still in the air, we thudded to the ground.
I could have flown for hours and never tired. The cool wind and bright sun were the only things that mattered during the flight. Jumping off of a cliff is one of the most peaceful things I have ever done. This will certainly not be a one time thing in my life....they may even be willing to train me as a guide next summer.
I'll have to take a little break from adventuring, as I am returning to VT for a few days. I'll just have to convince some of my friends from back east to come out here and experience the wonders of Colorado.
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