Tag Along, Plus One, Side Kick

Shannon and Joan just before the Boulder Mail Trail.

The back story is that Tim and his brother Eric, and their friend Clint planned a redo of a trip to Utah’s backcountry this October. A few years ago they had planned to do this but then had to cancel. The stars were aligning and this was their chance to try it again.

It just so happened that my new friends Joan and Hal that I met in February on my Wolf Excursion in Yellowstone were going to be in Utah’s Backcountry around the same time and she had invited me to tag a long and hang out with her hiking and biking.  

I hesitated to commit as It’s been such a crazy year with our plans being thwarted and jostled around but here I am.  Yay!! October in Utah, my favorite.

As My son, Cody says “Man plans and God laughs”.  It can’t be more true.  

I’m learning to take time to relax and see what comes.  Like this shared adventure. 

Here is what I’ve been up to for the past 10 days or so, dodging rain storms, hail and wind; enjoying new friends and the amazing Utah wilderness.

Escalante: Painted House.

Working out a Plan over breakfast. L-R Jeff, Jim & Hal. How did we do this before phones?

We hiked.

We biked.

And sometimes we played scrabble waiting out the weather.

Camp spot near Jacob’s Chair. One of my fave photos.

I had such fun hanging out with Joan and Hal and all their friends we met up with. I am forever grateful for their friendship.

But alas, it was time to meet up with my BFF. Off on our next adventure.