High Adventure in Zion

Last month, I enjoyed joining the young men from the Avendale Ward for their annual High Adventure trip. This year, we headed to Zion for a week of camping, hiking, swimming, climbing, repelling, etc. We ran the gamut of outdoor activities. But before starting all the fun stuff, we had to get there first. 

The night before I hit the road, I got my summer haircut, colloquially known as the mullet hawk. I actually love it. When I walked into the house, Ella said you don't look handsome; you look cool...like a teenager. Thanks, Ella. 

Basically, seven and a half hours of jokes, negotiations, promises ( as I have told the Deacons many times, I don't make threats), and snacks. Before leaving Ladera Ranch, my crew of Jude, Chad, and Cade stopped at our beloved Stater Bros to load up on essential road trip necessities. 

I made it clear time after time that we were only going to listen to my music. I have a finely curated playlist called A1 songs I like. The boys did not love it, but they had terrible taste in music. I finally let them take over the radio in Arizona, and then they immediately turned on each other's musical choices, so it was about what you would expect.

Kurt lent me his tent, and it served me well. There were very few bugs, and though it was warm during the day, it cooled down enough to be pleasant in the evenings.

On Wednesday, we went to Zion National Park and hiked all over. The hike up to the Angel's Landing view was challenging, at least for me, and the boys dusted me. By the time I got up there, they were ready to leave. After catching my breath, I headed back down the trail. It was much easier on the way down and 

and I was actually passing people.

Once we got off the trail, we headed up the canyon to traverse the river and enjoy the cooler temperatures. My new water shoes worked ok, and I enjoyed seeing everyone making the trek. It was cool seeing people from all over the world enjoying the park.

I managed to get a parking ticket, which could have been better.

The next day, we enjoyed the pool back at the campground and played paintball. I shot Landon several times, which is a little sad because Landon is very nice. The lowlight was when I was hit not during a paintball match but in the supposed "safe area" by some random kid who didn't know how to use his safety correctly. Luckily, the chair I was sitting in took the brunt of the attack.

I was responsible for cooking dinner and making a ton of pulled pork for sandwiches. It turned out pretty well. We had Oreos for dessert.

We repelled and took UTVs to the slot canyons for our last big day of adventure. It was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed the repelling. The young women from the ward were using the same outfitter as we did, so there were about five minutes or so where we were all in the same place at the same time. A bunch of little brothers got to see their older sisters. It was a cool moment.

Shout out to Tom, who taught us that you can do anything in Crocs.

 I had such a great time with my boys. They drove me absolutely crazy. They always say ridiculous things and sometimes have to be reminded sternly how to behave. But I told them these are memories they will have forever.

I have to point out our amazingly patient Bishop, whom I now call Saint Blaine the Patient. Michael Funk for planning and executing an enjoyable/safe/spiritual trip, and Shaun Hoke for hauling his trailer and cooking breakfast for us every morning. It was fun getting to know the older boys better.

And a very big thanks to Shannon for holding down the fort at home while I was away. We had spotty cell coverage, but we managed.

Can't wait for next time.