Okay, okay.
It sucked. Never even saw the bridge. 11:00pm, we were gently woken by some odd tap-tapping on our tent. Comfy asleep in the bottom of Cliff Canyon, about 4 miles to the Bridge. This canyon, BTW, is impressive. Yosemite-like. The sandstone walls are enourmous and sweeping.
But that tap-tapping was the rain. 'Twas gentle, but I lay there the rest of the night wondering: what should we do? It's foolish to trek through a slot canyon even with showers in the area. (the final 4 miles are in a slot). Really, the next thing on my mind was: do we really have to walk out of here first thing in the morning?
What an atrocious hike. Dear God. Rocky, steep, loose in places, unmaintained, and really really rocky. Really rocky. And really steep. Yet the weather graced us with blue skies, and upper-70's temperatures on Friday. So you can imagine the disappointment? Going back up that hell trail in the rain and mud?
The rain virtually didn't stop by morning, so we packed up, shivered, and left. Water was building in the bottom of the canyon; however, with the rain and impromptu waterfalls all over the place (pouring down 1000' sheer sandstone cliffs), it was like a scene out of Lord of The Rings. About the damned neatest thing I've ever experienced. So that part didn't suck. Other than it was a reminder to get the hell outta Dodge.
The rain never let up, the winds kicked in, and - yes - the thunder rumbled. Not only was the hike miserable (you know, the whole wet-n-cold thing?), but at times downright scary. After the initial 1600' climb out of the canyon (AHEM! 1600 vertical feet in 1.5 miles), we're exposed while traversing across the side of Navajo Mountain for about 2 miles. That's where the thunder makes your body pee without warning.
Three strikes. It's like Navajo Mountain doesn't want me there. The good news, is that no one touched the truck. And Brooke - the Super Cool Chick - loaded us up with some muchie food and cooler with tasty drinks that we left in the truck. :chowtime: We got naked, dried off, got warm, ate some Chips Ahoy. The whole damn sleeve of 'em, and washed it all down with can of Dr. Good Guy. Fresh raspberries, too. Oh! And cheeze its. Yum yums!
I don't know....should I try this again?