Dave and Julie's Wonderful Adventure: Red Mountain 2, Dave and Pete 0

It is really helpful, but not mandatory to read the May 31st blog regarding Red Mountain. Well. we did it again. Not wanting to carry the guilt of the Red Mountain debacle with me forever, I suggested to Pete that we try it again. Julie is away in Ohio hanging with her Soft Ball girlfriends at the Bowling Green homecoming so no better time to risk life and limb on Red Mountain a second time. Besides, we are much better aware of the dangers associated with such a hike/climb. What could possibly go wrong?

Water, check...Food, check...First aid kit, check...trail app, check...flairs, check...guns, check...prayer rug, check...we should be good to go. Right? Wrong!!!! I am personally not worried about myself. I've lived a somewhat long and enjoyable life. It is Julie I worry about. So much to live for. Therefore, I'm glad she is not along as Pete and I take on the RED MOUNTAIN. Pete drove us to the trail head which in and of itself is a death defying experience. Luckily, we made it and started our hike. The plan was to go up the mountain, then head across to the gap above Tuacahn Amphitheater and then find a trail down from there. Pretty easy...

Pete and Dave all Happy...before the hike!

The climb up went pretty well until Pete's knee began to "bother" him. I know Pete is pretty tough and the mere fact he mentioned it meant it was hurting like a son of a gun. None the less, we progressed on up the hill, passing two gentlemen who were on the way down. It is quite rare to see any human on Red Mountain since it is such an inhospitable place with no real trail. I asked them if they were familiar with the way down from Tuacahn. "Yes, it is impossible to find and consists of loose shale on a very steep slope". "Perfect", I replied.

I eventually scrambled my way to the top and quietly waited for Pete. I also opened the All Trails Application on my phone. It generally has the trail you are on clearly displayed. The fact that it showed nothing was not alarming as there are no actual trails on the mountain. Just ways you can go. I began recording our hike which would show where the trail head was for the way down should we not find a suitable trail near Tuacahn. I did not tell Pete as I love to hear his directions and suggestions on which way to go. "This-a-way, that-a-way"...

Pete coming up the Mountain.

When Pete finally reached the top, we discussed the best way to get to Gunsight Canyon. Having no trail map as none exists, we decided on a general direction. I chose the path of greatest resistance because I wanted to make this a work out. I was not disappointed. Pete kept referring to the "other day". "The other day we came by that bush". I quickly figured out that "the other day" was the last time we hiked the mountain, almost 5 months ago. Who calls that "the other day"?!!! I honestly need a decoder ring. A few times we got separated. "Were are you?" He means "where", but it sounds exactly like "were". If I slip in a "were" for "where", please forgive me, it is only so you can share my pain. Oh, I forgot to tell you that Pete's plan for finding the trail head we were leaving was to look for "the" tree. He actually said, "remember, the tree at the trail head so we don't get lost".

Trail Head view...which tree is he talking about?

We finally arrived at the area above the Tuacahn Theater. The scenery was beautiful, but there was nothing that resembled a trail down.

Tuacahn Theater Ivins, Utah

We started the long hike back to the trail head. Memories of our last hike came flooding back to me. Suddenly I got all sweaty, and a little flustered. I'm not saying it is PTSD and do not mean to make light of it since it is a serious condition. Let's just say I could have used Daniel right about then....I would actually enjoy Daniel even if I was not stressed. If you do not know Daniel, check out this link.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2016/10/20/daniel-the-emotional-support-duck-takes-his-first-plane-ride-soars-in-popularity/

With the help of the phone app, we managed to find our way back to the "trail" head. I use that term loosely since there are no marking what so ever and once starting down the mountain we soon realized there really is no trail. There are loose rocks, sand and you name it on the way down. You have to be very careful "were" you put your feet. At one point I stepped onto a large flat rock probably 3 feet wide by six feet long. Once my full weight was on it, it began sliding down the the hill. I'm not much of a surfer and never considered surfing on a 400 pound+ slab of sandstone, but there I was riding the big one. It stopped in about 3 feet which felt like a mile. I stepped off like I meant to do it all along. No, my pants were not wet. I do not care what Pete says!

Dave before the surfing event.

We eventually made it to the bottom somewhat unscathed. Just as a side note, on the way up I could not help but notice a sleeping bag just off to the side of the "trail". It was huge, unfurled with the flannel liner showing. I mean who could miss such a contrast to the natural beauty of the "trail". Well, I will tell you who, PETE! I asked him if he saw it and he said "no". What?!!! Are you kidding?!!! Nope, he did not see it. So, on the way down, I stopped and rolled it up and carried it out the last half mile down the steep and slippery slope where I tossed it unceremoniously into the back of Pete's pick up where he is sure to see it...I think.

I have two last pictures pictures I want to share...

Dave and Pete after the hike We are supposed to be pretending to blow our brains out, but it is hard to tell.

Well, Red Mountain kicked our butts once again. We will NEVER hike that mountain again, ever... unless someone came into town and desires a near death experience...

If I'm ever experiencing the same PTSD symptoms while hiking with Pete, I plan to rely on my new comfort friend....