Fiery Furnace and XXXXX-XXXX

Weds. Morning we got up and went to arches national park to meet up for a ranger-led walk through an area of the park known as the ‘Fiery Furnace’. We assumed that the name meant it was going to be an ass-kicker. Also, when signing up for the walk, you have to look at pictures of people squirming through small cracks and walking along ledges next to sheer drop-offs. We also were informed that during the three-hour hike there would be no opportunities to use the restroom. The ranger told us that she doesn’t drink coffee on mornings when she leads this hike. This a problem for Christine. Since we left Raleigh she hasn’t gone more than 25 minutes without a potty break. She asked me for some time alone. She thought about what she was capable of and decided to give it a go. And she made it – I am very proud of her.

When we got to see the rest of our group, we were a bit more confident about the level of physical fitness required. There were some thicksters and kids there, so we knew we weren’t in too far over our heads. It was a nice stroll in the morning and took us through an area of the park that we otherwise would not have had access to, but overall it was disappointingly easy. Apparently the name comes more from the orange reflections more than the temp in this area.

We rested back at the cabin midday and in the late afternoon headed to Canyonlands National Park to see “Upheaval Dome”. And then went on an Indiana Jones type adventure that most visitors do not get. This is where the blog becomes a “need to know” basis J We ran into a river guide the day before while rafting and he told us about a trail with ancient ruins at the end in Canyonlands. And he told us what to say to the ranger to get access. And he told us not to tell anyone. And we thought he was a complete froot loop, but turns out he was legit. Now this trail, the “XXXXX XXXX” (that’s right, you are not “need to know”), is a Class 2 trail that is not on the maps, not acknowledged on the internet, and not in the guide books. Because of its fragile nature (cultural ruins from 1200AD), the location is only divulged by the ranger when asked very specifically. Well, Bob did just that based on the tip from the river guide and don’t you know the ranger pulls out a small map and photo that says right across the top, “NPS: DO NOT DISCLOSE UNLESS ASKED PROPERLY”. Totally made us feel like elite treasure hunters! So, we did the hike and it was awesome and according to a log kept at the site, there had been 10 visitors in the last 30 days. Pretty good secret. And in order to respect our good fortune in finding it, we will not post photos nor reveal its identity.