After an unslept night, we found ample evidence of our nocturnal prowlers – tiny footprints everywhere, larger prints which we later identified as racoon, and even larger prints that are still unidentified and I don’t want to think too much about. At least we didn’t hear any redneck Deliverance banjo solos.
Still, the beautiful view of nature unspoiled by humanity (28 Days Later… level beautiful) was totally worth it.
After a few more miles in the canoe, we stopped for a break at a secluded bank to admire the view and noticed a very musky smell in the grasses. We found what could only be mountain lion prints. Check out these bad boys:
Now, mountain lions are known to be solitary and wary of humans. But, they are also big bastards who can tear out a jugular without really trying, so we decided to be wary and finish our trail mix quickly return to our canoes. Oh yeah, they can also swim.
We stopped up again to explore a slot canyon that was barely marked on the map. Compared to the busy spaces hyped by national parks and guided tours, this canyon was just as striking but empty of other explorers. Another lovely, peaceful place.
We stopped up again to explore a slot canyon that was barely marked on the map. Compared to the busy spaces hyped by national parks and guided tours, this canyon was just as striking but empty of other explorers. Another lovely, peaceful place.
Eventually, we made it back to the launch site and loaded our canoe back onto the car. We drove to the lodge and unloaded it, more than ready for showers, beers and ribs but already missing the solitude of the river, rabid chipmunks aside.
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