The day before I left on my rafting trip I learned that my teaching job was being cut. There were several opportunities on this trip to think about my life and what I was going to do with it. This day, Day 4, was one of those days that I pondered my life's big questions.
Hike #3: We hiked to a waterfall and a lot of the group swam around and cooled off.
The waterfall at Hike #3
Ken swam under this waterfall
The terrain we hiked to reach Elves Chasm
Elves Chasm
Tom (standing) and DJ (sitting) hiked up behind the waterfall
The Momentum Step
Ken swam under this waterfall as well
Hike #5: This one was much less of a hike and much more of a walk. The canyon walls were pretty cool and we saw some good scenery. Dave gave us some time to find ourselves a spot to sit down and "take it all in". I'm pretty sure he just wanted some time to hide out and take a nap.
Evelyn, me, and Tammy at the beginning of Hike #5
Scenery above from our hike below
We spotted a lizard on this hike
Upon reaching this canyon wall our hike had ended
"Take it all in" time
Evelyn, me, and Tammy at the beginning of Hike #5
Scenery above from our hike below
We spotted a lizard on this hike
Upon reaching this canyon wall our hike had ended
"Take it all in" time
We finished off the day with some beautiful scenery before setting up camp. This camp site had really small tent areas so Tammy and I slept in our tent that night. This was the night that I thought I was surely going to bake from the inside out. I've never been so hot in all my life. There were moments that I thought I might be sent into a panic due to the heat. I found myself needing to suppress thoughts like "What if I die because I'm so warm?" or "Will my body ever cool off?" or "I feel stuck, trapped! There's no breeze, nothing to cool me off even a little." Tammy and I really struggled with falling asleep that night because we were both so overheated. We did have some pretty good conversations though and that I really enjoyed.
Scenery from Day 4
Reflections
I ended this day with a lengthy journal entry: "The river had some amazing rapids today...At one point this morning I did..sit up front and got very wet. Luckily, I was able to change into dry clothes at lunch. The sun was out today and I really enjoyed being able to soak up a few rays. It also gave me a good opportunity to talk to Skinny Dave [one of the guides] about some things.
"Dave graduated from college and traveled all over Mexico, part of Chile, and part of Argentina. I was really impressed with his stories and all he's done. I kept thinking What is the value of seeing things and learning about other people? Then he talked about volunteering in an orphanage for three months in Mexico, going to raft in Mexico, and meeting Ernesto [our third guide] who gets to work in the U.S. for 6 months. He [Dave] did/does things to contribute to the world and to society. And then I thought about comparing and contrasting my purpose in life and being able to fulfill that purpose with seeking a family or seeking traveling/serving adventures. I talked to Dave about [health] insurance and wanting to settle down. He never had insurance, but he always had some money set aside for emergencies. He never worried about settling down because he always figured he'd be out and meet someone doing the same things he does/was doing. He's dating a girl he's known for four years. I liked listening to Dave's stories and hearing his motivation. He cares about other people. He wants to meet, learn, and help other people. He thought about joining the Peace Corps but two years isn't long enough. (I think it's a long time) He said it gives you just enough time to build a rapport with the people and then you have to move on. I really loved talking to him!
"I have a hard time seeing how Dave's life plan fits into the Gospel. But it gives me a lot to think about, things to consider, and gusto/motivation to think outside the box. I do feel like the opportunity to have that conversation was an answer to prayers; inspired, and an amazing blessing.
"The river water is still pretty dirty but I needed to bathe. I lost all pride and bathed naked. It wasn't as weird as I thought it would be, but colder than I expected it to be. The guides were on the boat and had...a view of where I was, but I didn't care. I still squatted so they wouldn't see [much] and my thighs were burning by the time I was done. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe because the water was so cold. It was worth it. My hair feels stiff and disgusting but it's clean [somewhat]. We ate french toast and fruit for breakfast; BLTs for lunch; pasta, garlic bread, and salad for dinner yesterday. SO DELICIOUS!"
"Dave graduated from college and traveled all over Mexico, part of Chile, and part of Argentina. I was really impressed with his stories and all he's done. I kept thinking What is the value of seeing things and learning about other people? Then he talked about volunteering in an orphanage for three months in Mexico, going to raft in Mexico, and meeting Ernesto [our third guide] who gets to work in the U.S. for 6 months. He [Dave] did/does things to contribute to the world and to society. And then I thought about comparing and contrasting my purpose in life and being able to fulfill that purpose with seeking a family or seeking traveling/serving adventures. I talked to Dave about [health] insurance and wanting to settle down. He never had insurance, but he always had some money set aside for emergencies. He never worried about settling down because he always figured he'd be out and meet someone doing the same things he does/was doing. He's dating a girl he's known for four years. I liked listening to Dave's stories and hearing his motivation. He cares about other people. He wants to meet, learn, and help other people. He thought about joining the Peace Corps but two years isn't long enough. (I think it's a long time) He said it gives you just enough time to build a rapport with the people and then you have to move on. I really loved talking to him!
"I have a hard time seeing how Dave's life plan fits into the Gospel. But it gives me a lot to think about, things to consider, and gusto/motivation to think outside the box. I do feel like the opportunity to have that conversation was an answer to prayers; inspired, and an amazing blessing.
"The river water is still pretty dirty but I needed to bathe. I lost all pride and bathed naked. It wasn't as weird as I thought it would be, but colder than I expected it to be. The guides were on the boat and had...a view of where I was, but I didn't care. I still squatted so they wouldn't see [much] and my thighs were burning by the time I was done. I had to keep reminding myself to breathe because the water was so cold. It was worth it. My hair feels stiff and disgusting but it's clean [somewhat]. We ate french toast and fruit for breakfast; BLTs for lunch; pasta, garlic bread, and salad for dinner yesterday. SO DELICIOUS!"
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