Once we returned from Labyrinth Falls (Part 1 post can be found by clicking
here), we began heading upstream to explore some magnificent narrows on our way to Sulphur Spring. Sulphur Spring is at the bottom of a slot canyon that enters Parunuweap from the north and is the exit point for canyoneers who descend Fat Man's Misery with their ropes. After relaxing at the warm spring, for several minutes, we headed back to the canyon entrance, took a short lunch, and psyched ourselves for the long grueling haul out of the canyon and back to Checkerboard Mesa.
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Heading upstream
(It was surprising how powerful the water was, even though it was only knee deep) |
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| Mike, where are you leading us? Are we really going in there? |
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| Now we can see why Mike said this was one of his favorite hikes! |
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| Wow! |
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| Just when we thought we had "whittled" the pictures down . . . |
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| We had to fit one more in! |
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| Kent is coming out of the narrows and directly in front of him is Sulphur Spring |
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Sulfur Spring . . .
This warm spring (with a perfect lukewarm temperature) feeds this beautiful oasis |
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| Fat Man's Misery, a technical slot canyon, ends here at the pool |
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| This lizard had the right idea |
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After wading through the muddy waters of the East Fork,
It was quite a contrast to find the crystal clear water of Sulfur Spring . . .
Oh, yeah, it was very soothing on Kent's strained knee! (More on that later) |
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| Time to turn around and head back |
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| Washington Monkeyflower |
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This spring came right out of a rock, flowing cool and clear . . .
Why we didn't filter water from it is beyond us! Later we would wished we had! |
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Hope we didn't bore you with pictures!
Now it's time to begin the arduous task of getting out of this magical place |
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The initial ascent to the canyon rim is the hardest part of the hike . . .
But nothing too bad, unless you feel your knee beginning to give out! |
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| On the rim and catching one last glimpse of Parunuweap Canyon |
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We can only imagine what this hike must be like in the heat of summer!
On this October day the temperature was 86° and it was draining . . .
Remember that beautiful cool spring? So did we, as we rationed our water! |
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| Onward and upward |
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With still close to two miles to go,
Kent's knee ligaments were really "screaming" from the inflammation that was caused by rubbing against bone |
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Finally, at the saddle!
We only have a little over a mile to reach the car, but our water is gone . . .
Did we tell you our water filters were neatly stored (unused) in our packs??
Yeah, we're experienced hikers! |
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After the steep and sandy descent, Kent's knee pretty much locked up . . .
Now it was time to use the walking sticks as crutches and will himself back to the car! |
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| Almost there! |
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Signs of fall
(Allison used the slow pace to keep taking pictures) |
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One last dry fall
(Thanks Mike for your patience in getting the old man out!) |
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The car is just over the shady berm right in front of Kent . . .
We're going to make it! Hooray, we'll live to hike another day! |
Hiking from where we entered the canyon, upstream, involves another .3 of a mile hike to reach Sulphur Spring. Then, of course, another .3 mile back to the Powell Plaque where you will want to take a good break before making the 4.6 mile ascent out of the canyon bottom and back to Checkerboard Mesa. Total mileage for this hike was approximately 11 miles (r/t) and took us about nine hours . . . we only stopped for one 30 minute break in the canyon . . . so expect a long and exhausting day! Not only was this a special hike, but provided us with a real sense of accomplishment for a couple 64+ yr olds . . . can't say enough, "Thanks!" to Mike for making this excursion a reality . . . it will live on in our memories forever!
