Scaling Mountains and Capsized Kayaks

Aubri and I didn't get to chat much at church, so we decided to organize another hike--to the Living Room. It's right by the University of Utah's Red Butte Garden. I got to know some awesome people including Nick, Tommy, Nathan, and Aubri. We ended up just scaling the mountain. 

This pose is a shout out for my friend Eleise (she's currently on a mission in Rhode Island; see below)

Taken last August on Mt Timp. Miss this girl! 

Then, with it being Memorial Day weekend, a ton of my friends had planned some sweet trips. First up was a trip down the Provo River. My friend Colton had some kayaks his parents let us borrow. We strapped them to his Suburban and then headed up the canyon. The top part was great. A couple fun rapids, especially since the water is much higher this early in the season. I'm going to be rafting again on it this summer, so it was awesome to get the feel of the current again. To my surprise, I could actually physically and mentally remember the river. Those boy scout trips last summer actually paid off! 

They only paid off to an extent though. Colton and I were overzealous and very confident in our novice kayaking abilities. As we headed down the bottom of the Provo River in the canyon, the river upped its intensity. Many people don't know this, but the Provo actually has some level 5 rapids which take a little bit more preparation and scouting to go through. Our zeal caught up with us as we both capsized within 200 yards. I still have the bruises to prove it. Next time, Provo, next time. 

So we had to hoist our kayaks out of the river, mine being full of water. With the help of some adrenaline, we got our kayaks out safely. 

We were still miles away from our cars. So, we did what any logical, stranded adventurer would do: 

Thankfully Colton was wearing a BYU Alumni shirt...Someone pulled over within 10 minutes. Nicest guy ever named Phil. Was he on his way to work? Yes. Was his wife in labor? Why yes, yes she was. HE IS THE ONLY ONE WITHOUT AN EXCUSE TO PICK US UP. Cool guy. 

Next Time: 

Goblin Valley