Roving Cooks

March 13, 2021

“you guys are doing it right” – three 20-somethings from New York hiking behind us at Bryce

“you didn’t see us 20 minutes ago” -me

hoodoo – a column or pinnacle of weathered rock; characteristic rock formations found at Bryce Canyon

voodoo- what I needed to find patience

When you’re in it, it’s so hard to step out and have a broader perspective. In the moment, the irritation at having yet another snowball shoved onto my butt seemed to outweigh everything else. I don’t think many would say that I lack the ability to be clear and direct, so really Grayson should have picked up that I didn’t appreciate the snow fight. And of course, that’s probably why he was continuing to do it. Why couldn’t I see the fun and silliness that he did in that moment?

Another .25 mile down the trial, Madelyn started whining; her legs were tired, she was starving. We had a short (to my 5’7″ frame) hill to climb to get to Sunrise Point and then we could turn around and head back to the truck. I agreed that after we got up, looked around, and came back to flat trail, she could ride on my shoulders. Note that Greg had already put her on his back for about 2 minutes before she wanted to get down. I was so frustrated at the glacial pace we were moving up the hill; Greg and Grayson had raced up ahead and Grayson was already itching to turn around. The impatient “let’s go, girl” was coming out of my mouth when the threesome behind us started ooing and ahhing over Madelyn’s tiny hiking shoes, mini Camelback, and grit getting up the hill. When I offered to let them pass in front of us, they kindly said “seeing her is the best part of our hike so far.” Why couldn’t I see how hard she was trying, and remember that her legs step 4 to my 1, and that doing this hike was our choice, not hers? Once we did get to the top, she opted to take it even a step further by attempting tree climbing.

We picked up lunch at the Bryce Canyon Lodge, took it in the truck over to Inspiration Point, and agreed that neither of us wanted to force our kids up another snowy hill (especially as they had already changed into their extra dry clothes and their shoes were wet and cold). Greg and I took turns hiking up ourselves, and the view did not disappoint. Amazing how 20 minutes of fresh air, incredible views, and alone time can turn your mindset around and heal your soul.

And a special thanks to those New Yorkers; sometimes it takes a kind word from someone outside your own head to shift the tide and remind you how good you have it.