Expedition Tenacity: Letting Go of Unfinished Business

The Expedition ahead is somewhat known to us as it's a strenuous hike down and up steep canyons of sandstone and varnished rock. The unfinished Expedition weighs heavily on our minds. When we attempted to reach the bridge just six days ago, we were limited by time constraints and low morale. The thought of doing something short of completion feels familiar... like a huge letdown that also reminds us of so many times we haven't succeeded. Before  coming here, the automatic response was always the same... it's easier to just play video games, use, smoke, and escape. 

 

During our evening discussion about the value of following through, the suggestion was made to all of us that we attempt the same Expedition to completion. The thought of getting back on the thirteen mile trail that wanders through wind chiseled canyons and an endless twists and slow turns skirting Powell had quite the effect on us. Everyone had   extremely different responses and feelings around the idea. Everything from, "no way am I going to do that again," to "you're joking, right?" to "I say, let's go and nail it!" Ah, N.G., a very positive leader rallied the Expedition Team! "Let's pack up and leave tomorrow afternoon!"  And that's exactly what the Team did.

We called upon our inner strength, tenacity and previous weeks training and experience  We shaved a day and a half off of our previous attempt and the gnarly hiking over huge rocks down a steep slope to Cliff Canyon appears difficulty yet not impossible. We noticed the cacti, tall yuccas lining both sides of the steep sloping trail. Then....The Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, was now in sight. This is the largest natural bridge in the world.

Cool, cool! We took in the awe inspiring site made of weathered sandstone, meditated upon our efforts, and took lots of photographs here. We reached our goal and felt accomplished. Getting unattached...

Letting go of our collective negative thoughts and beliefs about the previous Expedition was essential in giving us a new opportunity to focus on what we wanted to accomplish... in the now.  

We chased the sun down after a delicious dinner of linguine marinara. This was a relaxing time to reflect upon our accomplishments and wait for the night sky to appear with all of its amazing constellations, galaxies, roving satellites, and shooting stars.

To be continued...