Spring Marathon: Goblin Valley

I had a nasty tension headache perhaps triggered by the way I cried when I left my two youngest with my parents before starting the 4 hour drive from West Point to Goblin Valley State Park, but as we entered the desert country of eastern Utah my tension gave way to anticipation. Mostly because I was greeted by views like this...

Absolutely

 A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!

How to describe Goblin Valley?

Well, have you ever been somewhere that represents a creation from the deep recesses of your imagination or a scene from a science fiction movie?

That is what Goblin Valley is. 

I had never been there before and I can only describe my first view of the goblins as surreal.

There they were stretched out before us...

...a playground of mushroom like goblins waiting to be climbed upon and hid among, beckoning us to come play.

So we did.

Unfortunately, the wind that is partly responsible for the shaping of the surrounding landscape was trying its best to do the same with us. It hurled a fine mist of sand that dug at any exposed and vulnerable places and sucked the moisture from our skin leaving the same web-like pattern on my hands as the cracked and parched desert floor. It demonstrated its power all night long ripping and tearing at our tent and stealing my nights sleep. But morning came with beautiful blue skies and weather perfect for hiking, so our group caravanned to Little Wild Horse Canyon trail head and set out.

The wind still relentlessly blew the sand in our faces, but nothing could have kept me from enjoying this hike.

I am a tactile person. I simply enjoy touching things. I make connections with people and objects through the sense of touch. The erosion patterns along the way were like a tapestry of texture just calling out to me to touch them. It may have slowed me down, but I enjoyed myself immensely.

  

Besides, there were friends all along the way to make connections with.

We were lucky enough to have been able to bring Ashton's friend Matthew, with us. The boys had a great time exploring, climbing, bouldering, and just being boys.

All in all, we had a fabulous time in Goblin Valley during Expedition Red Rock.

Even with the sand blowing, my tent breaking, and my car battery dying twice I really hope there is a trip next year....

...because the only thing the sand etched upon us is the fantastic memory of a one of a kind adventure.

 And I can't wait to do it again.