The Desert Pilgrimage

Zion from the top of The Spearhead photo by Lance Colley

The desert was calling. I could hear and feel the whispers even through the dreary, rainy Seattle weather, even through the sterile white walls of the labs hidden deep within the UW. My mind strayed constantly finding the memories of the warm desert, its secret treasures and unparalleled beauty. Winter quarter was coming to an end, spring break was coming and it was time for Deni and I to venture back. Back to freedom, love and inspiration.

Finally, March 17th at 4:20pm I finished my last final and we took off into the distance! We spent three days in Zion, climbing and canyoneering. We spent a day in Moab cragging and then 4 days in Indian Creek. Our last day we climbed lighthouse tower in Moab. Battered to pieces we dragged ourselves home after 10 days of constant adventure and friendship. We enjoyed everyone's company who joined us.
Those are the facts. Here is the story:

Zion

We pull into the campground, squealing with happiness. Everything is cloaked in darkness, we can feel the immensity of this place, it radiates energy. Tomorrow we will climb

The Spearhead, Iron Messiah 5.10+ 1000ft.
Its huge, and we are small. The two of us, against a massive wall. The wall has stood for ages repelling the weak.

The man on the shuttle "you are going to climb that...."

Deni following the first pitch of Iron Messiah photo by Lance Colley

Chimneys, Traverses, grunts, falls, hand jams, frustrations, fear, awe. Finally the summit. Start rappelling.

Stuck rope. DAMN

On the summit of The Spearhead. Exhausted. Photo by Deni Murray

Hours and hours pass. Darkness falls, hiding the ground. We have no headlamp. The ends of our rope quietly slither into the blackness below.

Composure falls apart, tears fall, regroup, deep breaths. Keep fighting. Focus on the task, fix the problem

There goes the last shuttle. Winding its way back to the end of the canyon. Leaving us in the dark.

Finally on the ground. We stumble to the road alone in the darkness. No shuttle is coming. Feet hurt. Stomach is growling. Deni is so strong she begins the trek back to camp. I try to keep up.

There is no progress in the darkness, no lights, no reference we just keep walking.

Finally saved by star gazers our walk was over.

Deni and Emma. A day of cragging in Zion photo by Lance Colley

Desert Secrets

Photo by Lance Colley

The Crew. Photo by Lance Colley

We walked miles into the desert, we discovered a passage below the surface.

A passage carved by an artist.

He has no hands, eyes or purpose. Just time, water and sand.


We are here to explore this aimless art.

Photo by Lance Colley

We rappel, we commit.The artist promises beauty

Rappels into icy cold darkness

Deeper and Deeper

Darkness hides pools and lakes.

 This water has never enjoyed the kiss of sunlight.

So cold and foreboding the water hates us for disturbing it.

Can we walk through or will we have to swim?

How long will we be swimming.

We swim into the darkness.

Uncontrollable shivers.

Silence.

The lovely orange sun caresses the orange walls high above us.

Taunting us.

At the mercy of the artist.

 When will his art end, what will be next.

We enter a giant room.

Ominous.

We must swim.

Rock bridges weave in and out above us, the sun is gone


We found beauty, or maybe it found us.

Lizzy wading out into a giant pool 

Time to leave this treasure, back to the desert.

Exiting the canyon via the East Virgin River Photo by Lance Colley

Indian Creek

My head tilts back, my eyes follow the perfect splitter crack up the wall and into the blue sky, my toes wiggle in the sand with anticipation, my hands sweat, perspiration beads up and runs down my face. The gentle breeze whispers relief from the sun.

Scarface at sunset photo by Lance Colley

I whisper to Deni
She whispers back

-On Belay?
-Belay On.
-Climbing?
-Climb On.

Michael Rowley climbing the Cave Route 5.10+ photo by Tyler Thompson

The journey begins. A hand jam, a sandy foot hold, placing cams, clipping the rope. Deep breaths. Focus. All my energy and focus is channeled. It feels good, overwhelmingly good. I could fall, but I won't, its not important.

Incredible Hand Crack 5.10 photo by Lance Colley

Blood courses through my arms. Feet scream with agony. My hands and feet have more fight, they just don't know it. There is always more fight. Climbing is good for the soul. Tomorrow will be a rest day.

Lance battles Coyne Crack 5.11+

The next day I give up on resting. This place is pure inspiration, I must do better. I take more battles. Falling is an opportunity to learn, to grow. Life is boring without pain and fear.

Deni leading an unnamed 5.10 photo by Lance Colley

My friends are with me, they watch from the ground. They give me energy. They understand. I love them.

Lance leading Swedin-Ringle 5.12- photo by Michael Rowley

Our last day in Indian Creek. I promise to return. To the Desert and to myself..