Brett's Walkabouts

walk·a·bout (wôk-bout) 1: a temporary return to traditional Aboriginal life, taken especially between periods of work or residence in modern society and usually involving a period of travel through the bush.

Apparently in his 3 week break from rotations before graduation, Brett decided he needed to become a real man. Or become one with nature. Or put some variety in his life. Or whatever it is the Aboriginals do when they drop everything and head out into the wilderness on a walkabout for extended periods of time. Brett's own version of this involved two back-to-back outdoor adventures to pass the time and get in some excitement before graduation and residency. His last hurrah, if you will.

His first adventure was a 5 day backpacking and hiking trip to Havasupai, a small Native American village and tropical oasis in a remote part of the Grand Canyon. We've been here twice before and had a blast hiking, camping, and cliff jumping; but with my current status (bun in the oven) there was no possibility of me going, so Brett convinced his brother BJ to go with him. Once in the campground, they met up with a large group of friends coming from UT, which included our friends Chris and Nicole. Brett was able to survey the damages/changes to the campground and waterfalls since the major flash flood in 2008. Although Navajo Falls is now completely dried up, they did have fun discovering a few new waterfalls (Rock Falls, New Navajo Falls, and Hidden Falls) and many new cliff diving spots! The only casualties were Brett's big toes, which are now a bright shade of black from Brett making the uphill 10-mile hike out without ever tightening his shoe laces! Dumb boy. :)

Clean, well rested, and smiling before the hike in

Mooney Falls

Havasu Falls

The Whole Gang

New Navajo Falls

Brett takes our camera for a dive off Hidden Falls!

After a quick 1 day turn-around to do laundry and re-stock on supplies (i.e. food), Brett headed out for his second adventure with our friend Kevin; a 5 day rock climbing and backpacking trip thru Zions National Park. The first two days were meant to be solely for rock climbing, but Brett's toes were still sore from his hike out 2 days prior, so he sat out on the second day of climbing and visited his friend John who lives in St. George. Monday morning Kevin and Brett set out for their planned 3 day "Bear Grylls" adventure. Intending to live off the land and drink from the stream, their plans were quickly thwarted when they learned from the park ranger that the route they had designed was filled with chest deep 40* water. They changed plans and headed uphill. The only problem: uphill = higher elevation = colder weather. The boys packed clothes for sunny warm weather and ended up hiking thru snow! They had a great time hiking and climbing, but cut their hike short by a day because they decided they could not survive another 20* night with shorts and thin sleeping bags. Let's just say, they didn't get much sleep shivering all night and were EXTREMELY tired when they got home!

The only pic of the boys climbing (actually...rappelling after the climb)

Visiting John, Jessica, Gabby, and Max

Headed off on their backpacking trip!

After hearing about all Brett's adventures, I'm glad he was able to have such a fun time before residency starts, but I'm even MORE glad he is back home with me and still in one piece! Thanks to BJ, Chris, Kevin, and John for FULLY entertaining my husband for a week-and-a-half! And for returning him safe and sound!