Thursday, June 20, 2013

Zebra Canyon

Escalante National Monument is 2.42 Rhode Islands in area.  Yes, thats a unit of measurement.  It's slightly over one Delaware.  It's a lot of land and compared with other national parks, largely unexplored.  Directions to trails begin "park just past the cattle guard and follow the wash..." You might drive for an hour on a dirt road and not see another car.  Cell service is unlikely.


Full disclosure: It was desolate enough, that despite not being alone, I had a few mountain lion flashback-panic-attacks on the way in.



...and then again, on the way out. I don't think much can survive there, but it was quiet enough to question.



But that's what makes it special.  No, I'm not going to tell you how to get to one of the most remarkably beautiful and unique places I've been.  You can look on your own, the information is out there.  But if you do go, treat it right.  People are assholes.  Generally speaking, of course.  North Coyote Buttes used to be unrestricted, special, a secret.  When the masses found out, they did what people do.  Now 20 people are allowed to visit per day.  You need to win a lottery; when I showed up there were well over 100 people there for 10 permits. If you don't have a permit, you can be fined $300 for daring to visit.  Ok it just might be worth $300 to see, but still: it would be a shame if Zebra Canyon turned into that.



So, I beg you; if you seek out Zebra Canyon, treat it with respect.  Leave no trace.  Don't drop garbage, don't mark up the walls.  Leave it pristine and perfect for others to enjoy.


The entryway looks unassuming enough.  You're entering a slot canyon.  Which is it's own neat experience. But then:


It's everything that's amazing about southern Utah.


The photos don't do Zebra Canyon justice.  Narrow walls, winding path, red red striped rock. The best photos, actually have people in them. I'm not going to post photos of my ex, and I'm not going to post photos he took.  But, this spot is magical.  It's a very short hike, and while the striped walls slot canyon doesn't last that far, it's an unbelievable sight and feeling.


..and it's free.  Open, unrestricted.  Quiet, beautiful.  Please, if you go there, don't mess it up.

While you're there, make sure to check out Tunnel Slot.

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Fordham Brewing (Rams Head Tavern)

Type: Brewpub
Location: 33 West Street, Annapolis MD 21401 (410) 268-4545
Website: http://www.fordhambrewing.com
Cost: Reasonably priced Menu
Visit Date: 06/09/2013
Beers:  Rams Head IPA
            Copperhead Ale
            Helles Lager
            Tavern Ale
            Wisteria Wheat
            Old Dominion Stout
Nearby: The Capital of Maryland, U.S. Naval Academy, Sailboat show
Notes: It's been awhile since I've updated.  I haven't done a lot of traveling or a lot of beering lately.  Studied for and passed my CCNA though!  Now I've got a pile of books for other things I need to learn.  Job goals and whatnot.  Not real exciting, but I got laid off last year.  From a company that seemed like it'd be there forever when I started.  It certainly had been.  Everyone I met had spent their entire career there, business was booming.  Seemed like a nice stable place to land.  Six and a half years later my whole department got walked out.  Finding a new job was relatively easy.  Involved moving, but me and a handful of guys (some of the greatest people you could ever work with) came down to Maryland. I realize I need to keep my skills up to date, nothing is guaranteed.  
But I digress, beer!  It was  my birthday last week, big 3-0.  I'd had a big party for 29, but I really didn't care that I was turning 30.  Sort of feel like I've evolved into a real adult though, not really anxious about 30 like I'm told I was supposed to be.  I still don't know how to go to bed on time, but I vacuum weekly and by god my bathroom is clean.  Also hangovers, and PMS, what is this shit? 

Digressing again, some of my favorite people I know made last minute birthday plans with me, and we met up at Ram's Head in Annapolis.  Spent several hours grazing on appetizers and enjoying the beers.  I'd been here years ago, and I'm pleased to say the place is still great.  And as a city, I love Annapolis.  Small, old, cute.  We should meet up there more often!


And somebody has a statue of Ronald Reagan on their porch.