I only went out for a walk and finally
concluded to stay out till sundown,
for going out, I found, was really going in.
from: The Unpublished Journals of John Muir, 1938
by: John Muir
SLOTS HIKE at more than a passing glance:
For many months we thought the SLOTS hike was lost to us. Fences were thrown up, access was denied, threats were made by park officials.
My heart ached. I raged inside.
My temper flared each time I drove by the vacant trail head- thinking that this beautiful hike has been denied us!!! (for no apparent reason!!!)
The SLOTS hike has always been a favorite among guests and locals. It has been sorely missed.
Then, not to long ago, I learned from a friend and fellow hiker that there was another way in!!!
So we gave it a try. With a few daring guests, we began our 'investigation" of the new trail.
And perhaps now is a good time for a confession and repentance. Repentance for some of the bad things I grumbled under my breath about the Nazi Park Service. For this 'new' trail is glorious to tread and to gather coral dust between my toes!! Its long, its scenic, and its got a little bit of everything for any level of hiker. Granted, its not quite perfect, in that the trail markers steer us away from some of the treasures and highlights of the 'old' hike. The trail has us avoid some of the Indian rock writing and wedding rock and the slot that we affectionately call the 'birth-canal.' But...we sneaking hiking guides that know better still know how to get there using unused paths!!!
So when the spirit moves us and we know that feet can carry us the distance, we can still treat ourselves to ALL the hike has to offer out there. Sure there is extra time and effort involved, but boy is it worth it!!
All in all it is a hugely rewarding hike...as it stands now, new and revised.
So yes...
I apologize to the Park Service- the alternative trail is a great one, and we thank you!!
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