Cedar Mesa

Written by: Brooke Darby

2 weeks ago, 2000 miles from my home we began our journey backpacking in Cedar Mesa Bears Ears National Monument. Most mornings as I sat by the whisper light stove cooking, my bright yellow sleeping bag was right beside me. It draped across the bushes that sprout from the rocky desert landscape in an attempt to dry out the dew that accumulated overnight. Although on the last full day of the expedition that effort proved useless when following the morning dew, the rain came. The desert sky soaked the base of the canyon, and our hiking boots as we trudged through raging streams flowing over usually dry rock. Throughout the day, we cheered each other on as we all faced the same challenge. The humid conditions were not the only things that reminded me at home. 

As we rolled into camp, I realized by my mistake I had ended up with a sopping wet sleeping bag. The rain continued as the sun went down, and the temperature dropped. I began to panic. I had nowhere warm nor dry to go. The homely feeling of support proved especially true when I climbed into the now full yellow, soggy sleeping bag, stressed, and in tears. As I laid there, I was greeted by each of my peers bringing me extra layers and their water bottles full of hot water to keep my sleeping bag warm. Needless to say, I made it through the night. The following day we hiked out, to begin our next expedition. Our gear dried and the soggy sleeping bag became just a story,  of support, love, and ultimately a warm night of sleep. Almost like if I were right back at home.