A FRESH LAYER of snow settled on my shoulders and hat. The contrast of white atop the rust sandstone and pines looked lovely—I tried to focus on that instead of the numbness in my trapped leg. Only a chilly wind broke the silence of the ravine. I listened for footsteps or voices, but heard nothing except the gusts rippling the water around me.
Six hours prior, I’d embarked on a day hike in Zion with my girlfriend, Jessika. Our route would take us 10 miles round-trip to the Subway, a tunnel-like canyon accessed via boulder scrambles and creek crossings. Snow dusted the ground when we set out at 8 a.m. I helped Jessika over large rocks and found a sturdy walking stick for balance.
Four miles in, a pond-size puddle blocked the trail. There was no way around the pool, but it looked shallow so, testing the footing with the walking stick, we began to make our way across. Suddenly, Jessika yelped. She had sunk to her knees and couldn’t get free. I lunged forward and pulled her out by her torso, but in doing so, my own right leg sank to the knee. Jessika was safe—the nearby mud was solid—but now I was stuck.
I tugged with all my strength, trying to brace with my free left leg. When that didn't work, I dug frantically with my bare hands, but it was useless—the water filled in instantly, preventing any progress and freezing my fingers.
Denne historien er fra November - December 2019-utgaven av Backpacker.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra November - December 2019-utgaven av Backpacker.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HORROR
CANADA’S MOST REVERED BACKPACKING TRAIL WAS BORN OUT OF A GHASTLY MISFORTUNE
TRUE NORTH
In pictures, Greenland's backcountry ski terrain looks spectacular. In person? It's even better.
WHEN THE FOREST IS AN ESCAPE
The Outdoors Is Powerful Medicine And The Refugee Women's Network Is Helping Displaced Hikers Get Back To It
The Gear that Changed Backpacking Forever
Trend-setters and trailblazers from the last 50 years
Timeless Adventures
In celebration of 50 years of trail beta and inspiration, we look back on our favorite spots through the moments we chose to capture.
Let The Rivers Run Free
A set of 10 bills currently in Congress will protect 7,000 miles of American waterways— if they pass.
Thru-Hiking, Canadian Style
When the pandemic shut down my plans to hike Europe, I found a world-class trail right on my doorstep.
Training Station
There's a great new wearable for every kind of athletic goal
CBD for Your Pain
Everyone feels the hurt as we age, but CBD can help you deal with it.
Home Base
These shelters score major comfort points