QUEST AT 8,000 FEET
From the exquisite view afforded from the hotel's balcony, I notice a circular structure off to the right. This becomes the focus of my hike. I'm not exactly sure how to get there but a brief exploration behind the hotel finds what turns out to be the beginning of a trail. As I begin to head out I realize that I am alone and have told no one where I am going. I am also traversing along the edge of the canyon at an elevation of around 8,000 feet and left my hiking boots at home. All the more reason to be extra careful.The hike is going well till I come across a short ladder missing its bottom rung. But there is a rock in the rung's place, so it's no problem climbing it. I continue on along the boulders and narrow path till I come across a short bridge, the first few feet of which are missing. This poses more of a dilemma. Never being one to let obstacles get in my way, I jump and continue on. My goal now in sight, I come across my last obstacle for reaching it: a pole with notches cut into it acting as a sort of ladder up to the structure I'm aiming to reach. It again comes to mind that I am alone and have told no one where I have gone. But I've come too far to stop now. (As it turns out, several people have been watching my ascent from the hotel's balcony.) My destination and hike itself allow me some incredible views of the canyon.
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