We couldn’t have asked for a better first Thanksgiving on the road. Despite being away from our loving families we assembled a humble but thankful group of 8 new and old friends in a place that is both beautiful and unfamiliar. Zion National Park, UT.

First. Let me first introduce you to the characters:

Thomas was on the swim team with Owen & me in college. He is on the road traveling from his Subaru & climbing. Boyfriend of Hanna.

Robert we also met through Thomas. He is from Tennessee and currently on the road for three months climbing across the country with Corinne. Boyfriend of Corinne.

Hanna worked with me in ATL and we have been fast friends ever since. She traveled up her new home in Tucson, AZ. Girlfriend of Thomas.

Corinne we met through Thomas. She is from Tennessee and currently on the road for three months climbing across the country with Robert. Girlfriend of Robert.

Zack climbed with Thomas, Owen, & me in Atlanta. He has since relocated to California & made the drive to be with us!

Austin we met through Thomas. He also climbed with us in Atlanta. He flew out to spend two weeks on the road climbing with Thomas in the desert.

MAK & Owen. Two wayward souls in search of friends to celebrate Thanksgiving with. Other then that you know their story.

We started our day off with a sunrise hike to Angles Landing with Robert, Corinne, Austin, Owen, & myself. We were on trail by 5am for a 7:11am sunrise. Turns out we GREATLY over estimated how much time we needed to hike to the landing. When were just a short distance from the landing it was still pitch black out without the slightest hint of a sunrise. We spent 45 mins on a ledge out of the wind trying to pretend like it was not in the 30’s and we were not sweaty. 

The sunrise was well worth the wait, to have Angle’s Landing and the valley at first light to ourselves alone was enough to spend a whole day being thankful for. There was much rejoicing and playing "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles.

After our hike the rest of the day was excessively casual and full of basking in the sun around camp, stretching, taking story, some light bouldering, morning beers, and slowly prepping our meals.

Half of our meal was cooked over the fire and the other half was made on camp stoves. It was a Thanksgiving miracle that everything was ready all at the same time. But here is the full menu of the glorious feast that we prepared for ourselves.

THE MENU:

Steak, Salmon, and a Turkey leg

Sweet Rolls and Crusty Bread

Texas Caviar

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Lima Beans

Green Beans over the fire

Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

Wine, Beer, & Bourbon out the bottle

Meal conversations included how good steak is, top 5 celebrity crushes, how none us are probably going to make it to 9pm because we were getting so full, and how impressed we were with how well our feast came together. After eating and some sips of Bourbon we went on a 3 miles hike/walkabout in an attempt to work off our meal and watch the sun set over the valley.

In all seriousness, we couldn't have asked for a better day or a better crew to celebrate with. We have so much to be thankful for this year. A few of those things include: each other, great careers that allow us to have the freedom to roam, able bodies that are are gun-ho as our minds, our families who have been endlessly supportive of our endeavors even if it means we are not home for all holidays, our trusty van Stanley, our increadible friends, and that doesn't even begin to cover it!

To our families: We love you all so much. Even though we were not with you in person, know that we are incredibly thankful for you. You were in our thoughts and we can't wait to see you guys when we are home for Christmas.

We are also super thankful for Trekology, our newest sponsor. They sent the amazing lightweight and compact camping table and chairs. They were a huge help for Thanksgiving and beyond!  GoVino also sent us some shatter proof, camp perfect wine and beer glasses. We recommend them to those who love life outside and cheering with friends! Last but not least, the increadible beautiful plates by Falcon Enamelware.