The following is a slightly abridged version of conversations that took place in the fall of 2011

Dan B. (via email) “Anyone want to go trekking in Nepal for a month?”

Dave and Sharon “Sure!”

Sharon in the OR “We’re going trekking in Nepal”

Rob (Nurse anesthetist in the same OR) “Can Cailie and I come?”

Sharon and Dave “Sure!”

Rob “How about my backdoor buddy Andrew?”

Sharon, Dave, and Dan “Sure!”

Fast forward, February 2012: Rob, Cailie, Andrew, Dave, Sharon, with sons Aaron and Kevin walk to the edge of South Canyon at the top of the “UPS Route”. As soon as we look over the edge, laughter erupts. Where we expect a trail, there is a cliff with only the slightest hint of a trail…really just a faint path that looks like it might have hopes and dreams of one day growing up to become a trail. With an attitude of “what could possibly go wrong?” we step into space. Thus began the first Diapers and Depends Expedition.

Let me back up. Rob, Cailie and Andrew lived in the same subdivision with adjoining back yards (ergo: back door buddies) and had become good friends. Sharon knew Rob only from an occasional surgical case together. I don’t know any of them. Since we were planning to spend an entire month together in Nepal, it seemed wise for those of us in Flagstaff to get to know each other. A gnarly Canyon backpacking micro adventure seemed the perfect way to get acquainted. Which led us back to the edge of the South Canyon.

We chose that particular route because the “UPS Route” was reported to be the shortest route to the river, and this was meant to be a quick overnight trip. Sharon, I and the boys spent the night at the trailhead. As soon as Rob, Cailie and Andrew arrived at the butt crack of dark, we saddled up and still laughing, dropped off the edge.

The hike into South Canyon ended up becoming a perfect metaphor for our goal for the weekend. While we had some general knowledge of South Canyon, it was a new hike for all of us. Similarly, we all knew a little bit about each other, but there was a great deal of unknown. As we dropped farther into the Canyon and rounded corners, the Canyon kept revealing itself in small, interesting ways and in sweeping scenes of dramatic beauty. So it was with our hiking companions. In dozens of different conversations, in turn with each of our fellow explorers, we both revealed and learned interesting little nuggets about each other.

As we made short work of the descent, a few things quickly became apparent. First, everyone was a strong hiker and comfortable in the outdoors. While it is fun introducing newbies to such things, it is great when people come already equipped with a strong skill set. Instead of learning how to hike in challenging conditions, properly adjust a backpack, or eat and drink appropriately, we simply went about enjoying the experience and each other. Second, this was an easygoing group. Almost immediately we established an easy rapport, with lots of give and take, serious conversation, joking and laughter. Finally, it became clear early on that this group was going to make going to Nepal even more special.

After about a mile of steep descent, we more or less reached the bottom of South Canyon. The “trail” continued on for another two miles or so. We dropped in and out of the canyon bottom and eventually came to a decision point. To the right we could have entered a narrow section of slots, or to the left a traverse along the side of the canyon. We chose the traverse and after some relatively easy walking, arrived at the beach above Vasey’s Paradise. As long as we were in the sun, it was shorts and T-Shirt weather…pretty special for a mid-winter hike.

We spent a pleasant evening at the River enjoying some good food, good company, lots of laughter, and one curious ring tail cat. Next morning we shouldered our packs for the hike out. As expected, it was downright brutal at times. Still, all the young un’s (the Diapers gang) and the oldsters (the Depends contingent) all made the climb with no problems. The first Diapers and Depends Expedition was a success!