On Feb. 18th I went on a hike with our boy scouts, leaving from our house and traveling up the mountains to the west. We hiked about 8.5 miles round trip, with lots of ups and downs and in snow a good deal of the way. So it wasn't an easy hike, but well worth it.
Part of the adventure was this cabin which is what is left of a homestead attempted by a midget (ok politically correct "little people") couple back in the 40's or 50's. Seriously, it is called the midget cabin and this place is a long way from civilization. No roads as far as I can tell. Pretty tough way to make a living
The real goal of the hike (other than to wear out some boy scouts) was these indian ruins known as the cottonwood ruins. These may be the most extensive Indian houses and in the best shape I have seen. These are apparently very old, like a 1,000 years, and in amazing shape.
They are hard to find. You have to know exactly where to look and they can only be seen from a couple of angles. I have had people native to Kanab tell me they have hunted deer all around this area all their life and never knew they were there. Anyway they are pretty cool.
Also along the hike was a large cave called the Outlaw cave. The stories are that the outlaws would hide out there. I can believe it, very hard to find, very easy to defend, and large enough for a lot of men and horses.
We also spent a little time at a place that probably has a lot of different names but the scout master who grew up here called it the cracks. Lots of huge boulders, up to 30 - 40 feet tall that are full of narrow fractures and cracks. It is just like a huge maze, and just as much fun to explore. Can't wait to take the older grand kids.
I continue to be amazed at all there is to see around our home in Kanab
Another nap on Grandpa. Love it when a baby still does the frog thing with legs all tucked up. He is really the best little boy.
Look at that sweet face. 
The real goal of the hike (other than to wear out some boy scouts) was these indian ruins known as the cottonwood ruins. These may be the most extensive Indian houses and in the best shape I have seen. These are apparently very old, like a 1,000 years, and in amazing shape.
They are hard to find. You have to know exactly where to look and they can only be seen from a couple of angles. I have had people native to Kanab tell me they have hunted deer all around this area all their life and never knew they were there. Anyway they are pretty cool.
And here I am working a nice little 75 foot route. The ice conditions were perfect, the temperatures were in the low 30's, ideal for ice climbing. Previous years we have had high temperatures below 10 degrees F., and that makes the ice brittle, but 32 is just about perfect.
Kelly and I at the bottom of the canyon after I had just climbed a route. The bottom of this canyon is actually the frozen river, so you have to be careful where you step. There is open water in some places.
Here is Kelly on a M7 rated route. He had climbed about 50 feet of ice to get to this section of rock. Then he will top out on the ice at the top of the rock.
