DAY 39: a BAD day in Eardley Canyon | Zion to Green River Hike VLOG

Day 39 of my backpacking journey from Zion National Park to Green River, Utah. Technically this is Day 2 of the continuation of the trip which I stopped just short in June along the northern end of the San Rafael Reef. On this October day I made my way up Eardley Canyon where I quickly realized that the recent floods ensured I was in for more of an adventure than anticipated. The canyon was full of opaque water and super-slick mud; much more than one would normally find in this canyon. Tough hiking conditions and a series of mistakes made for a really BAD day. But... the bad makes us better appreciate the good, right? I think so!
I hope you enjoy this vlog-style experiment with daily videos to re-live my big hike(s) from 2022. Some days will be short, some will be long -- but each will represent one day of hiking and hopefully include something new and fun to watch!
Thanks for watching!

[@Acrossutah]

Glad to finally have this day published -- as it was definitely my most memorable day of hiking in 2022 (and not for any positive reasons!) The conditions I encountered are not common for this canyon, but I think the video serves as a good reminder that conditions can and do change regularly in the canyons. As mentioned via on-screen text I talk more about the mistakes I made in the next episode, but suffice it to say I was probably too nonchalant during my third swim across that pool. ✌

[@cedric3413]

Wow ! A very good reminder that just a little thing can put you in a very bad situation So glad that you end it well !

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- that's what I was trying to articulate at the end but I was a bit flustered. This should NOT have been a bad situation and should not have been dangerous, but I made a few poor choices and then it escalated quickly. I was almost too embarrassed to share the footage, but... like you said, I do think it serves as a good reminder to myself and others to always be prepared and take stuff seriously. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@randygodfrey7809]

OMG, Jamal! I'm so sorry you had to go through this. A major bummer, especially losing your camera! This is material for some good stories, but what a price to pay. I'll stay tuned.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Randy. Luckily I used three cameras on this trip so I had extra footage, but I did lose some fun time-lapse shots and added explanation along the way. The "accident" was avoidable if I'd only not been so nonchalant that final time across the pool. But... bad days make us better appreciate the good, right?! Thanks again for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@michaelpuett6358]

bad day indeed!

[@Acrossutah]

Yep... very memorable, but for all the wrong reasons! Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@loricollins3163]

Jamal! That was the most intense scene I have seen on all of the KZbin hiking videos I have watched over the years! Whoa! I was holding my breath and wanting to reach out to you and give you a hand…yet knowing you would be okay. Totally surreal. Your positivity buoyed you through and I am so appreciative of whatever angels (where was Mr. Shadow?!) kept you and your gear oxygen side up. Okay…I hope you somehow get a good night’s rest in the wetness. Looking forward to Day 40/3. That is the message from here. Peace ✌️

[@Udink]

This perfectly sums up what I was gonna say. That scared the F outta me even though I knew full well Jamal made it out safely.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Lori -- it was definitely a intense moment for me. After the initial shock I knew I'd be OK, but I was still worried that my pack was going to eventually sink (still can't believe it stayed attached that way.) I considered not sharing the footage as though I think reacted well -- I still kick myself for being too nonchalant and putting myself in that position in the first place. Strange though, but if I hadn't lost the other camera I likely would have used it here and likely would have lost it and if not... would not have captured the scene the same way as my 360-camera did. But again... if I had had that camera maybe the accidently would have never happened. So many "what ifs"! Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@loucarvelas9726]

At the end of the day, you walk it alone - a marvelous testament to your strength of mind, conviction, purpose and bodily abilities. well done & blue skies ahead 👏🏼

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... it was a bad day, but in the end it all turned out OK and the bad makes use appreciate the good, right?! That said... I hope to do better and avoid days like this in the future! Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@TheWayOutdoors]

HOLY CRAP!!! Before I got to the swimming mishap I had planned to comment on your loss of the camera. When I backpacked Glacier National Park back in 2019, I lost my memory card on the trail with 5 days of footage on it and I had no backup camera. I was truly devastated. A crazy turn of events lead to a couple from Michigan finding the (postage stamp) sized memory card lying by the trail in the rain and happened to pick it up. Upon the completion of the hike I put in a doubtful lost and found notice with the rangers, and sure enough the very nice couple mailed the card back to me in perfect condition, which allowed for me to make one of my favorite videos I've done. Accepting the loss of footage is rough and I could see it on you. Yet your positive attitude persevered and you still made an awesome video with what you had. Other than that, I have to say in over 8 years watching your videos, that swim was the most intense moment I've seen, not only on your channel but entirely with those who film their adventures. I am so glad you are safe as that looked rough! I think its safe to say that Eardley Canyon is an asshole. Cant wait for the conclusion!

[@Acrossutah]

Wow -- that's an amazing story re: your memory card! I was bummed about my footage, but I'm lucky in that I use 3 different cameras and thus had plenty of other footage (though I had to use more text and photos than usual to cover some missing clips.) I'm also lucky that this didn't happen weeks into a hike as I don't back-up my stuff as I go. So in that sense it was a relatively small loss. That swim was one of the most intense on-trail moments I've ever had. And... I'm a bit hard on myself as it should NOT have been (for semi-obvious reasons I talk about in next episode). I contemplated not including the footage as I'm somewhat embarrassed by it, but... I think it serves a good reminder to myself and others to always be careful and prepared. Thanks again for watching and the comment. ✌

[@ropersix]

And at least it was memorable, rather than just a formality for finishing the journey. It's not over til it's over! Glad you made it safely.

[@Acrossutah]

That is definitely true -- I will never forget that day in the canyon! Thanks for watching. 🌞✌

[@cathymoore1739]

Wow Jamal! Two days of very challenging terrain & experiences. Sharing lessons learned, good or bad, gives us viewers more insight to the level of situations you encounter & decisions you have to make. As always, thanks for taking us along on your adventure. Glad you are safe! PS Yes Klymit should see this!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... I contemplated for a while how to share this (cut it all out, just give a glimpse, etc.) In the end it plays out pretty much in real time. I still kick myself for some of the mistakes I made, but do think the footage serves as a reminder to myself (and others) that one should never be too nonchalant in this type of situation. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@tangenttrails]

Wow! What an intense moment. One of the moments that you’ll never forget.😶

[@Acrossutah]

Yep, I've been anxious and yet nervous to share this moment for a while. It definitely left an impression on me. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@Zee7099]

Wow, that got real in a hurry. Glad you’re here to post the footage.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... that would have sucked for it to have been "found footage" years later. It definitely escalated in a hurry, but once I got past that initial shock of going under and let go of my gear I knew I'd be OK -- I was just worried my stuff could sink. I almost didn't share that part of the video, but think it's a good reminder for myself (and others) to take necessary precautions as things can go bad very fast. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@davidogle9247]

Dang, getting dizzy holding my breath here on the couch for you... Glad you're safe! Ruined an $1800 camera + lenses on a canoe trip once. After days on the water, my thinking got a little too dull and I let my canoe too close to a fall and the weight of the rushing water overpowered me... had to just let it go and collect what was left in the pool at the bottom. There I was drying out my gear in the sunlight just the same as you. I even opened up my camera and lenses with the screwdriver I had trying to salvage it. I know that deep-in- the-middle-of-nowhere panic feeling all too well after busting a canoe almost in half... But today, it sure makes for some good memories...

[@Acrossutah]

Wow -- that had to be a bummer! There is an inherent need for us to save our "stuff" in these situations and ultimately that is a mistake I guess. I knew I could "self rescue" from there w/o my gear if I had to, but I'm really glad it didn't come to that! Thanks again for watching and sharing your story. 🌞✌

[@michaelfoley6670]

Holy hell!!! First not enough water, then suddenly too much! I’m sorry that you lost a camera in the process of filming the section of your hike!!! Glad you survived those moments of relative panick! Good news is that things do dry out rather quickly out there. Thank you SO much for sharing what footage you did manage to capture! Navigating canyons like you do is no f$&@ing joke!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- isn't that crazy! There's a good chance that canyon would have been almost completely dry if I'd continued my hike back in June. And yeah... luckily I use three different cameras so I still had plenty of footage (though did have to use more text/photos to cover some gaps and lost some cool time-lapse stuff.) Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@w9jim]

OK, that was intense. Really glad you weren't hurt (or worse). While I've never done a long solo hike like that, I have done a lot of backpacking in my life. I've been in a few situations, but always had someone else there for support. And not trying to find any fault, but I'm wondering why you don't carry some sort of pack liner? I always carry a 30 gallon heavy duty trash bag in the bottom of my pack, just in case.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I have dry bags that I could take, but they are too heavy to always have with me for the rare occasion that I actually need them. Heavy duty trash bag might have helped, but usually wrapping my stuff as I did makes it fairly "splash" proof and even resistant to short dunks. This was obviously much worse as gallons of water poured out of my pack when I got it to shore. Truth is that this should have never happened if I was a little more diligent with the prep for the swim. Lesson (re)-learned! Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@takwaakiwa]

Please be careful Jamal! I love your videos, but would much rather not see something then have you increase your risk to film it. You are much more important then your videos are. Stay safe.

[@Acrossutah]

Thank you. Yeah, I had reservations about including all of the footage because 1) I'm somewhat embarrassed by it and 2) I don't want to give the impression that I'm reckless in the name of KZbin. But... I think it does tell an important part of the story of the day/hike and thus I posted it all. But rest assured... I really am usually a quite cautious hiker focused on "better safe than sorry". Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞

[@takwaakiwa]

@@Acrossutah I don't see that you have anything to be embarrassed about and I also don't think that you are careless. I'm glad you included all the footage. My comment was purely from caring about you and thinking that your swim might have been easier without the camera.

[@SanaurRehmanShahmir]

A worse day of hiking is better than a good day in life. Great adventure! Stay blessed! Lots of love and respect from a solo mountain hiker friend from the Hindu Kush Mountains Lower Chitral District of Pakistan!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! As always I appreciate the comment. 🌞✌

[@lisatalley296]

Wow, that got a bit intense! As a photographer who lost all my pictures from a trip to Zion a few years back, I feel your pain. Glad you were able to save your other camera, but it is a good reminder that our life is worth more than the pictures. Looking forward to the rest of the journey.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah, it was such a bummer to lose the camera/footage, but luckily I use three on these hikes so I had plenty of other footage to use. I lost a roll of film from Yosemite a looooong time ago and it still bothers me! And yeah, instinct makes use want to save our gear, but I think it's a quick lesson to learn that that should never jeopardize one's own well-being. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@jerryphillips7330]

Well loosing your camera gives a reason to hike back into there spring of 2023 and retrieve that camera. That would make for a great mystery video--will you find it?

[@Acrossutah]

That would be fun -- and I would LOVE to see this canyon again in different conditions -- but I'm pretty sure that camera will never be seen again (in working condition by me anyway!) Thanks again for watching! ✌

[@davidsweet8837]

Amazing courage and strength!!!!!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Though... not sure I'm really that courageous and if I was stronger (swimming at least) it probably would have been a lot less eventful! All the same... I appreciate you for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@davidsweet8837]

@@Acrossutah Your videos give me a chance to experience things I will never be able to see at my age. Thanks again.

[@ml.9746]

Lesson number 1. Boots/shoes and socks come off. Easiest way to turn a good swimmer into a bad one. Add the loss of an arm and it can get serious quick.

[@Acrossutah]

YEP... that's definitely on my list of mistakes. Unless one has tried it, it's hard to imagine just how hard it is to swim in hiking boots. Even in sneakers is hard, but boots just feel like lead weights. Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@ra5585]

Thanks for that Jamal. In the first half of the video I was wondering how you manage to get such awesome footage in such difficult conditions - and then you told us about the lost camera and its lost extra footage. I felt for you, battling onwards to make progress past all those obstructions until it became impassable, and then the difficult decision to turn back and face all those once-conquered trials all over again backwards just to get back to where you had already been. I think that can cause a psychological problem which may make us take more risks than we should, so I'm glad you stayed safe. I really appreciate your honesty in sharing all of this: what you do is not all easy and it is good for people like me to see the problems, struggles and hazards sometimes, and it does your reputation no harm to show them! And the footage was really awesome too! I've been loving this series of videos!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, RA! I'm lucky that I used three different cameras on this trip and thus had plenty of other footage (though lost some cool time-lapse shots and more detail/description of some of the obstacles.) I agree -- it's very deflating to have to re-trace one's steps through a difficult area. The fact that I had done that pool twice already did somewhat lure me into a complacency which I should not have had. I felt a little foolish for having this happen to me, but alas shared it as I think it's good to show how quickly something can go wrong (and a reminder to myself to not be so nonchalant in such situations!) Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@geraenriquez1602]

an intense day sorry for losing your camera Jamal keep going we are with you

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks, Gera. Yeah, definitely an intense/bad day. Luckily I use three cameras so I had plenty of other footage to share, but... I still miss the lost footage. Thanks for "following along". 🌞✌

[@susans8539]

Thank goodness you made it and all is well. Your life is much more important than any camera, backpack or camping gear. 👍🏻

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... I think instinct makes one try to save his/her gear, but... it's a quick lesson to learn that it's not worth risking one's own well-being. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@starks58]

I am so glad you survived that pool situation and made it back out! I can see how easy it is to get yourself into trouble in the too dry summer or the flooded Fall in the Utah desert. Thanks for making the films and stay safe.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... the difference in the landscape in the four months was pretty incredible. Ideally I'd like to have a happy medium somewhere in between! Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@just_joc]

Brutal day! I'm just glad you made it out safely. This is definitely a trip you won't forget anytime soon. Be safe out there.🙏

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yep... this day will definitely be engrained in my brain for a long time! Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@eukeofearl]

Glad you are back...but wow, what a start!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- and thanks for "following along!" 🌞✌

[@jeffMinnesota952]

I was apprehensive for you... how cold did it get that night? We all learn from our mistakes.... hopefully. Thanks for sharing...

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! It was chilly for sure, but not that bad. Would have been worse later in the season or early spring. 🌞✌

[@larryhuddleston55]

I'm good to see you only lost stuff....the habit you have of losing stuff,,,,stay away from Blue John Canyon...

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- losing material possessions is nothing like losing a LIMB! Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@potatothorn]

what a day! glad everything worked out/ guess you need a bigger raft! hehe oh well/ you sure did ok considering, great job getting out of there and keeping your spirits up after such a hard day thanks for taking us with you

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks. Yeah... my "raft" is plenty big, I just needed to be a tad more careful. It was my third time across that pool on that day, so I think I got a bit too nonchalant about it. 😔 Thanks again for watching and the comment! ✌

[@areafifty]

I always thought I'd be doing that kind of stuff in the Army but nope. The dirtiest and muddiest I get is back country hiking

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it's almost comical how grubby one can get out there. I really don't mind it while I'm hiking, but it's funny to realize it when I'm finished and head back to town (or even to just see it on video afterwards!) Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@justinellison4117]

Great footage Jamal. You conveyed how circumstances can change quickly on a hike as well as I’ve ever seen. Great job and great explanation of the circumstances.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks. It was definitely not a good day and I kick myself for being a little too nonchalant with that final swim, but yes... gotta take the bad with the good sometimes. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@StephanieTautkus]

Wow! Scary! I don't remember any other of your video posts having anything like this! So glad you're okay.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... it was not a good day and as such a bit different than most of my other videos. I considered cutting out the "accident" part, but decided to leave it as a good reminder to myself (and others) to never get too complacent when doing stuff in the canyons. Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@DMintoART]

I was so scared for you, we saw how serious this was and appreciate your truthful adventure. I’m so happy you’re a safe hiker. 😊

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I really am usually quite the safe hiker, so I definitely kick myself some for being a little too nonchalant with that final water crossing. Lesson learned (or re-learned!) Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@lizard2425]

Be careful out there Brother ! My wife and I hiked part way down Eardley in 2017. Mighty tough going! Can't imagine doing it without a partner! 🤪😜 😛

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah, I didn't discuss this in the video, but that obstacle that stopped me would not have been that hard if 1) there was little/no water as is often the case and 2) I'd had a hiking buddy with me to give each other an assist. Thanks for watching and the comment! ✌

[@ikmarchini]

Yowsa, I won't be hiking Eardley Canyon anytime soon, in any weather. At a certain point I would have called an Uber. They have rescue helicopters, no? The amazing thing is you keep shooting footage while your world is collapsing. Bravo.

[@Acrossutah]

Haha -- thanks! It was definitely NOT a good day, but I never really got to that point of considering using my SOS device. Luckily things turned out not that bad and I just kept telling myself that the bad days just make us appreciate the good ones more! Thanks for watching! 🌞

[@sirdevindavis]

This was massively stressful to watch, Jamal! By far the most epic/intense Across Utah moment to date! I've always appreciated your rational, level-headedness when it comes to backcountry decision making, but I don't know if I would have tried to swim that solo. And the fact that you stayed rolling throughout on the 360 cam is wild! Glad you made it through, and looking forward to the, in this case thankfully metaphorical, post-mortem discussion. Really dig the day-by-day format also.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... it was a pretty stressful moment! Some of the lost footage was of me scout swimming across that pool several times not able to find any shallow spots. Really that pool solo should NOT have been that big of an issue or a scary situation -- I was just too nonchalant on my final time across. I actually wasn't sure if the 360-camera was still recording or if it was able to see anything after I just kinda tossed it up on that ledge. Glad I used that camera as otherwise I wouldn't have been able to reframe the video for the edit (ie might have just had a close-up of the rock wall with my audio!) Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@arizjones]

No water crossings for me without dry bags. Just the nightmare I could imagine. Glad you survived, but I'm sure you were pretty upset, and uncomfortable. Losing a camera on top of it all. You kept it together, and kept it real. Thanks again for sharing.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I talk about my mistakes a bit in the next episode, but this should NOT have been such a scary situation. In general I was just a bit too nonchalant by that point which was my third crossing of the pool. I also should have used a bag liner, but hindsight is 20/20. Thanks again for watching and the comment. ✌

[@markfoy7984]

I've often watched and thought how you have the ability to make backpacking look too easy. Well not today. That looked brutal. It gave me flashbacks to the nightmare that was Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Glad you're safe my friend.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks and yeah... it was NOT a good day. I do consider my presentation at times in terms of the difficulty it conveys. For the most part I'm a very cautious hiker and will tend to eschew any potential dangerous situations. I have climber friends who do things I'd never consider. But, on the other hand, I realize I do do some things which could be dangerous without the proper experience. So... it's a struggle at times to find that balance of how much to show in my videos and if "warnings" are necessary. Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@johnregehr9413]

sketchy AF, Jamal! glad it wasn't worse. also, hate those mosquitoes in October, that sucks too

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- it was a pretty intense moment for me and I was mad at myself as it should NOT have been. I considered not including the footage, but alas... thought it served as a good reminder to myself and others to "cross the t’s and dot the i’s" when in such semi-risky situations (and to not be so concerned about a camera!) Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@trinidadscorpion3835]

Much respect for the great story and video of your adventure! Sometimes you remember the misadventures more than the adventures. That's definitely one you will have many dreams of. Thanks so much for your positive attitude and for sharing with us!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- this was definitely a day a won't soon forget. But... the bad days make use stronger, right?! That's what I had to keep telling myself. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@uhohvnasty]

Watching you in distress after being so jazzed in the previous video had me feeling some type of way. Rare form for Jamal Green. But you did very well, and thank you for sharing a vulnerable part of your journey. Despite our best efforts, sometimes we get into hairy situations out here. Any hiker can appreciate your struggle, the way you handled it, and the lessons that came with it. I live super close to this location. Last spring/summer/fall we had the most unreal monsoon season that started early and ended late. I’m not surprised that you expected more dry conditions… last season definitely was special!! Glad you’re safe, my friend.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks for watching and the comment. Yeah... it was an interesting day -- especially in contrast to the elation from the day before. I knew you guys' had had some big storms and I did expect water -- but I didn't expect *that* much water! I can definitely admit I should have been better prepared, used a pack liner, and been more cautious in that final crossing -- for sure a good lesson to never take anything too casually out there. Next time! Cheers! 🌞✌

[@Karen-dq8nw]

That is hysterical and also terrifying. At 6:10 you say "success!" And it looks absolutely impossible! When the canyon dries up, maybe someone will find your camera? I cannot imagine trying to swim in boots. Glad you're ok!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- it was definitely a BAD day. Trying to swim in my boots was one of my mistakes -- it's just so incredibly hard and I had a false sense of security after doing it earlier w/o incident. I'm pretty sure I will never see that camera again, but... maybe. 🤞 Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@utahdan231]

I’m so glad I did not finish to watch it last night. Nerve wracking. My highest admiration for not panicking.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- I'm proud that I reacted fairly well after the initial shock, but still kick myself for some poor choices that put in that position in the first place. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@JudyP42]

Just reiterating that you are much more important than your camera/gear (having said that, really happy your camera survived too!) I'm looking forward to you hiking here again when it's all nice and dry, and recovering your other camera! Thank you for sharing the footage, Mother Nature is a beast!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- and I definitely know that to be true. I really don't think I will ever see that camera again, but I would like to re-visit Eardley and see it in drier conditions. Thanks again for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@timluttrell1095]

You definitely had a rough time and glad it didn't end up in a rescue. Is there possibility you could still find that missing camera once the canyon dries up? Would the footage on it still be viable? I felt for you as you were struggling to get back your original campsite. I'm very much looking forward to your next video.

[@Acrossutah]

I'm 90% sure that that camera will never be found and 99.9% it will never get back to me. It was a small wearable that requires a propriety charge case to charge and/or see the internal media. So even if not buried under 2 feet of mud and found, it would be hard to trace back to me unless the finder had seen this video. I'm just glad that 1) I used three cameras thus had plenty of footage and 2) it happened essentially on Day 2 as frequently I let weeks of footage build-up before offloading (a strategy that I'm now seriously re-considering!) Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@chrisschmandt895]

Tough day, Jamal! As you say, most important is to come home alive! I've had a few days of "wow I really should not have done that, had I fallen I could well have died" - scary stuff but we don't know what we can really do unless we sometimes exceed our limits. If we learn from our mistakes, we're better for it... if not dead.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- I'm definitely one who tends to play it overly safe (especially when solo), so I kick myself some for being a little too nonchalant on that final swim. Case in point -- I actually backed away from two possibly bypasses because they each involved climbing with serious exposure. But all things considered --- everything turned out OK luckily. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@richardb.7054]

Oh, that Was a Bad day. Cringe to watch. No doubt that wasn't a good night's sleep afterwards either. Take the win, you lost far less than it might have been.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- definitely a BAD day. It's funny you say that as in the next episode I have some morning shots looking pretty ragged and talking about getting very little sleep! Yes, all things considered... it turned out OK. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@billdickson4265]

Here's one you may be familiar with. There are only two kinds of water in the desert: not enough and too much. Glad you made it out relatively unscathed, and I'm looking forward to your assessment of the situation. I got turned around by snow a couple weeks ago on a short backpacking trip here in Moab, and have been turned around many times over the years. It's a strange mental state. On the one hand you're so bummed about having your route go sour, but you're also so happy to be out of a bad situation. For me at least, there's also sense of exhilaration with the knowledge that a reasonable approach to safety can overcome the adrenaline, dopamine and ego that makes you want to keep pushing forward. My turn around mantra is, "This is supposed to be fun."

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- very true! It's crazy to see the stark contrast in the amount of water between part 1 and part 2 of this hike. And yeah... there's definitely an internal struggle re: turning around. I actually considered two different bypass climbs, but they were just too sketchy for me and in the end I was content with the decision to turn around. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. 🌞✌

[@westcoastislander6699]

OMG! Wow! Have watched a lot of sketchy stuff on your vids that I felt comfortable with because you are always so meticulous with your trip and taking care of yourself. But definitely felt your discomfort with that situation. As it is said: water can be a curse in the desert. Too little you die. Too much you die. Good to see you came out on the positive side of things.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... I considered cutting a bunch of that out just because I do have regrets -- ie I am usually quite meticulous and careful, but was a bit nonchalant in that final swim and it cost me. But alas I think it was good to share my mistakes to serve as a reminder to do better next time. It is crazy how different the water situation was this hike compared to June. Thanks again for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@harryjames2299]

Wow. Glad you made it. Thanks for sharing the good, bad, and ugly. We learn what it takes to walk the edge in the wild.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! I considered not sharing all of that, but... decided it would serve as a good reminder to myself (and others) to never be too nonchalant in such situations. Next episode I admit to my mistakes and how I could have done better Thanks for watching and the comment! 🌞✌

[@dugfern]

You'd have been fine with both hands free. Swim more too as training. I go up to Gaviota to train in cold, turbulent water.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- that's one of my mistakes that I truly regret -- trying to swim with one arm (and in boots!) I'm not the best swimmer, but usually do fine for relatively short stretches like this. I was just a little too nonchalant about that swim after doing it twice before without incident. Thanks for watching! 🌞

[@A-K_Rambler]

Beer Stipend!

[@Acrossutah]

A-K Rambler! Thanks again for the SuperThanks aka beer stipend! Very much appreciated and as I was a bit nervous about posting this episode... I might go cash it in for a beer right now! 😉🍻

[@silverado5325]

Frankly a bit scary in spots. Reading a book by Craig Childs about water and how there are two ways to die in the desert- thirst or drowning. Ironic that in the summer you had the first and in the fall the latter.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it was not a good day. It is crazy to think that if I'd continued to hike this in June the canyon would probably have been mostly dry. It truly was a change of seasons/landscapes. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@martinforrester8249]

Phew, that was tough to watch , nothing worse than wet gear, especially your sleeping bag. Let's hope from now on, all goes well eh ??

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- it was definitely a bad day. There was little sleep to be had that night, but... things eventually got better. 🌞✌

[@Xommie]

My lord that was harrowing to watch. So glad you’re okay because this had me on the edge of my seat. You make it look so easy but man hiking these terrains is hard!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- it was a tense moment. As I tell my mom -- the camera often makes everything look worse than it really is, but... this moment did scare me. I mean I knew I'd be ok after that initial shock, but I was worried about my pack completely sinking. I was also mad at myself for allowing it to happen. Luckily it all turned out relatively OK. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@dirtywetdogboatsandsailing6805]

Crossing water is always a big deal, having hiked in NZ a lot during a couple of wet seasons and having to do many moving water (fast water) crossings we quickly learned to have our gear all packed in dry liners in the pack. I was thinking "get out of the water"........!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- fast water definitely take it to another level! I occasionally hike in the Sierras, but always try to go later in the year as I do not like some of those early-season stream crossings. This pool should NOT have been a bad situation, but I was a little too nonchalant in that final crossing and I still kick myself for that. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! 🌞✌

[@geli.s24]

We're sitting here on our sofa and we were scared for you! A horrible day!!! 

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- a very bad day indeed! But... bad days make us stronger right?! That what I had to keep telling myself. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@SeanGilchrist]

Epic moments brother! Your pack floating away without you while you die. Almost cinematic!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... that's the magic of the 360-camera in that is "sees" everything. I'm just glad it wasn't worse and that it became a morbid "found footage" situation. Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@SeanGilchrist]

@@Acrossutah I used an insta360 on my Zion Traverse last May kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHSzeGaGachnp9k

[@seanleaverton8125]

You poor guy, that's the worst 2 days we have ever seen you have. Be safe brother

[@Acrossutah]

This was definitely one of my worst days of hiking for various reasons, but alas... the bad ones make you appreciate the good ones that much more, right?! Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@JohnTheLuck3]

OMG!!!!!!!! Please, stay alive Jamal...

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- that is definitely always my #1 priority! 😬 I really am a fairly cautious hiker in general (I know some hard-core adventurers/climbers roll their eyes at what I call "tough"), but... yeah I like to stay within my comfort zone and know an injury solo out there could be BAD. That said... I do kick myself somewhat for taking that final swim a bit too casually. Thanks again for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@roybenedicto8642]

Klymit should make you their brand ambassador! What an adventure 🤩

[@Acrossutah]

Haha -- that's funny, I did get a lot of "unique" usage out of their pad on this hike! Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@roybenedicto8642]

@@Acrossutah We wouldn't be surprised if Klymit will soon release a packraft version of their sleeping pads - this video would serve as a light bulb moment for Klymit execs 😁

[@CaveCreek101]

Oh my that was a scramble I’m glad your ok 😊

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! Yeah... it was definitely a BAD day. Thanks for watching! ✌

[@drone_boss]

Crazy!!!! Glad you made it!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- me too! It was definitely one of my scarier on-trail moments. After the initial shock I knew I'd be fine -- but I really did think I might have lost all my gear (amazing that thing stayed afloat like that!) Thank again for watching! 🌞✌

[@Mike-xz4ie]

Your videos always look so good in 4k.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks! There are definitely better cameras I could use, but I use lightweight options and almost always shoot in 4K. The 360-degree content is slightly lower resolution, but I love it for its unique perspective at times. Thanks for watching and the comment. ✌

[@joyouslily2982]

Wow this canyon sucks!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- I agree with that! Actually I'd like to go back someday with drier conditions and see how different it is. Cheers! ✌

[@imbdileva]

Hi Jamal, What part of October was this? We were there the first week and had to retreat to Nevada since the rain was so bad! Enjoy your adventures!

[@Acrossutah]

This was October 7th. I think the big storms were just 3-4 days before this (there were a series of them in fact.) Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@imbdileva]

@Acrossutah Green River, Moab and Escalante are our three fave towns to fuel up and get groceries for our overlanding trips. We were in the Temple Mountain and Little Wild Horse Canyon area as well as the Wedge Overlook. Then the rain came. More than I've ever seen there.

[@joyouslily2982]

Glad you’re alive!!!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- me too! Actually... after the initial panic I knew I'd be OK, it was just a matter of if I was going to lose my gear and/or how ruined stuff might be. All in all it turned out OK, but I still kick myself for not being more careful. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@rockymtn1291]

Looks so miserable :(

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... that was NOT a good day. But, luckily things turned around and the bad days can make us appreciate the good ones that much more. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@jorgiesjog9904]

Scared the crap out of me.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah -- it was not a good day. But... better days ahead. Thanks for watching and the comment. 🌞✌

[@davo2003hd]

What a day! is right!

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- one to be remembered, but not for the good reasons! But... the bad days make use stronger, right?! That's what I kept telling myself. Cheers! 🌞✌

[@jbwads2001]

Oh no!

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah... BAD day indeed. 😬

[@scottcapron1873]

From no rain to flooding. Happy to see you back after COVID. I really enjoy watching the beauty of Utah from my Recliner and big screen TV. I have watched most of your videos. I forward them to my Dad who always tells me what a good job you do in photography. We both agree we would get lost out there and die. I do Jeep trails and camp in Colorado and Utah. Thank you!

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks -- I appreciate that! Just to clarify -- I never got COVID, but did/do take breaks from publishing at times. Glad you and your dad enjoy my videos. My goal has always kinda been to provide "virtual" hikes for others (including my folks). Cheers! ✌

[@lyndonreddick1888]

At the first look up canyon I thought- oh no, not good, never mind the water! Sorry about loss of camera, was it on your head? Your chances of finding it would have been a bit better if it wasn't so muddy. To just be soaking in the sun- probably felt good after that second spill. Nice recovery- at times like that you just want to take stock of yourself. Relax and revitalize

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah, I've seen other hikers' trip reports from this canyon in drier times and it looks like a totally different canyon. The camera was on my chest attached via strong magnet (it's the white thing you can see in a few shots earlier in the episode.) If the water would have been clear I might have had a chance of finding it, though it fell into one of the deeper spots so it probably would have still been lost (but again the water is rarely that deep.) I'm glad the sun was still out and fairly warm -- though it dipped behind the canyon wall fairly early (downside of October hiking). Thanks again for watching! 🌞

[@beat2609]

Oh my and you had to do that scary deep water twice with a pack. I'm sorry you lost your nice camera and footage. I kept thinking, put the camera down, as my heart was pounding just watching this. Thank goodness you survived that awful ordeal! I'm proud of you.

[@Acrossutah]

Yeah.. it was a bad day. 🙁 I'm lucky that I use 3 different cameras, so I still had plenty of footage (though I did lose some good stuff.) And yeah... "put the camera down" is one of the mistakes I made. I was a little too confident that last time across the pool after doing it twice before w/o incident. But alas.. bad days make us appreciate the good! Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@thomaslewis1268]

I look forward to hearing your lessons learned. For me, I'm thinking some kind of inflatable personal floatation device and a bit of climbing gear (rope and hook)?

[@Acrossutah]

Both of those things would have definitely helped, but probably too heavy to take on a longer hike where in most cases (sans flooding) I wouldn't need them. My mistakes are purely poor choices in my actions -- but I'll save that for the next episode. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@JimBobele]

Holy moly, that was scary. Glad you could handle this situation. I'm looking forward to your explanations.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- it was definitely a bad day. I'm glad I handled it well, but I definitely regret some of my actions leading up to the accident. Thanks for watching! 🌞✌

[@worldaccordingtok8105]

And the challenges continue, this time on steroids 🤯 I admire your courage and tenacity. Glad that you made it out safely ✌️ Bummer about the camera and all the lost footage.

[@Acrossutah]

Thanks. Yeah... it was definitely a bad day. The lost footage was a bummer, but luckily I use 3 different cameras and thus still had plenty of footage. It's also kinda good that this happened on Day 2 as opposed to weeks into a hike when I would have had much more footage to lose. So all things considered... it could have been worse. Thanks again for watching! 🌞✌

[@WJr_88]

😲 this day was definitely not a good day for getting anywhere and dealing with wet gear and a lost camera. I am hoping that one day in the near future someone finds your camera and it gets returned to you. I am sure the next days to come will improve!

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- lowest number of mileage for any day of the trip and technically my "camp-to-camp on the map" mileage was practically zero! I'm pretty sure I will ever see that camera again. 😔 Thanks for watching! ✌

[@michaelsobieski9691]

Yikes. Just yikes.

[@Acrossutah]

Yep -- I agree. I almost didn't post this video as it was a bit of a downer for me, but alas I changed my mind as I think it might be good insight for others and serve as a reminder to myself to always be careful. Thanks for watching! ✌

[@zheuscher]

Have your heard of a dry bag?

[@Acrossutah]

No -- what's that? 😉 OK... I own several, but have you heard that thru-hikers tend to not carry overly heavy items which are seldomly used and in this case should not have been needed if I had just been a bit more careful. I own that as well. Thanks for watching! ✌

[@garywilson1688]

@@Acrossutah Just a thought. How about a 3 mil heavy duty 33 gal industrial trash bag? I brought several on a surf trip to Nicaragua as they load all our bags on top of the landcruiser and it is common to rain (hard) on the way from the airport to the surf camp (I learned from experience on a previous trip). I gave one to all my buddies on the trip and, sure enough, it rained cats and dogs on the way to Playgrounds.

[@Acrossutah]

@Garry -- yeah, that would definitely be helpful in some cases, but really I so rarely need something like this on my longer hikes that I just don't mess with it. When I do shorter hikes where I know I'll be in and out of deep water I use the dry bags. In 20+ years of backpacking this was the first time I've flipped my "raft" like this. 😔 Cheers! ✌

[@sebass156]

Do you not know how to swim Jamal?

[@Acrossutah]

I do -- but it's SOO much more difficult while wearing waterlogged hiking boots (my biggest mistake!) It's funny... people who don't know me watching this video probably think I don't know how to walk or swim as I seem to struggle with both at times! 😬 And... some of those "tough" climbs look easy on video in hindsight. It's similar to what I mentioned in an earlier episode that it's near impossible to capture the reality at times on video. Thanks for watching! ✌

[@sebass156]

@@Acrossutah I was just kidding with ya. Love your channel! You inspire us all to hike further and explore more. Never stop creating this content Jamal!

[@Acrossutah]

Haha -- I kinda figured, but thought I should clarify for any others who might have been thinking that. I know I look super awkward in some shots. I'm not always the most graceful guy, but even less so when trying to keep balanced while holding a camera steady 10' out on a selfie stick! Cheers! ✌