Carrie Kirby, now 51, reflects on her evolving travel preferences compared to her husband's as she celebrated her 50th birthday with a girls-only trip to Utah. They enjoyed adventurous activities like canyoneering and horseback riding, fulfilling her desire for adventure while her husband preferred quiet vacations. She realized the benefits of taking separate trips, allowing her to explore and connect with her daughter and family friend over activities that excited her. The hiking challenge of Angels Landing exemplified how different their approaches to adventure had become.
For my 50th birthday, instead of coaxing my husband to join me on a hiking trip to a national park, I invited our 20-year-old daughter, who loves active adventures as much as I do.
When we won the permit lottery to hike up Zion's 1,488-foot rock formation, Angels Landing, I knew going with the girls had been the right choice - my husband has always been scared of heights.
The four-hour trek to Angels Landing begins with Walter's Wiggles, a series of strenuous switchbacks. Once we entered the formation's upper section, we scrambled over rocks and tiptoed down paths only a few feet wide.
I have to admit I was a little shaky when I came to the short sections with no chains to clutch. My husband wouldn't have been scared at all - because he'd have turned back miles earlier.
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