Day V: Welcome to Zion, Utah

Day V: Welcome to Zion, Utah!

Don't forget to breath!

Zion was waiting. Although we were sophomores here, my heart began quite suddenly to pound with anticipation within in sight of the entrance. 

Zion, this little island of perfection, this Eden, was stopping me in my tracks.

Seeing those massive monoliths of colored sandstone layers, I was able to bring but one little whisper to my lips: "My God!".  

Zion's towering cliffs, deep red canyons, and huge mesas make it almost a religious experience that just leaves you breathless.

But Zion is no museum and it's purpose is not to be admired from afar. 

Its true significance comes from the fact that “she” is organic.  She allows you to become part her... absorbing you... and you her... as you hike, bike ,and backpack her beautiful trails... as you spend time with her. Fascinating!

The Wheels on the Bus

A propane-fueled bus, the only motorized transportation allowed in the park in high season,gave us the opportunity to hear a well documented commentary on the park's history.  As we listened, everyone was silent as they looked through the side and ceiling windows of the bus...in awe.

That's because Zion Canyon is a sandstone monument to Nature and her forces. Driving along the canyon floor, you realize that great things happened here and will continue to happen here. 

Just one look and one realizes that Zion Canyon,that sandstone monument to the forces of nature, makes you sit up, watch and appreciate her. 

Driving along her floor, you realize that that great things happened and continue to happen here and that Zion is no longer just a place you come to to eyeball 50 Shades of Sandstone Red and to seek adventure. 

No, Zion is visual story, told by these walls, of time and of a river, the Virgin, whose flowing waters over the course of a million years cut through the red and white beds of Navajo sandstone to form those sheer walls...

...which over the next five days would instill fear, trepidation, joy, and gratification....sometimes all at at the same time, in our hearts.

Yes,we wanted to do it all but we were going to start gently with a leisurely stroll  along the Virgin River, this most gentle and patient little rivulet that carved out both Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks most always in that one period of time where rage is her coulour...spring run-off.

It all made for a great initiation because soon afterwards, our climbing legs were put to the test as we hiked to each of the three Emerald Pools. 

On the porch back at the ranch

As the sun began to weaken, a can of beer on our porch at Two Feathers was too good to resist.

After a wonderful supper, a well fought battle saw the girls beating the boys in a friendly little crib tournament.

Another wonderful day!