The Austins' Travel Blog: Day VI: Climbing to Observation Point

Day VI: Climbing to Zion's Observation Point

I've never felt adequately eloquent to express the inner passion I feel when I'm in the mountains.

I can say, however, that I derive a deep personal pleasure in their presence. The feeling is only heightened when I'm able to share this peace and contentment with fellow hikers.

Mountains impart a Zen-like peace to most. Be it the exertion of the climb or the vistas they offer, they seem to have the power to stir our hearts.

Recently, I even heard this joy expressed in biblical terms. We were after all in Zion. One hiker equated his mountain treks as "sometimes chasing angels, sometimes fleeing demons".

Saint-Exupery, author of "Le Petit Prince" said:

" The Beauty of the Mountain is hidden for all those who try to discover it from the top, ....revealed only to those who climbed it..."

Huge servings of scrambled eggs, yogurt, toast, and coffee were today's nutritional fuel. Today's trek would lead us to Observation Point over one of Zion's most staggeringly beautiful trails, the very difficult East Rim Trail.

One last backpack check: lots of water, yep; plenty of protein,check.

Our 6 hour hike proved to be a love/hate relationship with the trail...thankfully, it was mostly about the love.

The first three hours were a little punishing.

Whether zigzagging over arduously steep switchbacks, replete with dizzying drop offs and eye popping scenery or winding through beautiful narrow canyons, we had to be ever mindful of those unwanted but potential companions: vertigo, twisted ankles/knees, and sore calves.

At break times, our water and simple trail food tasted like champagne and truffles. Délicieux!!! Especially, at the top.