DAY 34-35 – Zion – 9/17-18/09

( TOTAL MILAGE TO DATE – 7094)

 On Thursday morning we left Las Vegas headed for Zion National Park.  As we got closer the terrain changed dramatically with more color and sandstone formations.   We checked into the Best Western Zion Park Inn, rested up a bit and then took the shuttle bus 3 miles to the park.  The park service runs a shuttle through Zion which gave us a great overview of things in the main canyon. We went to the museum and saw a good movie on the formation of the canyon and information on the people who have settled here from early Indians to the later Mormons. 

On  Friday we drove a scenic route into the eastern part of the park and then did the “Canyon View” hike.   After lunch we decided to take on the “Angel’s Landing” hike – a real tough one with about 1500 ft rise over 2.5 miles. I didn’t even have to trick Patti into doing it!   Here’s the books description  

   “Hazards: Sheer cliffs at high elevations while hiking on a narrow fin. Not suggested for children or those with a fear of heights. Avoid standing near the edge at all times! Do not hike the trail when it is wet, storming, or when high winds are present.”

 We made it up the  sheer cliff part and were moving along the guide chains when a thunder storm moved in.  We had to turn around and head back down because of the lightning, winds and slippery conditions.  It was disappointing not to reach the top but a great hike anyway.  Patti did great and was ahead of me on the ridge when we had to turn around.   We heard later on the news that two hikers, not on Angel’s Landing, were struck by lightning.

 Tomorrow we are going to visit Bryce Canyon and then ???

 

Entering Zion

 

View from hotel

 

Starting our "Canyon View" hike

35 days of togetherness and still speaking - most of the time!

Starting on the trail to Angel's Landing

Our goal is the top of this thing

View back

Up a little higher

Resting in a sandstone pocket

A BIG Black Widow sharing the trail! - We were more carefull about sitting on the rocks after this.

Interesting rocks everywhere

At "Scout Lookout" - ready for the tough part.

Ready for the challenge!

View over the side.

View of the final trip up!

Headed back down in the rain.

The rain caused waterfalls to spring up many places along the cliffs.

Final view of Angel's Landing