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Published: September 10th 2010
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Zion - Day 1
The drive was great until we reached the park entrance where the entire roadway (gate to gate) was under construction. There were several stops which added about an hour to the trip. When we got to the campground, I discovered I had mistakenly reserved a site with an electrical hook-up (hehe - no battery problems here). The campsite was not great (no trees), but the 360 degree view was fantastic (a few photos are included). We spent the rest of the day scoping out the area and found a U-pick apple orchard that made great smoothies. This hit the spot as the high for the day was 108 - must be our lucky number. However the wind picked up in the evening and it cooled off nicely.
Zion Day 2
After a bike ride, Emily was up and ready to go about 9. We boarded the tram (only way to Zion Canyon other than to stay at the lodge) and went the end of the line (Temple of Sinawava) the most popular stop other than the lodge on the tram. A mile mostly up hill walk leads to a trail called the Narrows. This
From Camp Site - 2
South wall at sunset trail follows the Virgin river up the canyon and much time is spent in the river as the canyon walls narrow. The hike up the Narrows can difficult and dangerous as described in the NPS Newspaper:
The Narrows
The Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the upper reaches of Zion Canyon—16 miles long, up to 2000-feet deep, and at times only 20 to 30-feet wide. The Narrows, with its soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, and hanging gardens can be an unforgettable experience. It is not, however, a trip to be underestimated. Hiking The Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River. At least 60 percent of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. There is no maintained trail because the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is very cold, the rocks underfoot are slippery, and the water can be deep. Flash flooding and hypothermia are constant dangers. Good planning,proper equipment, and sound judgment are essential for a safe and successful trip. Your safety is your responsibility.
I had stopped to take photos and Emily single crutched to the end of the trail. Her first words to
Camp Site - North Wall
Sunrise lights up the canyon me when we connected were “we are going to hike this some day”. This after talking to a veteran of many hikes up the narrows. She also decided the best time of year to do this was September. Guess where I will likely be next September?
The trek back to the tram was similar to other hikes - Emily crutching down the trail and I looking for a great photograph. Although this was not one of my better days, I did happen upon a goodie or two. As you might imagine, Emily's knee was done for the day, so she let me take her to lunch. We ended up at a place called Carlos, but parked in the boutique parking lot next to Carlos. After a pretty good lunch (with enough leftovers for dinner) we did a bit of boutique shopping (can't pass up great sales).
Since we were so close to Bryce Canyon National Park, Emily started working on a way to make a visit outside the original itinerary. Of course shame and guilt along with an occasional pout won the day and it was my task to make it happen. The trip was not a straight
Canyon Flower
Emily told me its name, but memory and age strike again line as that option meant passing through multiple construction zones (high on my list of hates). The next entry will cover the many twists and turns this diversion took.
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