This post finds us sitting along the banks of the Virgin River in Springdale, Utah tiptoeing the border of Zion National Park. Readers of this blog likely recall our Wander the West road trip in May 2007 where hubby and I discovered this undeniably magical place. We fancied it so much that we thought it deserved more time than we gave it amidst many states last year and scheduled a well-timed meet up here with my father and step-mom.
Today we made the hike that no one forgets, Angels Landing. The relatively short distance (5 miles) rises quickly to 1488 feet and comes with the fierce warning “Strenuous. Long drop-offs and narrow trail. Not for anyone fearful of heights.†Fortunately we possess both the naïveté of youth and rock-climbing experience to assuage the fears that kept my family from joining us.
Once we conquered the several miles of steep switchbacks, we scrambled up the vertical rocks, aided in places by thoughtfully placed chains. We were rewarded with not only a Birdseye view of Zion valley, but also an above-Birdseye view of some birds themselves as they coasted the winds below us.
Happily sore, we’re ready for a relaxed evening before we take on tomorrow’s adventure. The only question is which one to do next.
PS As I was typing this an old rancher, rope in hand, walked into our campsite and asked Mike if he’d seen a calf come by. I love small towns!