Thursday, April 8, 2010

Zion National Park 2.0


Jane and I needed a getaway from school and work and everything so we made a quick trip down to Zion's just before conference weekend. I know what you are all thinking, how the last time the family made a trip to Zion's the general consensus was poor. Too hot, too windy, not as pretty, too crowded etc, well we thought we would give it another shot. We are happy to report that this trip was much more of a success. We camped in a different campground that was very different from the previous one. This time we had grass and plenty of trees for shade and we liked that a lot more. It was much cooler, obviously since it was early April, and it got pretty cold at night. But the low temperatures made hiking much more enjoyable. We went on a few more hikes than the last time, including Angels Landing. It goes up really high and kind of has a Half-Dome-ish ending. Instead of cables climbing up a wall, there is a single chain to hang on to as you scale the side of the mountain and up the rocks. If you are afraid of heights, this one isn't for you. Jane was able to make until what is called Scout's Landing, about a half mile from the top. That's where the chains start. She ventured out a few yards on the chain and then started to notice how high she was, not to mention an area of about 10 feet where there is no chain for some reason. Of course she started hyperventilating and having a freak out, but we documented how far she came as noted in the photo with her hair kind of blowing in the wind up so high. So I took her back to the spot before the chains where other non-heights people waited for their significant others, and I went on to the top. I can't fault Jane for turning back there because it only got worse from there! But I survived and took some pictures from up on top. It was a pretty neat sight. Anyways the trip was a much needed break and was great for us. Who knew Jane would have turned into such a camper?

5 comments:

  1. Sounds really fun - a nice break! Glad you had a better time this go-around.

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  2. yay Jane! we need to give Zion's a try...

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  3. Nice story! Thanks for sharing. We are all so GLAD that Jane is a camper!! And a runner and hiker! Don't worry-most of us girls don't do heights either! And we all know Dad does not like heights!! We will have to try Zion again when it is cooler. On to Yosemite 2011!

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  4. Hey..this girl does heights! :) Way to leave your wife Kenny...I guess you are officially not newleyweds anymore :)

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  5. Hey Ken.....I swear I already left a comment on here earlier??? Anyways I did that hike too when Adam and I went by ourself to Zions. My husband did not want to go any further at Scout's Landing..... ha ha I started to venture off by myself and then I chickened out. Didn't want to go by myself.... maybe next time :)

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