The Road Trip Day 7: Colorful Explosion

Zion National Park, Utah

May 13, 2015

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After yesterday's long haul, it felt nice to take things a little slower.

A shower, an opportunity to do laundry, and a bagel with some schmear hit the spot. Most of the morning was spent talking with our friends who graciously let us crash for the night.

I realized this was the halfway point of our journey.

It was hard not to.

We packed up, said our see-ya-laters, and set out for the day.

Spending some quality time getting to know the Veterans Memorial Highway, also known as I-15.

Roads remained clear the entire way to Zion National Park.

For 150 miles, we meandered up I-15. Apparently, it continues all the way to Canada. Perhaps I'll drive its entirety one day.

The portion we covered was magnificent. Here's an excerpt from my journal:

Click here to view this in Google Street View.

“Succulent cottonwoods adorned wrinkled slot canyons, their crevices filled with sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush; a colorful explosion.”

Virgin River Canyon Campground looks like a great place to spend a night or three.

Carter is on a hot streak.

We arrived in Zion, got our campsite, set up, and hopped on the shuttle for a quick tour of the canyon floor. It was a great way to get an idea of what we want to do tomorrow.

After the tour we caught another shuttle, this time to Springdale for “hors d'oeuvres and aperitifs”.

Back at camp, chili gently simmered away while we played a few more hands of cribbage and had our chips and beer.

I scavenged empty campsites for firewood. After a few trips, I collected enough unburned $16 firewood to use both nights we plan on staying. Score.

After dinner, I decided to take a walk around the campsites before it was time for bed. Carter informed us there's a 50 percent chance of thundershowers tonight through tomorrow afternoon. We are prepared but all of us are thinking dry thoughts. 

Our neighbor's fire illuminated the cottonwoods in a mysterious manner.

Hopefully we don't end up hiking in the rain. I always seem to struggle at having fun in the rain.

Watchman Campground at night.

It looked clear out.

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Hey, want a ride?

Turn it around:

Stick your thumb out:

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The Road Trip Day 8: Where Angels Land

Zion National Park, Utah

May 14, 2015

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At 5:27 a.m., some yahoo's car alarm went off.
 

After tossing and turning, I gave up and got dressed. It was a great excuse to get an earlier start than previously planned.

I shimmied on my clothes and hopped out of the tent. Much to my surprise, I found clear skies. The three of us assembled our day packs and filled up water bottles. Last night, we decided to climb Angels Landing, easily one of the most iconic Zion attractions. The Grotto Trailhead was only a 20-minute drive away.

At 8 a.m., in the cool of morning, we began our five mile hike.

Basically a 500 foot fall on either side with only a narrow rock path to stand on. Oh boy!

1,500 feet, up, up, up. We climbed.

I wonder how old this tree is. I wonder how many people have touched it. It must see some amazing sunrises.

I enjoyed my time up at the summit. It was just past 9 a.m. and it seemed clear we had beaten the majority of other hikers for the day. We shared the view with only four other people.

Angels Landing looking into Hidden Canyon.

It was grand.

After thoroughly enjoying the view, it was time to descend. I snapped a few more photos, applied some sunscreen, and we carefully climbed back down.

If you've done the hike, you certainly remember the chain-rope sections.

15 years ago on a family vacation, my dad and I, along with two other family friends did the same Angels Landing hike. I was stunned to find out how much I remembered from my last trip. My hometown barely looks the same, but each sharp switchback and twisting tree seems to be right were I saw it last.

Carter finds an alternate trail.

One of the 21 switchbacks on Walter's Wiggles.

Refrigerator Canyon was completely in shadow when we set off. On the way down however, the canyon floor was bathed in sunlight. It was a magnificent sight to behold.

The Great White Throne, Deertrap, Mountain of the Sun, Bridge Mountain, and The Watchman as seen from above Refrigerator Canyon.

As soon as we got back to camp, it began drizzling. Snacks, cribbage board, and Bluetooth speaker in hand, we retreated to the tents and lounged away the remainder of our afternoon.

We walked to town and searched for dinner options; no one was in the mood to cook. Nothing jumped out at anyone, so we settled on some quaint and kitsch diner which was cheap and quiet.

Back at camp, we had a small fire and passed the whiskey bottle around. We chatted until bedtime arrived.

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Hey, want a ride?

Turn it around:

Stick your thumb out:

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