This week, we are visiting Zion National Park. We have taken a scenic drive through the park - as far as allowed. This time of year, there are so many visitors to the park, you are required to use their shuttle service to gain access to the main hiking trails and scenic viewing areas.
Yesterday, we spent the morning hiking the Emerald Pool and Grotto Trails. These steep trails aren't quickly navigated, but the views are more than worth the effort. There are three pools, each larger than the last. The middle pool flows down into the lower pool in a beautiful waterfall. Squeals from those hikers under the cool spray can be heard echoing off the canyon walls. In the summer, this is most certainly a welcomed relief, however, on a cool spring morning, most people were content to run through as quickly as possible.
Today, Jay did a hike to Angels Landing. I read the hiking information and because extreme heights and I are not on good terms, I decided to sit this one out. Angels Landing is a strenuous hike with large rocks and boulders to navigate. It has sheer, 1000 foot cliffs with nothing but a thin chain between you and the edge. Many people find this too extreme, and are forced to turn around. Jay loved the hike and did have to assist a lady on his return hike. She could not handle the heights and wanted to go home!
We are looking forward to more exploring and hiking a place called The Narrows - a 3 mile hike in the Virgin River - on Monday.
Being here, it is easy to understand Isaac Behunin - the first permanent European-American settler in the canyon. He stated, "a man can worship God among these great cathedrals as well as in any man-made church - this is Zion".
If, like me, you grew up in a church that sung the old-loved hymns, you too would have the refrain 'Zion...Zion...I long thy gates to see' running through your mind while looking over these great canyons and cathedrals. You can see the very hand of God and feel His near presence.
Blessings,
Mandy
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