Zion NP & Provo

Our trip is winding down now. Darren and I have reached Zion National Park, our last National Park in the Western U. S. Although this park is beautiful, it is getting late in the year and as such is very, very cold. The beginning temperature of our hike to Angels Landing was 1 below zero and maxed out at 22 degrees above zero later in the day. As long as we kept moving we were fine.

The hike to Angels Landing was beautiful and the last half mile was very intense. The path becomes very narrow with sheer cliffs on both sides. The park service installed chain link ropes for hikers to hold on to so they do not fall to their deaths enjoying the outdoors. The hike was well worth the views we enjoyed once we reached our final destination; however, I learned I am not at all interested in mountain climbing.

We also hiked upper and lower Emerald Falls and Hidden Valley while we were in Zion. We were limited to where we could hike on these trails as many had frozen areas with massive icicles. As a result, the park services closed many trials and parts of trails due to the danger these conditions posed. Darren, the man we all know and love, tried very hard to convince me to ignore the closure signs and press forward. However, Tracy’s good sense prevailed (read nagging, paranoia). The excruciating sound of ice cracking as the massive icicles fell certainly helped make my argument. Better luck next time Darren.

We stayed in the little town of Springdale while we visited Zion National Park. We went exploring and found some very unique shops. Alex, we went into this one shop that reminded Darren and I of you. They had outdoor furniture made of metal. One was a chair and ottoman in the shape of a large and small leaf, and the other was a butterfly where the arm rests were the wings. They were really cool. We also visited a ranch that raised buffalo and elk. Very different from our Yellowstone days. They are much better to observe in their own habitat.

We attended a Christmas musical while we stayed in Springdale. The stage was a simple Christmas scene and the cast consisted of 6 people. The show was impressive considering the low cost production. Our favorite musical number was a Christmas song written to the “Raw Hide” melody. Hilarious!!!!!! We liked it so much we bought the CD mostly for that one song.

After Zion we spent a few days in Provo, Utah checking the area out and riding our bikes along the Provo River. Nice area, close to the mountains, lakes, skiing, etc. but more populated than we expected and the drivers were downright rude.

We are now at Darren’s dad and step-mom’s house. We are spending a few days here relaxing and getting re-aquainted with reality. Translated: Tracy has to do all of her Christmas shopping in three days. One hour at the mall and I’m very stressed out. So much for 12 months off and being care free.

Sometime next week we should be back in the Bay Area. We are going to stay at Tracy's parents through Christmas (look out Gibby, Tracy's got a guy in her room!) then head back out and down to Yuma. Hope to see some of you. We are really looking forward to seeing our friends and family!