The morning came, and just as predicted, the wind was blowing hard through most of the night. Nothing too terrible, but definitely noticeable. In my experience, the wind has died by morning — not so much here. I intended to run this morning along the bike path. Despite going to bed fairly early, the wind was a big set back. I got up around 8:00ish and made a French press cup of coffee followed by oatmeal. The oatmeal coulda used some brown sugar, or maybe a little salt. The stuff does, however, stick to the ribs.
I didn’t really have my bearings yet about the park, despite getting the map they give you upon arrival. I decided to head up the “bike path” which is wheelchair accessible, so it’s super flat and nearly paved. It ended about a mile up the road. Then it was on the roads, but Zion stops traffic except for shuttle busses. They don’t pass bike riders; the riders have to stop to pull over for the busses. It was “luxurious” to ride down a gorgeous road with no cars.
I peeled off to do some exploring at “Canyon of the Patriarchs”. I’m in Utah now, and the Mormons have their mark on many things. The peaks here have fairly Biblical names. The Alter, the Throne, and ? ? ?. It all makes more sense after realizing who has been here. I left my bike and hiked along the trail. The cliffs were immense, and the height of their peaks were staggering. I got to an intersection and a sign pointed to “Emerald Pools”. I headed there. There were a number of trail rides going by. Sarah, I’m sure woulda asked what kinda but were they using. All I could do was give my joke, “That horse has big ears,” when a mule walked by. I was corrected by the boss that it was in fact a mule. I still think it’s funny.
After getting to the pools, I walked back to my bike. I rode ahead the Zion Lodge. Nice, but not quaint. After getting a sticker, I rode back towards camp. There was a museum in between which had an informative film. I got to camp, and everything was hot. Peanut butter was melted, jelly was, well, jelly, and the bread was on the verge of toasting itself. My water was like a cup of tea after half it sits for half an hour. After a warm lunch, I decided to go up to “The Narrows” which is the very last stop on the bus line. From there, at trail goes for 1.5 mi. Then it stops, and hikers trudge through the Virgin River. The canyon narrows as it moved north. I was surprised by how many people were out there. Even in the river, and there was never a lull. Still to be that close to the face of these cliffs was thrilling. I stopped at one point by the river in front of a stunning view. It was lovely to just sit, listen, and look. After several moments and lots of pictures, I headed back. I got off at the next stop called, “the Bend.” I walked down to the river and stood in front of three incredible cliff to the left, center, and right of me. I took some time there, observed its geology, and then returned to a shuttle. I felt just a little bit better than the other riders, for having enjoyed something most do not.
I stopped again at the Zion Lodge, and I wanted something that wasn’t luke hot. I enjoyed four cups of blue PowerAide, and used their WiFi to text home. Sarah is off to Columbia for a two-day clinic with a day of travel squeezed on each side. Getting there and back is always difficult. I hope this experience lives up to last year’s. After clearing up the “butt imoji” issue, it was back to camp for dinner. Some of these campers have everything. I’ve got a backpacking tent, a pocket rocket, and freezed dried meals. Tonight’s meal is Mac N Cheese. Should be good.
Pushing hard today ... 