What does a person say after one of the most exhilarating afternoons of one’s life? Baruch Hashem, no doubt. In fact, after the danger we faced, another blessing is even more apt. We completed our 4th ascent of the magnificent Angel’s Landing climb in Zion National Park. The park is a place we would say with all humility that the Master, Himself, might feel comfortable resting within. We would suggest to anyone looking to see wonders of the world, look no further than this treasure. We now feel we have earned our annual stipend from the National Parks Board with that ‘plug’.
A Methodist Minister, in the early 1900’s, was so impressed with this monolith that he tried to figure a way of scaling it. In the end, he determined that it was impossible and that only angels would enjoy the privilege. The pioneering spirit of the settlers succeeded, perhaps showing more faith.
We set out late for the climb after slowly checking in at Hurricane near 4pm, returning to the trailhead at 9:30pm, in the dark. We hurried up the steep trail for the first two miles, which is strenuous but on a decent path. However, the next three-quarters of a mile is up two separate but vertical cliffs. When a person looks at what confronts one, a number of thoughts enter the brain: What are we doing here? Why? Those are impossible. Do we in fact have a brain? Answers we don’t have but a sense of accomplishment, the thrill of reaching the top and returning of course, transport a person into another sphere. We were also fortunate that for the most part, we had the cliffs to ourselves. It was another day of wonder and elation with our spirits soaring nearly as high as our bodies.
Enough of all that. Enjoy the pictures—the park belongs to us all—a present from the Creator.
Cheers!
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