24.05 Zion National Park, Utah: One of two regular hikes we have to do.

It's no surprise why we have such fondness for the great Mormon State of Utah, to be more specific,
the southern region. This semi-desert part of the country has rugged beauty created by sandstone formations and
red surfaces, the latter caused by erosion of the large rocks and mountains.
That a man can take more than one wife adds to the flavor of this state although one has to be cautious while
the editor is looking over the shoulder. Nevertheless, I have often pondered over this issue as it's quite
fascinating. I can understand multiple girlfriends but more than one wife is just 'too much pleasure'. Coming
from Africa, we have knowledge of a leader down south who is not only into polygamy but has girlfriends, too.
Could this person be called a 'pigamist'?

Zion has a special interest for Jenni and me because of the serenity of the park (when not overcrowded) as well
as the hikes, Observation Point and Angels Landing, in particular. During the summer and fall, the crowds are
so large that cars are prohibited from entering the canyon. Shuttle buses ferry people to and from various points
in the canyon. We have traveled to the park in prior years when it was almost deserted which is a treat. October
unfortunately, seems to be a very popular period as manifested by the large number of visitors.



Destination: Observation Point, beyond is part of Zion Canyon.




The walls of Zion are overpowering—sometimes a fellow has to rest on the way up.





Follow that trail, buster. The initial part of the hike.




For both hikes, we arrived early in the morning, in fact before the entrance booths were staffed. The trail
was the busiest we've ever witnessed, that's on the way down, but still a wonderful experience. We made contact
with some interesting people and in one case enjoyed an intimate discussion that surprised us. One never knows
what will transpire on the slopes. Nevertheless, we prefer and are fortunate in most instances, to select periods
that are quiet.



Can't keep the editor away from the 'slots'.





Some beauty outside the park





The high point of the hike.





Soon after commencement, the early light 'hits' the wall.





Zion is filled with towering mountains or rock slabs that are distinctive. One stands in awe beneath these giants or
with trepidation when scaling or walking along their edges. The park's most colorful period occurs probably towards the
end of October when the fall shades accentuate the flora growing below, above and even on the slabs. The Virgin River,
which winds and wends through the canyon sustains the animals, plant life and the visitors, too. It also provides, if
you'll believe it, a hiking opportunity called 'The Narrows' whereby the hiker walks in the river for the duration
of the experience. Although the focus is on the park itself, the land surrounding it is equally attractive.




From the top, a view down the canyon. Angels Landing peak, our next hike, is 500 feet below (right).
The Virgin River winds and wends through the canyon.





Flora grows wherever it has an opportunity. Pictured at the peak.





The next two photographs are taken a short distance from Zion. They illustrate the first occasion that
we have ever seen a lake amongst the red boulders and rocks in Utah and surrounding states.




Jen gets ready for a swim.




Cheers,


Jenni and Jeffrey