Day 2 - A full day in Zion

Date 6/21

Weather: Cloudy and hot

Expense:
$4 on shower
$31 on dinner
$35 for today
$152 for the trip

Mileage: 0 for today, 387 for the trip

Beer: 1 for today, 1 for the trip

Pictures: homepage.mac.com/cenya/PhotoAlbum39.html

I was ambitious with my plan today, which was not intentional. Since it was so hot yesterday, I decided to get started early. I was up and waiting for the shuttle by 6:00 Mountain Time. It turned out the next shuttle was on schedule for 6:35. So I impatiently started to take Pa’rus Trail to Zion Lodge. I caught the same shuttle at Canyon Junction, which is still far way from the Lodge.

The shuttle driver talked about the wildlife early in the morning, which includes wild turkeys, deer, and mountain lions. In fact, everyone was treated to a wild turkeys sighting. I did not think they were wild, but rather docile. I guess turkeys cannot look menacing.

There were about fifteen people in the shuttle, who were headed to Angles Landing Trail. I was headed there, as this is the TRAIL. The shuttle driver started to talk about Angels Landing. He said that it is so named because only Angels can land there. He further told us that there is chains that will aid ascend and descend. When the driver went on to explain that there are people who give up just at the sight of the peak, I found out later why. It is supposed to take about four hours to summit and back. I was ready with a half gallon of water, a digital camera, a video camera, and a tripod.

Most people got off at Grotto, where the trail begins. I went to the restroom just so I felt lighter before embarking on this mission. I was following a group of five people who were in great spirits. It was not so bad of a climb for sometime as I did not feel any ill effects. I guess running in the mornings have been helpful.

About a third way up the trail, the trail became the serious looking switchbacks. It was well made and maintained. I still felt good. You know, nice and easy. I came up to this top of a place where chains were attached. One man slept overnight using a hammock. What an idea! I need to start thinking about these things.

It turns out this is not the top. He pointed at this serious looking peak where people look like ants were climbing. Alas, I understood why the driver’s talk and the write-up about this trail is not for the height fearing types. Oh, well. I was there already. I might as well do what the tourists do. I left everything on the trail and took just a bottle of water with me to the top. I later regretted not taking the camera to take a picture from the top.

It turned out, the climb was not bad at all with chains, but it was still scary looking at the start. I felt a little like Rocky and would have appreciated “Eyes of the Tiger.” I did not stay long at the top, as I was a little worried about my things, which I left on the trail.

Descending the trail was relatively quicker and easier on my spirit. I was happy to have done this trail and all I could think about was an ice cream cone at the snack shop. I decided against it and headed to Hidden Canyon Trail. Once again, I came to regret this decision. C’est la vie.

Hidden Canyon is supposed to be shorter and easier, but it felt much harder. It might have been because I did this one right after Angels Landing, or I am not used to this much climbing up and down, or a combination. Maybe this was harder. I was wondering why this is called Hidden Canyon, but I never did find out why. There was a sign at the end of the maintained trail. Beyond it is not maintained but is an arch. It became my hold grail for this trail. I went and followed the riverbanks until I ran into a family. I might have passed it if not for them, as the arch was relatively small in my opinion. By this time, I learned to use self-timer of my camera. I took my first picture of me in Zion.

As I was shuttling back to my campground, I met the jovial five-some again at the Lodge. They were telling me about ice cream. I was very envious, but I reasoned that I am spending a handsome amount of money for dinner at the lodge tonight. It turns out one of them is from Tucson. It is always good to run into Tucsonan every so often. I listened as they joked about this and that. I was starting to feel tight quads. Crap, I am going to feel this tomorrow I thought.

Once I got back to the campground, I ate a peach, four Oreos, and ham rolled up in a tortilla again. I took a quick thirty-minute shut-eye. I felt much refreshed, but tighter quads.

I took a shuttle into the town to take a shower. I wanted to feel, look, and smell nice for my dinner. After all, I was going to pay through the nose. I took a four-dollar shower at a local coffee shop. What a concept! Java and shower. I felt so much better and I was ready for my dinner. It was still a little hot outside. I hoped that I would not perspire too much before dinner.

I went to the Lodge with a book to read, a book of maps, and a national parks touring book. I started to read A Farewell to Arms by E. Hemmingway. This comes highly recommended by a friend. I got to the point where the American is getting to know the British Nurse. I hope this becomes good. It is good to be in AC’ed environment. There was awfully slow and free internet access, which I could not get it to work. I would have loved to have checked my e-mail, but I reasoned this is why I am out here, to get away from it.

At exactly 5 pm, I was seated and no sooner. The host would not have it any other way. My server was Cheryl from Wyoming, which was written on the nametag. I would not have found this out on my own, as I am not a great conversation starter. I thought to myself, she is cute. I guess I cannot help being a dirty old man sometimes.

I had a glass of Kolsch and prime rib. I guess I am getting to be a beer snob or getting good at judging beer. I thought their Summer Solstice Kolsch was not as malty. It was a quaffable beer. Prime rib on the other hand was mediocre at best. I had better. I felt okay, as they did not charge too much for this. I guess you also paid for the ambiance. The vegetable medley was excellent. I quite enjoyed it. Mashed potato was awful. Inedible.

I called Michelle in Salt Lake, who I am visiting next. I looked forward to seeing her.