Angels Landing

I actually made it up to the top in good time! I had a great two days with my sister as well. Here is the description of the hike from the Zions National Parks website:

"Angels Landing Zion Canyon Scenic Drive - Grotto Picnic Area 5.0 mi
8.6 km 4.0 hours 1488 ft
453 m Strenuous: Long drop-offs and narrow trail. NOT FOR ANYONE FEARFUL OF HEIGHTS. Ends at summit high above Zion Canyon floor. Last .5 mile (0.8 km) follows a steep, narrow, ridge; chains have been added."

I did not attempt the last 0.5 miles because I knew my left arm wasn't strong enough to pull me up if I slipped on the sandstone. There is nothing to catch a person if they slipped and I wasn't going to be stupid. Only a few people were attempting the ledge. Most (even the young single men) were content to sit on top where the main trail ends. Nevertheless, I saw beautiful vistas and loved the hike as much as any I've ever taken. We hit the trailhead at 7 a.m. so we were in the shade most of the time. By the time we got about half way up, we were in Refrigerator Canyon, which levels off for some distance. It was cool and wonderful.

We drove home through Zion's Canyon, which I had only done once as a very young child. We drove through Orderville and I saw Dad. I didn't speak to him because he was out in a field with some irrigation pipes talking to another man. It was some distance away from the highway. At least I know he is still alive and still in Orderville. His house is up for sale so it appears that he is staying there until it sells.

All-in-all, it was a great get-away. Any of you up for a hike?! I'd love to go back there with all of you -- little children can wait for us at the bottom.