Route-Zion National Park
In our typical South African way we were in the car park ready and waiting to ensure we got a campsite at 5.45. Little did we know that we have moved to mountain time which is 1 hour ahead. So thinking that we have more than enough time we took the park shuttle for a scenic drive as no private vehicles are allowed into the park. These regular shuttles driven by friendly intelligent and informative park rangers do the 80 minute round trip throughout the day, allowing you to hop on and off to take the various walks and hikes.
Fortunately we got back in time to secure one of the few sites left. This is done by locating an unoccupied site (not an easy task), then occupying it, by parking your car, thus securing it. You then go and self register and pay by placing your money into the supplied envelop and dropping it into the box, at the entrance kiosk. Another obstacle to adapt to, but at least we can stay put for 2 nights
.
We did the 3.4 mile Pa’Rus trail that winds along the fast flowing Virgin River. This river is responsible for the dramatic scenery in the park. The sandstone monoliths rise steeply from the narrow canyon floor making it hard to photograph. The sheer beauty will have to be filed away in the memory banks.
The full moon rose shortly after sunset, which at this time of year is about 21:00. The bright ball illuminating the peaks around the campsite.
27 May
Route- Zion National Park
We enjoyed the Pa’Rus trail so much we decided to walk it again up to Canyon Junction, were we caught the shuttle bus to Weeping Rock. This the trailhead for Angles Landing and the West Rim trails. Listed as strenuous, we headed out, not sure of what to expect. The trail climbs very steeply, through many switchbacks. As we climb higher the view becomes more dramatic.
We pass through the very aptly named Refrigerator Canyon, which is a narrow, sheer cliffed ravine, that seldom sees the sun. Knarled Pine and Cyress trees grow from between the rocks, how they manage to survive I do not know. We exit the canyon, ahead of us lies Walters Wiggles, which are 13 short, very steep switchbacks, cut into the rock by the parks then ranger, whose name was Walter.
Out of breath, but exhilarated we arrive at Scout Pt, just below Angels Landing. We decide to forego the final half mile, which traverses at times a 1 metre wide track with vertical drop offs of 800 and 1200 feet either side, and head further up along the West Rim Trail.
All along the concrete path, spring flowers grow in amongst the rocks and beach like sand. We stop and a lovely viewpoint for a picnic lunch before tackling the steep decent, to the valley floor, more than 1200 feet below us. We once again cross the Virgin River, which has carved away at the sandstone for centauries, removing approximately 5 000 000 kilograms of a day during heavy rains and snow melt
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After all the excursion we decide to indulge in a double scoop of Huckleberry and Chocolate Bear Claw Ice cream, served in a waffle cone.
As the weather report for Bryce Canyon, which is only 85 miles away, but 2000 feet higher, shows temperatures of 30 degrees cooler, we decide to buy Lorna a pair of $96 Organic Merino Wool Leggings…………….. R800 long johns!!!!!!
With all the progress and development in the US, strangely there are no showers in the National parks. We end up waiting over an hour for the only private shower in town. Not a bad business to be in at $5 each.
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