CRAZY OR WHAT??

Since traveling on the road for over 11 years now, we never have made a move this late in the season.  We always have been somewhere and settled way before even Thanksgiving.  But this year being a little different since working at amazon.com, we didn’t hit the road until literally days before Christmas!
Leaving Coffeyville, we had decided to make one of the AZ Casino’s our place to stop to enjoy Christmas at one of their delicious buffets and who knows-pluck a few dollars into the slot machine.
Upon getting ready, we knew that a bad snow storm was hitting in the direction we wanted to go, so we got held up in Sayre OK until the storm passed and the Instate cleared. 
The more we thought about it, the more exciting it sounded to be parked in snow!  We would bundle up and yes, even Leah and go play out in the snow on Christmas Day!  What a better way to enjoy the day and then go pig out on the Christmas Buffet!
Well, here’s where it starts to get interesting….
Upon leaving Amarillo TX and heading towards NM border we knew that we would start to see the snow accumulation.  Heading towards Tucumcari we only saw a dusting along the roadway and thought to ourselves that this was nothing.  We were thinking that a dusting to these folks was a blizzard…but as we got closer to a town called Edgewood NM, the snow started to get deeper.  There were areas along the I-40 corridor that hadn’t even been cleaned off along the shoulders yet.  All the rest areas Westbound were still closed and not plowed out yet.  They were just opening Eastbound rest areas as we plucked along.
   

Needing a break and wanting to stretch my legs, Brian found a Wal-Mart right off of I-40 in the town of Edgewood.  The exit was slushy but cleared enough to master the motorhome and tow, until we got into Wal-Mart’s parking lot.  They apparently don’t know the word “snow-plow”!  It wasn’t plowed at all, and being Christmas Eve, it was chaotic!  There was no place safe to park the motorhome without the fear of getting stuck since there appeared to be 10-12 inches of the white stuff. I  manage to go in one entrance and out the next exit to learn that I could not make the left turn I needed to head in right direction.  So ended up going down  the road, in the wrong direction of our destination and not knowing what was ahead.
I found a shopping center where I barely could get the motorhome in one drive and back out the other just to turn around!  upon the entrance I scrapped the back-end.  Brian goes to investigate and finally those skid wheels we purchased did their job well!Now turned around back in the right direction, We decided I didn’t need that rest after all so onward we go to the Casino!
We were tossed between Dancing Eagle and Sky City Casino.  Both had RV Parking, however Sky City sounded to have a wonderful Christmas Buffet-so Sky City here we come…
Monitoring the weather closely in that particular area, we knew that both Casinos got hit hard with the snow storm.  So Brian called to find out if even the RV Parks would be open and even plowed out.  Sky City told us that it was being done as they spoke-or so we were told.
Upon our arrival to Sky City Casino in late afternoon on Christmas Eve, we were again greeted with lots of slush and snow!  It made it difficult to even get fuel, but manage.  We paid for our site and was told that the campground was plowed out and ready.  The RV Park is across the road from the Casino/Hotel/Travel Center.  As we crossed over the road, to our dismay, we couldn’t even try to get into the RV roadway let alone find our spot that was buried yet under all the snow! 



We left the motorhome sitting in the roadway, unhooked the car and went back over to the travel center where we paid and complained.  They got the guy over to plow it out while we sat waiting…thinking boy, we gotta be crazy or what?   It took well over an hour and half just to get us a path in and into our site. 
Now we are stuck here until they finish up on Christmas Day so that we  can pull back out bright and early Monday morning to much warmer weather-AZ!




Upon getting up this morning-it was only down to –7below outside!  I think this is the coldest weather thus far since traveling.  So did we stay warm inside? You betcha!!!  With the help of the electric heater and the motorhome furnace running until we got up, then Brian turned on our Cozy World brick heater.  We never hooked to the water direct and what we have in the tank didn’t freeze either. 


We opened up the window blinds and discovered all the windows had ice on them!




Since the sun has come out all the windows are cleared up.  We are just waiting for the afternoon sun to hit the slide side so that we can bring it in and not wait till tomorrow.  As the day moves forward we are to warm up to a mighty 36 degrees.
Another Christmas Day to remember and to put in our memory book

COUNTING DOWN

Well as the countdown begins and it starts to get busy, my blog web pages may have to be short and sweet for now…But again-you just never know what I might write or when….with that said:
After two months of working at Amazon and avoiding volunteer time off we are now in full swing with the countdown to Christmas. Earlier this week we started with voluntary overtime that turned into mandatory for us this past Thursday for inbound.

Several folks including all that I have met and became acquainted with has been moved to outbound with plenty of overtime for them.  I have been left in inbound in receiving/prepping.  We are only getting 1 day overtime while outbound is doing 2 days of overtime or coming in one hour earlier.  Those that I have met didn’t want the overtime as I did. 

Also this past week while working on the receiving line, Christmas songs were playing, putting some of us in the Christmas spirit, then comes along those that didn’t want the music;  turned it off and started to play hard rock music. It sadden my heart to really know there are scrooges out there…
On the positive side of Amazon:  The week of Thanksgiving we had a meal catered in from a local catering company.  We had Turkey, mash potatoes with gravy,green beans cranberry salad and for desert bread pudding.  It was very tasty.  those that had to work a couple of hours on Thanksgiving Day got to take home a pumpkin pie.  This next week we are having another meal catered in and this time it’s stuff chicken breast, rice pilaf, and I don’t remember the rest of the menu.  Management also has been going around handing out small little trinkets to us workers.  Also all of us workampers received a workampers force T-shirt.

      

So the countdown begins…..only 3 weeks left and I’m done for the season with Amazon. Will I return to Amazon again next season? Probably, but not here in Coffeyville. I’m wishing for Fernley NV since we plan on spending the next several years that way touring the West.

You know I think I could get use to this kind of a lifestyle…Work maybe from Sept to Dec for Amazon.com and then the rest of the time off to tour around; Yep let the countdown begin!

HIDDEN GEM IN KANSAS!

Okay, we really didn’t find any hidden gems or jewels in Kansas, but if you are an avid hiker like Brian and I are, around here finding a beautiful hiking area in Kansas is almost like finding hidden Gems.

When we left Colorado and crossed over into Kansas all we saw was desolate grass land.  A tree or bush couldn’t be seen for miles and miles.  and once we did come across a bush or maybe a lone tree our little Min Pin; Leah thought it to be exciting and would start barking at it.
The closer we got to Coffeyville we then started to come across a few trees, some rolling hillside and many farms with cows and fields.

After getting settled in and starting to work at Amazon, we started to adventure out to see what there was for us to do.  Being in the middle of literally-nowhere, finding hiking trails was far and few between.  Asking some of the locals they too said there wasn’t many places to go wondering around.  Most folks spend their days off going to the cities-shopping; but that just isn’t for us.  We would prefer being out with nature.

Brian did some research and knew there were two Corps of Engineer parks not to far away from us.  One stated they had horse trail, well being in the middle of the week, we thought that it would be safe for us to walk on.  So last week we took a lunch picnic, Leah and went exploring to Big Hill Lake.



When we got on the trail, we noticed it really hadn’t been used much for the grass/weeks were tall.  We went as far as we could, apparently over a year ago they had a wind burst that came through knocking down many trees and the area that we came across showed apparent severe damage and clean-up hadn’t been completed as of yet.


After heading back we found a nice day-use area where we had our picnic lunch and then took the 1 mile trail along the lake.  It was peaceful and I think we were the only ones out there.  Not many boats were active on the lake as it was the middle of the week.

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This week we went to Elk City Lake where there were hiking trails as well.  We first took the interpreter trail and then joined on to the Over look trail that joined with the State Park.  Now that was a trail that we would never thought to be in Kansas!  It was awesome!  within the first 1/2 mile hike, we had to climb down into a crevice.  It was hard having our little dog with us.  But we manage to get down it.  Then we came across another area where the crevice was so small that if you were a large person-you would not get through!




With the leaves coming down and the terrain, Brian was having a little difficulty and with me having Leah, it was hard to really enjoy the hike to far, so when we found that it did join with the interpreter trail, we headed back towards the car.  But it’s a hike that we will adventure on again some time in the near future.

We had just one more stop to make and explore, Montgomery State Fish & Wildlife area.  Brian was told that there was a small lake there that we could take our canoe.  sure enough we found yet another what we call “Kansas Gem”!  There is free primitive camping.  Plenty to explore and yes, we can bring the canoe.  We had fun walking just on the gravel roadway, exploring and we found where there are several off road trails.  This one is must to return for a day of hiking, canoeing and who knows,if the weather cooperates; we will bring our tent as well.  If not, well we will just enjoy a day trip here.





So  you see, Kansas isn’t ALL flat and boring as one would possibly think-there are some Hidden Gems! 

CANYON WINDS

Sitting between two canyon walls can create unexpected winds what seems like they come out of nowhere.

In the springtime, the winds would kick up and I could sit up at the office and watch the waves on the small lake.  At first they would be going in one direction and just like drop of a dime-the winds would switch direction.

As we fade in and out of the Monsoon season, once again, the winds are unpredictable.  The last several nights between 6:30 and 7:30 pm out of nowhere the winds would kick up as if a storm was coming in-but we received no rain or storms.

The other night as we were sitting and relaxing the winds again kicked up out of nowhere and rolled through the canyon walls.  As we looked at each other and wonder what the heck-when I looked out and see the diesel pusher’s just across from us, awning taking flying lesson! 
Knowing they were an older couple and they had just got home from the peach fest, I told Brian that they need our help.

As we went over here was two older gentleman and one lady trying to keep the awning from flying over and doing any more damage to the motorhome.  So Brian and came to the rescue to help out.
As we were trying to help and figure out what to do, I notice that his awning over the door was the next thing to take flight, so I suggest that we hold the one down while he puts up the other awning.
We finally manage to get the awning somewhat rolled up and the arms down.  The good news is that the group he was with was having an awning guy come out the next day and he would have that guy look at his to see what he could do until he got back to South Dakota where he was from.

Later on, while outside talking to our park ranger,this gentleman came over to us with a bottle of wine.  He told us that we would not find that wine anywhere around here.  It was called Red Ass Rhubarb Wine. 

The awning guy did come out and got his awning fixed up enough for him to get back to South Dakota where he will probably have to have a new one put one.   So all was not lost to this crazy canyon wind.  The next morning, a camp host brought up a tent that almost landed into one of our fishing lakes.

TRIP TO THE ROCKIES-Part One

It’s Sunday afternoon and been a bit of a stressful week for me, I’m so ready to get out and go adventuring,  Our first plan was to head out early Monday morning, but instead we finished packing and headed out Sunday afternoon.

First stop was to the Wal-Mart in Rifle to get just a few groceries for our little trip.  As Brian is getting supplies, I looked at the map and found maybe a possible campground near exit 133 off of I-70.
Our first night out was near a place called Dotsero,Co.  I know a weird name for a town or rather a very small community.  Anyways we got off onto a dirt/gravel road that at first we thought was all private land.  Then we crossed a cattle guard and now we are in the White River National Forest with pull off campsites.  We saw the first site, but it appeared that we would be camping right on the roadway, so we moved onto another spot. 

the site we choose was big with many shade trees surrounding us.  First order of business was getting the tent set up and getting supper.  Brian sets up the tent, while I cooked burgers and fried potatoes over our camp stove.  Leah’s job was to alert us of any unwelcome visitors that may happen by-since we were in bear country-her job was very important.



After getting set up and filling our tummies, it was time to explore our surrounding.  We had a rushing creek very near to us and it would lull us to sleep that night.



A third mile up the road we found a fairly new vault toilets and a huge area where it appears they use to load and unload horses.  We also discovered that the road did a few switchbacks that climbs higher up the ridge above us.  We also found a trail that we did not take-due to it becoming dark and not safe to be out on at that time of the evening.  So it was time to go back start a campfire and enjoy a few drinks and each others company.  But most of all-time to RELAX and ENJOY mother natures beauty.

We did have one visitor-human nature.  Some road construction guys wanted our spot to camp at for they were going to be in the area working.  Brian told them they could have it the next morning a we would be moving on.  They were cool with that and apparently found another spot for the night.
After a very restful sleep and using our new air mattress, it was time to tear down camp, brew some coffee and head on down the road on I-70.  First stop for the morning was at rest stop to feed Leah her breakfast and to fill our tummies as well.

We found the drive on !-70 from West to East to be spectacular with views of the Rockies.  It was hard to try not to constantly take photos of the scenic drive.  What amazed me the most was the ski resort towns and communities.  One in mind was Vail Colorado.  The town was banked up against the Rockies on both side of the Interstate.  When traveling through most towns and cities along any Interstate, usually gives you exits about every mile or so-not so with the towns in the Rockies.  You were lucky to come to an exit about every 5 miles.  So could you imagine that you live on one side of the Interstate and then have to travel a ways to cross over to the other side-specially during the winter time when snow is the heaviest?  All the ski resort communities along the Interstate remind me the homes and business that one would see in the Swiss Alps.

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There were several scenic pull offs that we took to stop and take some photos.  The air was refreshing and the view just awesome! 



At one point we were ascending, but it appeared we were descending and I thought we were having transmission trouble.  After pulling over to have Brian check on our engine, he stated that even though it looks like were going down hill, we actually were not.  Then it was time to head through the Eisenhower Tunnel.

We traveled as far as Georgetown before deciding to turn around and head back towards Lake Dillon.  Our plan was to stay out on National Forest once again.  I had found a place near Lower Chrystal Lake where we would make our camp for the night and do some hiking in hopes of finding some old mining camps.

Part two of our trip coming up next….

INEXPERIENCE CAMPER

 

The other morning, while trying to enjoy a cup a coffee, I notice a gentleman looking around our RV, eating a banana. Then he came to our door, but never knocked. So I went out to see what I can do for him. He wanted to know how to fill his RV with water. He was told not to fill it while coming through the Rockies. So instead of getting water while parked here at the State Park upon arrival, he has decided to get it before hitting the road to Utah.
I had Brian go out and explain it to him how to fill his tank with fresh water. Brian comes back in after a few minutes, to enjoy more coffee, when again I looked out our door window and stood this man again. Brian went back out to again explain the water fill situation. Upon talking to him for the second time, this gentleman and his family hasn’t even used the toilet, because they didn’t know how to use it….
Brian told this guy that we would be out and about walking shortly and if he was at the dump station, we would come by and assist him with his water fill. 15 minutes later, again, this gentleman was at our door for a 3rd time. He had parked in a spot behind us to fill his tank. He told Brian that he thought something was wrong because the water started to fill and a few minutes later, water started to sputter out at him. Brian try to explain to him that his tank was full and he needed to shut it off. He kept asking how does one know if their tank is really full….
I’m proud of my husband for his patience with this particular gentleman for I know he was starting to wear Brian’s patience thin. Brian however didn’t have the patience to tell this particular gentleman that there are some other things he should have checked out before heading out, for he knew if he got into with him, it would be hours on end….and we did have to work that day.
He did suggest to this person in purchasing books on becoming an RV’er…..wonder if he will take the suggestion?
Now I’m not calling this gentle “dumb” or anything, but I would just like to point out to any newcomers that is either thinking or has just recently purchased a new RV for the first time to just take these few steps to make their lives (and others) a little more pleasant:

• Take time to get to know your RV inside and out BEFORE heading out on that long trip.
  
• DON’T be afraid to ask questions to the Dealer or the person whom you bought the RV from. There is no such thing as a “dumb” question.
  
• Take short trips close to home and try EVERYTHING out to make all is working properly.
  
• Maybe consider purchasing some RV books before purchasing your RV. Determine what kind of an RV you want, whether it be a 5th wheel, travel trailer or a pop-up. Do you want slide outs or not? There is a lot to consider when purchasing a RV.
  
• And NEVER be afraid to ask another RV’er some questions-most will be glad to help you-but on that same note-don’t take up a whole lot of their time either; They are there to relax as well.
  
• If you’re not use to backing up a rig, take the time and find a huge empty parking lot and practice!
  
• Remember all rigs are built differently and will operate differently in all aspects-so don’t totally rely on how another rig is set up to function-thinking yours will work that way as well.

We enjoy and really don’t mind helping a newcomer along the way and we will continue to help others whether “working’ or just playing ourselves. If we can give a helpful advise and share our experience-we will be glad to do it.

CAMP HOSTING

So many State and Federal Parks are always looking for good camp host.  But the question is: What makes a good Camp Host? 
Brian and I have done camp hosting at several state parks in Texas, Arkansas and now Colorado.  We have seen good host and some bad host.  We also seen camp host that have been in that position for so long in just one park that they start to become obsessive with their position and start thinking the park belongs to them.  We have this case going on right now in the park that we are in. The folks have been here for so long that they think they set the standard on how this park is run.
I remember one park host in particular in Texas.  He was a single gentleman and when we introduce ourselves to him, he greeted us in his underwear!  Then the park was getting ready for spring break and we started to get busy, we had trouble with the septic tank over running into one of the sites.  When the folks went to let this host know what was going on-they were greeted with the man wearing nothing but a Tutu! (no joke).  He had to be carried back to his camper, because he kept falling down-stone cold drunk!  Needless to say the manager gave him only 24 hours to pack up and get out of the park.  Leaving us to camp host a huge park by ourselves over spring break.
Being a camp host varies from park to park and state to state.  Most require at least 20 hours per week, per person for a campsite-most having full hook-ups.  Duties will varies as well.  But all requires good PR for the park.
Our very first camp host position was in Arkansas basically being a campground babysitter.  All we had to do was go through the park at least twice a day to make sure there was no vandalism.  But in other parks we have done trail maintenance, rake sites of leaves & debris, clean fire rings and help relocate bird houses.  We have also helped in the office/gate house; which is what we are doing right now.
To become a good camp host,

• you must first like to camp-of course, being outdoors and around other campers of ALL ages.
  
• You shouldn’t be afraid of  getting a little dirty or grimy.   Labor work might come into play, but they never require you to do more than you are able.
  
• Always remember when doing PR for the park, talk to the ones visiting the park, the way you would want to be treated as a guest.  Even if the camper/guest maybe breaking a rule or doing something wrong, coming across aggressively won’t get you cooperation from that party, but doing it in a friendly manner will get you a long ways- even with a difficult person.
  
• Remember-you set the example.  A clean campsite, dog on leash and following all park rules yourself, helps make it easy for others to follow.
  
• another camp host is NOT your boss, and only the ranger in charge should be telling you your does and don’t.  If you have questions about how another host is dealing with certain duties, let the rangers know-but make sure you have your facts in order.
  
• Remember, you as a host will see more, hear more and probably know more of what’s going on inside the park, than even the rangers, but communication is a key factor between host(s), visitors and rangers.  You are the ears and eyes and represent the park you are working in and only you can make it either enjoyable or miserable. 

That’s not going without saying that maybe there is a park where no one gets along and as much as you try to make it enjoyable it can’t be.  Then my advise to you is try to communicate with the ranger in charge of camp hosting, and then trying going up the chain of command if you don’t feel you are getting anywhere.  State Parks are becoming more and more self sufficient as state funding are getting cut.  Therefore they have to depend on visitors coming into the park.  If a park isn’t up to standard-folks won’t come to visit and then all goes down hill from there.  So it’s very important for all parties involve to work together to make happy campers keep on returning.
How long is too long in hosting in just one park?  In my personal humble opinion anything over 3-5 years is long enough. I personally feel it makes you become obsessive in that park and then you tend to want to “boss” the new host when they come in-making them feel uncomfortable.  That’s not saying you need to stop camp hosting, but maybe check out other parks to host in.  I look at it this way: when camp hosting, after a couple of years, a new scenery gives you a new outlook and allows you to explore new areas.
Camp hosting can be lots of fun with perks to it.  It gives you new areas to explore, and you only have to work just a few hours a day with 3+ more days off to do other things.  It allows you to meet new people as they travel through.  You can spend hours outdoors enjoying natures wonder.  Parks are looking more and more for new camp host as budget cuts affects them, so they rely on us to help them out.
If interested in camp hosting in a state park or federal park, simply Google the state you are interested in and then check out their web page.  A phone call to a particular park wouldn’t hurt either.  maybe if in the area, go visit the state park.  ask for either the Manager or for the ranger in charge of camp hosting. 
State parks are not the only ones looking for volunteers, there is also Corps of Engineer, National Forest, National Parks as well as State Forest & Parks.
Hope to see you down the road as a camp host-It can be fun and very enjoyable.

WHAT? SNOW?

We hadn’t seen much in rain since leaving Mountain Home, AR way back in Nov of 2o10.  We had light showers during the winter while in Quartzsite.  Since Being at Zion, we did have lots of sunshine and a day or two of winds.  But as our last two days draw near, we were threaten with heavy rain and possible thunderstorms.  The rain was tracking all the way in the direction we were heading.



Since we had no choice but to be out on our 14th day and not sure what weather conditions we could get in, we opted to boogie out as soon as the rain let up on our 13th day (Monday).  We weren’t planning on going very far, only into Cedar City Utah; where we would spend the night fueling up on groceries, and fuel for both the motor home and the car.  The drive was only about 60 miles, so we really thought we could be it here before the next round of rain-WRONG!


Just about half way there, we could see the heavy rain heading right at us.  We kept on truckin forwards, but slowly, even got some folks a little upset with us because I refuse to put the medal to the floor.  They honked and flipped us off as they passed us on by.

Now, by me going slow with the heavy rain, about 5 miles just outside of Cedar City, became a stretch of Black Ice.  On the Southbound of I-15 there were at least 5 vehicles that had spin out of control and was in the ditch-one appearing to have been very serious; while on our side, Northbound there were already 3 cars in the ditch that apparently spun out-including one of the vehicles that rushed by us earlier.

As we arrived safely here at the Wal-Mart we are thankful for our safety and my cautious driving.  We will park it here for a night or two until this front moves on.  But as we are sitting here, socked in completely with cloud and rain; the rain soon gave way to heavy snow showers.  Many cars already here in the parking lot have snow/slush accumulating on their vehicles!  As the clouds come and go we shortly see that the mountainous surrounding have snow on the peaks!  I take Leah out to go potty, and snow tries to accumulate even on the grassy area!




Brian and I have to sit back and think, that last time we actually seen that much snow (which literally isn’t much to some), had to been over 10 years!




We find this little community of Cedar City to be a friendly area, the workers at Wal-Mart all have been very helpful as well as others.  As it was also time to go and find a Laundromat to do some stinky clothes; we find one that has thus far been the most unique of all.  I normally don’t write about Laundromats, but I cannot help much mention the one we went to today.
This little Laundromat was only a few miles away and what was unique about it was the sayings we found on the machines that were out of order.  You will notice the sayings on the photo below.
                                                                                                    The second thing that caught our eye was the flooring,                                                            Carpeting?  In a Laundromat?  Yep, this one did!  And very clean-I might add.  Not just the floor was clean but the whole place was neat and tidy.  Although many machines did have their unique little sayings on them, the place was still kept up in order.  The young gentleman that was there on the day we happen to be there, was also very friendly and courteous.
                                                          
 The last thing that really was the conversation peace maker was an old stylish wringer-that no longer is in use, but looks appealing sitting there.                                                                          
                                                                                        
 I don’t remember the name of the Laundromat, however it’s on Main St. and part of a car wash on the left side.  We referred another couple parking here at Wal-Mart that is also passing through.
We are now all clean, body and clothes; we have stocked cupboards and stuffed refrigerator/freezer and even got our belly full on a nice little pizza joint called Five Buck Pizza.  We got a med, any topping for $5.0o.  And it sure was mmmm-good!

We will head out tomorrow (Wednesday) to San Rafael Swell, our last leg of this trip before parking it for the summer at Grand Junction CO.

Final conclusion:  if it wasn’t sooooo darn cold in the winter months here at Cedar City, Utah, I know I would make this my home, for the area is beautiful and the folks friendly to a strange face.

ZION NATIONAL PARK-HIKING OBSERVATION POINT

We nearly completed hiking all the trails around Zion Nat’l Park.  Observation Point is the last one left to do.  This hike will take us majority of the afternoon for it’s 8 miles long and approximately 5 hours.
We decided to go after lunch, even though the temps are to reach near 90 degrees.  Brian made us a good portion of Spaghetti to get our energy level up for this Strenuous hike.  Although not nearly as dangerous as Angels Landing, it does take us higher up in elevation with many switchbacks.
We started out by getting dropped off at the Weeping Rock and ascending from there.  We came to the 2nd split in the trail where Hidden Canyon goes one way and Observation Point the other. 



As we climbed we wonder which direction the trail was going to take us in.  Then all of a sudden we started inside of a canyon.  This became the Echo Canyon which was so amazing.  This portion of the trail could literally trap folks if on the wrong side.  You walk literally into a creek bed, and during flash flooding, there would be no way in or out of this canyon.  I don’t think we had any worries this day of flash flooding.

 

When we first got on the trail, we mostly had lots of shade, so we didn’t feel the temp as it was rising and nearing the upper 80’s.  Once we got past Echo Canyon, we again started the steep ascending and no more shade.  We could feel the difference in elevation and the heat coming on.  We did bring along plenty of water to keep us hydrated for this lengthy trip.
We had many, many switchbacks and what surprised us the most, is the fact that we started to go on the backside of the canyons and not in the direction we assumed it would head us in to.  The summit that we thought we would reach, wasn’t the one either, but the summit that many climbers love to climb in front of  Temple of Sinawava.  As you see in the picture below and where the red arrow is, we still have that much more to go!



The trail did become narrow with very steep drop-off.  Again this hike wouldn’t be for anyone fearing heights, for when you looked at the bottom, it could be frightening.



I have to admit there were a few times we literally thought of turning around and heading back down, but then we thought we were this far and wasn’t about to give up.  We just took many breaks to slow our heart rates and catch our breaths.
We came across parts of the trail that recently had some land slide and thought to ourselves how dangerous a landslide could be if traveling on this trail during one.

   

As we near the top of the summit, the landscape really took a turn on us.  It appeared at one point in the last couple of years that they had a fire.  Not sure if it was done by lightning or from neglect, but the scarring was evident. 



Instead of rock and portion of old cement, we now traveled on heavy sand as the trail took a turn as we neared the summits end.



After what seemed a very long time, we neared the end.  Was it all worth it?  Oh yeah!!!  The view was breathtaking and if we would have done this trail before Angels Landing, we probably would have bailed out doing that trail.  The view that we got of Angels Landing was speechless to us!  As we looked down upon it, we still to this day, cannot believe we actually climbed Angels Landing…

The Red arrow indicates the beginning of Angels Landing from Scout Lookout.
Red arrow indicated the top of Angels Landing.
Overview of Zion Canyon from Observation Point
 Temple of Sinawava


We took a brief resting break, drank some more water and had a snack.  Going down we knew would be a little faster than the going up, but as we descended, we thought our toes would literally come out of our shoes!   Across the other side of another canyon we discovered snow still lingering around the pine trees.

 

We made it back down by early evening, completely exhausted and lots of sore muscles-again.  It was time to head back for a long hot shower and to rest our weary bodies. 
We are now done with all the trails.  The one we wanted to do the most is The Narrows.  However due to a raging Virgin River, the Narrows are closed  and probably won’t be open until sometime mid to late June.  The Narrows is only accessible by walking in the Virgin River.  We are told by many that have done this that it’s a very awesome hike and should only be done in summer or early fall.  So maybe some day we will come back and do that one.

SOUTH CAMPGROUND: ELEVATION-4000 FEET
OBSERVATION POINT: ELEVATION-6508 FEET
TOTAL CLIMB:  2508 FEET IN ELEVATION