(Click for today's pictures)
We woke up super early today because this was Zion all day long! It was the best day so far on the trip. We have had a few wonderful days, but this day has topped them all.
Robby splurged and not only rented boots, socks, and walking sticks for our hike today, he also rented electric bikes for the rest of the day. This way didn't have to ride the shuttle at all. They were all lined up for the shuttle when we passed them in the car to pick up our bikes.
The bike shop people were super friendly and helpful. They told us about the bikes and gave us directions on how to get into the park. Keaton and Campbell took off on their bikes, but it took Whitman a second to figure it out. Those bikes were heavy, and I struggled too getting started each time. After a bit Whitman figured it out, but I was always in the back of the pack. I didn't feel super confident going super fast like everyone else. At times Keaton would circle around to check on me!
From the bike shop, we biked about a mile and a half to the park entrance. Then we had to bike 9 miles through Zion Canyon. We had get to stop 9, and thankfully stops 1-3 were on a bike path. Then we did have to get on the main road. Thankfully, only buses could go on that road, and when they came on our side, we had to stop and get off the bikes for them to pass. We were able to make it all the way to the end of the road with only 1 bus passing us so that was a relief.
We were already wearing our neoprene socks and water boots. These were weird, but they were necessary for the hike. The guys said that the socks regulated our body temperature which was absolutely necessary because it was cold riding our bikes. We all even started our hike with jackets on, and I kept mine on but rolled up some most of the hike.
The boots were necessary because they helped you not slip on the rocks plus they gave you ankle support. And the sticks were essential because without them you couldn't feel the rocks or the water depth in front of you.
Once we parked our bikes, took us a bit to get situated. Robby had a water proof bag with charges, waters, and snacks for us. Then we had to walk a mile down a paved trail to get to where the narrows trail started. I had been freezing on the bike ride since it was before 8, but by the time that we had walked down the trail, we were starting to warm up even though the sun was never shining on us until we walked back, but then it was just on us some because of the deep canyon we were in.
Our first steps into the water were not as icy as I had expected, but it didn't take long for water to get to our toes. I guess the socks did their jobs because our feet were never really cold. We walked and walked over rocks and through the water. There were some spots where it was sandy which was easier to walk through the water in, but for the most part, we were stepping over rocks. There were some times that we were able to walk over dry land, but of course this was just rocks that we were walking over.
There were a lot of people on the way down the Narrows, but it wasn't horrible but walking back was a different story. There were people everywhere-barefoot people, crying kids, old people, babies in backpacks-we reminded the kids to always come early and come prepared.
We stopped once for snacks, and then we pressed on trying to make it to Wall Street. This is the section of the canyon where the walls narrow to about 30 feet they said. We thought that some areas were less than this. We have been in the narrow section of Canyonlands, but the canyon walls were not so, so tall. These walls were so high and so impressive! According to our watches, phones, and apps, we hiked past Orderville Canyon, through Wall Street and as far as the Elephant Temple before turning around.)
Really words can't describe how neat the hike was. It was beautiful. Now, on the way back, the water seemed higher and again I was way behind everyone else. It was more challenging going back because we had to navigate around all of the people, but I was pretty happy to see where we could get out of the water.
Of course this meant that we had to walk a mile back to the bikes. Robby pretty much sprinted the mile because he needed a stop at the restroom. Keaton and Campbell walked as fast as they could because they didn't want anyone to pass them. Whitman, who had felt pretty sickly yesterday, must have felt so much better today. He did great, and we enjoyed our leisurely walk back to the bikes. Of course, our boots were already heavy, but now they are water logged plus the socks are as well, so it was a tough mile hike.
Back at the bikes, we split up. The kids rode the 9 or so miles back to the camper while Robby and I rode to a short hike, Weeping Rock. It was basically a cliff that had water dripping off of it. It was neat, but I almost died walking up the incline even though it was just a quarter of a mile long.
It was worth it because our next stop was at the Zion Lodge. We had a picnic with the kids on the front lawn last time we were here, but this time Robby and I ate in the restaurant. We split a burger, and I was probably starving, but I have never had anything so good.
The kids were back at the camper taking the dogs out, eating their own lunches, and resting. We rode back to them-even with electric bikes, it still took about 25 minutes for us to ride the 5 miles back to the kids. We then stayed in the camper for 45 minutes. I tried to not sit down because I knew that I would have a hard time getting up because we were already tired.
We all left and went back up to stop 6 where we could at least look at the Angel's Landing Trail. I had originally wanted to walk some of that trail, but I did wise up, We then rode our bikes to the next stop and walked the Lower Emerald Pools trail. It was another rock with water dripping off of it, but it wasn't so steep so it was enjoyed much more.
By now, we had realized that we had done all there was to do today in Zion, so we have changed our plans and will head home tomorrow. We still may get home on Sunday, but we really didn't know what we would do tomorrow in Zion. The only other trail on my list was the Watchman but it is closed due to the flooding that happened here the other day. We might could take it easy tomorrow, but you know that isn't our style.
We took the kids to the Lodge for a few minutes, and then we zoomed on back to return our bikes. We had them out for almost 12 hours, and we put some miles on those babies. Then we all went to the visitor's center where we turned in our Jr. Ranger booklet. We had some postcards, stickers, and even a pin to buy. I know I have mentioned it before, but I just love gift shops even though I don't really buy anything.
The next stop was back to the camper to pick up the dogs and our boots, socks, and sticks to return. We mailed my postcards, returned the shoes, took a picture at the sign, and picked up Subway before coming back to the camper.
At the camper we all ate on the picnic table-Campbell wasn't going to eat at the table until we found a tablecloth. The other day at another campground when Marley needed a bath due to a potty accident, we washed her on the table, and I told the kids to always make sure you use a table cloth at a campground. I'm glad she was listening.
We ate in the shadow of the Watchman and soaked in the scenery. Then we went to work-Keaton helped me inside, Whitman helped Robby outside, and Campbell managed the dogs. It took about 30 minutes, but the camper is pretty much clean(er) and organized again.
The kids started showering and working on a little bit of school while I worked on this blog. I'm pretty tired so I apologize where it doesn't make sense. Also, this is too much information, but did you know that after riding a bike all day long, your rear end can feel pretty bruised! Truth.
