Day 14

Well, this was it. The big day. We got up super early and got our gear together to catch the first shuttle up the canyon. We hit the trail for angel's landing with our head flashlights lighting our way. Switchback after switchback we climbed higher and higher. The morning sunlight awoke and helped us through. We took the trail slow at our own pace and had it pretty much to ourselves. We hit Scout's Lookout just as the sun came into the valley. We rested for a quick moment, gearing up physically and mentally for the next half mile. With intense focus and determination we took to the last half mile. The lookout led along the spine of a rock connection to the pilar which is Angel's Landing. We held tight to the chain rails along the rocky clifs. Not more than 3 feet to either side was a sheer cliff 1000 feet high. We kept our eyes on the trail and our minds off the whipping wind. The last umph of the spine made us nearly free climb up to the top. Fear and excitement kept us going until we finally reached the summit. Three Hundred and Fifty degrees around us were beautiful views of the Zion valley. The tiny roads and buses scuttled 1500 feet below us. The edge and faces of the cliffs surround us at nearly eye level. Without a doubt this is the most amazing view in Zion. In all directions the vastness of the valley is breath taking. The sheer cliffs around us kept our adrenaline high. This was easily the most dangerous thing that I have ever done. The way back wasn't hardly, but definitely more tricky. Once we got back to the overlook it was a big relief as we headed back down.

We made our way back to the motel room and had just enough energy left to make lunch and sprawl out and relax.

The early time we hit the trail, left us with a good part of afternoon left. We decided that we just had to drive through the 1.1 mile tunnel. We made our way out and hit the tunnel. Considering that it was completed in 1930, the tunnel is real marvel. We loved it so much we stopped at a small shop down the road and turned back and went through it again. When we got back we hit the pool and soaked in the southern utah sun.

After we dried off we went back to our usual spot, the Zion Pizza and Noodle Company right across the street. This time we had pasta. Just as good. Sampled more local brews. Days like this just make it harder to think about returning to everyday life.

--jeff