Where in the World are the Wiseman's? Through Foreign Eyes - Spring/Summer 2009

shuttling along Jun 8, 2009

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The main valley of Zion National Park was carved by the Virgin River. This feature as well as most of the mountains and other noteworthy sights were named by a Methodist minister, an early visitor to thearea. The Mormons added a few more names from their religious canon and when reading the map, it wasn't clear whether we were about to take a hike or attend a church service. Cars are no longer allowed in the river valley. In 2000 the park service decided that this narrow valley was getting too crowded and they instituted a shuttle service. The pick up point started near the campground, buses came every six minutes and had an informative commentary. Good service like this could persuade Americans to leave their cars behind.

Most of the shuttle stops were the starting point for hiking paths. We took three and wished we were here another day to hike some more. Zion Valley is known for its sheer rock faces and is a favorite for rock climbers. Rangers pointed out a favorite route at the Court of Angels that takes two days. Climbers suspend themselves in a sling and sleep there half way up. Sounds like fun. The hike up the ridge line of the Court of Angels looks challenging as well. Hikers use chains to keep themselves from plunging over the edge as they walk the narrow path. We didn't do that one either!

This piece of the park is so different from the part we drove yesterday. Water makes all the difference. The riverbank is lush with plants and the sandstone cliffs ooze water from rain many years ago. The water percolates through the sandstone until it hits less porous rock and then runs sideways until it can find a spot to escape. Supposedly the water that fell on our heads today first came down as rain 800 - 1200 years ago. We're not sure how scientists date the age of water and felt somewhat dubious about this information, but the mere thought is intriguing. As we hiked on dry dusty paths, every so often a little waterfall or a bubbling spring would appear. These areas were lush with flowers and butterflies. A regular Garden of Eden.