Zion

Joe and Louisa loved the Ranger Campfire Programs everynight at Zion. Each night focused on a different aspect of the park. Each program was hosted by a different ranger who presented a slick, well performed 45 minute talk on his or her area of expertise. They were all well attended, and Joe and Louisa would dash to the very front seats each night as the sun went down to learn about Lions, or Creatures of the Night, or Forest Fires. With great boldness and not a lick of shyness they raised their hands and asked or answered questions appropriately. One night they were called up on stage in recognition of their Junior Ranger status, another night they were called up to answer a series of questions as Jr. Rangers. Joe's missionary kid question the first night was appropriately "Is poaching a problem in Zion?"

We did wish that the kids were a bit older here. Although we went on some amazing hikes... like the one to the upper emerald pools, we did dream of hiking Angel's Landing. A four hour strenuous, dangerous, climb to the top. At one point the path trims down to 28 inches with sheer drops on either side of the rock path with only a chain to grasp as you make your way across. I had considered hiking alone for Mother's Day, but the thought of plunging to my death and leaving Kev with four little ones gave me enough pause to leave this hike for another time. Myhre's... you would love it. The Narrows also beckoned us, but the heavy snow melt made the river too rough to attempt the hike up it and through the canyon. The Narrows Trail was officially closed and likely to stay that way for another few weeks.