Zion National Park

 Last weekend (October 12 - 14) we went with Jared and Annie down to Zion to meet up with Ryan's dad.  We left Friday after work around 6:30 pm and got to Hurricane (where we were staying) around 10:30 pm.  We all shared a room that night and I was happy Nolan slept through the night since he didn't sleep much at all on the way down. 

Saturday, we got up and took our time getting ready.  Had breakfast at a local cafe and headed for the park.  Ryan had planned on us doing the Observation Point hike which would take most of the day.  We parked Craig's new truck in town and caught the shuttle.  We didn't start hiking until 1:00 pm, which I wouldn't have done in the middle of the summer.  But there was some cloud cover and the temperature was perfect.  We knew it was going to be 8 miles round trip, and was listed as a moderate hike. 

After completing the hike, I would say it is a strenuous hike since it is uphill the whole way, tons and tons of switchbacks, steep drop-offs (nothing like angel's landing) but well worth it!  Nolan was a trooper in his pack and loved being carried, he didn't complain/scream at all.  I wish he would have slept on the trail, but luckily he slept once we got to the top for a little bit.  Craig did awesome and Jared helped to carry Nolan for a bit giving Ryan a break.  Before we entered the park we stopped at a local store for some sandwiches to eat once we got to the top, which tasted great.  Why does everything taste so much better outdoors?

Everyone kinda split up on the way down, Jared/Annie made it down first, me/Ryan were second and then Craig.  It wasn't a race or anything, we all just went at our own pace on the way down which was nice.  Jared and Annie had a bet going on what time we would reach the bottom of the trail....not sure who won on that.  We were all exhausted after the hike and just headed back to the hotel.  Ryan and his dad went to the store to get some dinner for everyone and we all ate in our hotel room.  I fell asleep shortly after dinner with Nolan while Jared, Ryan and Annie went to the hot tub. 

Sunday, we got up and had breakfast in the hotel.  Packed everything up and went back to Zion.  This time we just drove through the park.  We drove through the tunnel to Mt. Carmel.  Stopped there to eat lunch at Ho-made Cafe or something like that.  Next time I am in Mt. Carmel, I am definately going back to this place - totally touristy and I loved it!  Lunch ended, Craig went south and we went north.  The drive home went quick, thank goodness!

 

It was a fun weekend with everyone!