Zion It was an early rises at 5.30am to catch the bus at 5.45am so that we could catch the first shuttle bus to the canyon. Today was all about ascending to Scout's Landing, or if brave, to Angels Landing for panoramic views of the canyon.   Being the first trekkers was terrific as there was no jostling or crowding on the path. However, the biggest benefit was that it was cool, not like walking in the heat of the day.  It was also lovely to set out at dawn, catching the first lights of the morning sun as it bathed the sandstone cliffs in light. The cliffs were constantly changing colours as the sun rose over the horizon, never the same as the hours passed by.  

I was unprepared for the walk, had no idea it was labelled "strenous" and that it would be midday before we were back on the valley floor.  As we set off from The Grotto, the sandy path soon became stone and concrete as it meandered its way up the cliff face. Initially, a rather gentle ascent, it wasn't long before we were facing steep inclines, switchbacks and steps. Needless to say, the higher we ascended the more stunning were the views and the higher we walked the more strenous the climb.  

Climbing over 2500feet was a challenge. We were huffing, puffing, perspiring and regularly stopping to recuperate before pressing on.   The views were amazing, awesome and breathtaking. The valley floor was green with a variety of trees, bushes and grasses.  We could clearly see the Virgin River snake it's way through the Canyon. The higher we ascended the more the vegetation changed. There were cacti, prickly plants, cotton trees, pines and a whole range of other flora. Animal and bird life also was evident through the presence of deer, chipmunks, sqirrils, lizards, and even a condor.  

The switchbacks, a track that is shaped like a z, were challenging as they had steep corners and sharp inclines.  Often at the bend on a switchback it was a good time to catch your breath, have a drink, take in the amazing view and take a few pictures.  Half way up the cliff we entered the area of Refrigerator Alley, a section on the path that was relatively flat and straight, and permanently in shade because of the surrounding cliffs, thus a cool section and the reason for its name. However, almost immediately after Refrigerator Alley we came across Walter's Wiggles, the nastiest of the switchbacks.   A very strenous section of steep paths ascending up the cliff. This was a section that demanded frequent stops just to calm the beating heart, the shortness of breath and to gain some inner reserve to continue the climb.  

Finally, we reached Scouts Lookout. Magnicent views of Zion Canyon, Angels Landing,  surrounding cliffs, the valley floor and path up the cliff. Stunning environment.  We were all pleased we had made it this far, the option was to proceed onto Angels Landing for panoramic views of the canyon.  

We all set off for Angels Landing, except one in the group who opted to stay at Scouts Lookout and wait for us, citing fear of heights for the reason not to proceed.  Within 10 minutes I knew this part of the journey was not for me. The sheer cliffs, the support of only a chain to hang onto as you clammered up the face of the cliff, and tuncertainty of what lay before me, along with my fear of heights forced me to turn around, descend and wait at Scouts Landing for the rest of the group to return.  Initially a bit disappointed,  that feeling soon disappeared as I sat upon a rocky sandstone cliff high above the valley floor in Zion's Canyon soaking in the majesty of this place.  Chipmunks darting over the top of the cliff cheekily trying to steal food scraps, squirrels playing, and birds soaring overhead were just part of this surreal environment.     

Rob decided to go on with the group to Angels Landing,  which was terrrfic, and a few hours latercwhen the group returned it was great to hear he had made it! I was so happy for him as this was a great personal achievement as the ascent to Angels Landing was strenous,  a bit treacherous,  and certainly challenging with its narrow ledges.  

The descent down to the Valley Floor was uneventful,  although we kept thinking it would rain. We were so pleased we had gone at dawn , because at midday seeing people climb in the heat of the day with the threat of a thunderstorm looming, would not have been ideal. By the time we got to the bus our legs were tired, we knew we had walked a 5 mile return trip up a face of a cliff in Zion National Park covering a 2300 feet ascent.  

Back at the lodge we made lunch, ate it and then had a siesta!  From 4pm to 6pm we wandered the streets of Springdale, checking out the various gift shops that prevailed.   It was a warm hospitable town where people were friendly, a real tourist town, and rather quaint as there were many craft shops.  Wherever you looked though,  you could see the cliffs of Zion Canyon in the background.  

Dinner was at one of the numerous places to eat,  this place specializing in pizza and pasta.  The serves were enormous, so I was glad I had a chicken salad!  On the drink menu they had 2 rather intersting items; polygamy lager and 1st ammendment beer!!   A great day at Zion National Park.