Utah greeted me with canyons, NPR, and cops on I-15 as expected. I pulled into the driveway in Springdale, looked at dirty Blue Steel (which was filthy due to Colorado sleet/slush/snow as a last memory) and decided I would rather sleep in my jeans than unload anything from her. I went inside where Shelley Shelster brought me up to speed on everything and had a great smile when I got in. Laying in bed I thought of all the things I wanted to do during this week, but was interrupted by some creeping up the stairs. Dave bombarded me in my room and I stayed up way too late talking to him and Laura about awesome stories and future shenanigans.
The next morning I dropped by the shop, made sure to give Rob #1 a hug, and headed into the 79 degree sunshine of Zion National Park. I hit up Emerald Pools, Hidden Canyon, and Riverside Walk.
I LOVE the water, but sadly the waterfalls weren't flowing very heavy (but still enough to get fairly wet). I did enjoy the Park telling people not to swim in the pools and park goers saying, "I'm going to swim in there anyway". I wanted to inform them, "Yea, there's bacteria in there. What do you think gives it that green color? Algae and bacteria, that's why they are emerald."
I jumped off the bus at Hidden Canyon, and looked up at the 1000ft descent, switchbacks, and sandstone along the way as I excitedly began my hike. Soooo switchbacks suck, every time you think you are almost there, you most definitely are not. Best part? These chains with sand from the canyons under your feet along cliff edges! I only slipped once, but as you can see, I held on with at least one hand made sure to use the other hand for pictures.
After you get past about four sets of chain and cliffs you get to this nice "Hidden Canyon" that is cold and shielded from the sun, EPIC! I have done this canyon before, so if you see the rocks in the left picture this is where the trail is no longer maintained. I attempted to explore, but I couldn't climb over the rocks safely...and I wasn't tall enough. I turned around and did Riverside Walk to check out the Narrows which I hope to complete while I am here (it's been a long time). I also fell asleep on the bus, woke up, and had to switch buses about three times to get outta the park.
Party was great and I met Stephanie who may be setting me up with housing in San Diego and "Dude Man" from Philly who discussed hockey with me and free things to do in San Diego. They've got an EXCELLENT group of people at the shop this year. Networking is the bomb. Shelley totally beat me at arm wrestling if you are wondering. I refused to arm wrestle Bill D unless I was allowed to use two hands. Obviously, Shelley was destroying people on the table (Rob#2 is trying to use that table as leverage)! The girls were on that night, see how Laura smashes on Bill D? He is literally straining (he looks like he is in pain) as Davey laughs.
The next day (thurs) I planned out so many things, but I think I have another sinus infection. It turned into Lazy Thursday as Shelley and I went to St.George to buy groceries, a skype camera (yes I can talk to ALL of you face-to-face now!), and Easter festivity food and of course IN-N-OUT BURGER! I introduced Shelley to Animal Style which is ZEE BEST! Extra veggies, grilled onions, and secret sauce, look how fat that is! The only sad thing about ending my day is that I don't have a nice cold beer or vodka cranberry in my hand right now (although, no lie, Davey totally brought Fat Tire and 1554 back from Las Vegas! Score COLORADO BEERS!).
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