Monday and Tuesday proved just how awesome Zion really is. After a quick morning of presenting at the Canyon Community Center (along with yoga for Kate, Frances, and Esther), we returned to the campground to prepare for the day’s adventure: hiking the Narrows. At noon we set out through the canyon, joined by Ranger John (Colleen’s newly-found friend from the day before). Steep cliffs of sandstone surrounded us as we zipped past European tourists ("Bonjour" "Merritto baila con su cabeza"). As the walls narrowed, a river replaced the paved path. In we waded, happy to be in the cool water and shaded from the sun. Brent rejoiced when he found pools to swim in along the way (if its not clear by now, Brent really, really likes water). The crew joined him in his revelry, splashing and floating along. 5 hours later, we arrived back at the campground, happy, wet, and tired. To finish off a great day, we went to dinner in Springdale and enjoyed delicious fish, “forbidden rice” (I’m not sure why its called that, but I’ll be disappointed if I’m forbidden from eating again) and solar oven-cooked brownies. Many thanks to Stacy and Lyman for the meal and for showing us their beautiful sustainably-designed house.
Before continuing on our journey, part of the crew did one last hike. Taking advantage of the cool early morning air, the hikers headed to Angel’s Landing to catch the sunrise. Overcoming sheer cliffs and fear of heights, they climbed up and up and up to a view of the canyon spread below. Reports are that it was gorgeous. The rest of us slept in.
Tune in again soon as our (mis)adventures continue into the dessert…
-esther
The Bus crew poses in their sweet Ibex gear
In the Narrows with Ranger JohnA shout-out to the park: The National Park Service’s commitment to sustainable practices was truly on display at Zion. A couple of our favorites included the shuttle system and the very “green” Zion Visitors Center. In 2000, a shuttle system of 30 propane-powered buses replaced the 5000 cars that would otherwise drive through the park. Zion’s Visitor Center made use of efficient materials, direction, thermal mass, native plant landscaping, and several other “green” design principles to create a sustainable building that not only reflects the beauty of the surrounding landscape, but also saves over $14,000 and 310,000lbs of carbon every year! Check out the park’s website for more on what they are doing, as well as tips on “greening” your own environment. http://www.nps.gov/zion/naturescience/green-park.htm
Fact-o-the-day: In 1999, recycling and composting activities prevented about 64 million tons of material from ending up in landfills and incinerators. Today, this country recycles 32 percent of its waste, a rate that has almost doubled during the past 15 years.
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