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GF had a conf in Vegas so I flew out the last day in the early morning to meet her. Got up at 2:45 am and landed at 9:00am. Couldn"t pick her up till 3:00pm and I need a snooze prior to the +/- 3 hour drive to Zion. I know of an off strip small hotel with a pool which is easily accessable. Snuck in, had a dip and a nice 3 hour nap on a comfy lounge chair in the shade. Eye candy wasn't much.
Got to Springdale that evening, rented boots, neoprene socks and a walking stick at Zion Guru's. Had an overnight room in the park at the Zion Lodge. By the time we got settled and ready for the early morning Narrows hike it was pitch dark outside. Pitch Black is an understatement that far out in the middle of nowhere. The sky was amazing! Never knew how big the Milky Way actually is until now.
Friday morning about 7:00am hopped the shuttle to the Narrows. FYI The Narrows is a upstream hike in a small river thru a narrow slot canyon. We beat the crowds and at times had noone in sight in either direction. The air and water were cold, shallow and cloudy due to the sandstone. We hiked and tripped constantly but never fell in the river. A few close calls were had. Always navigating the best path as river crossings were constant and at times no shoreline exists. Really cool stuff hiking in a river in a slot canyon which at times couldn't have been more than 30 - 40 feet wide and a few hundred feet high. Made the trip we planned thru what is known as Wall Street and turned around. 1/2 way back we hit the crowds. What a cluster F of people wearing anything from flip flops, sneakers, sandals and full calf high hiking boots soaked and heavy. The $25 river boot rental was a no brainer. 10 mile round trip hike which included a short hike in a side slot canyon. Another shuttle ride for a very short hike to Weeping Rock My azz was dragging. Returned the boots and grabbed a bite at Oscar's in Springdale. Great food, extra large portions and reasonably priced for a tourist town. We were exhausted and now had a 4 hour drive to the Red River Lodge near Capitol Reef.
Will pick this back up later today or tomorrow.
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