And finally...The Southwest

Okay so, since I have not gotten around to show and tell of the Southwest, here is a brief overview. The people were great, no problems, no fist fights or anything! I think the instructors had it pretty easy, it is really hard NOT to understand geography and geology when you are standing in the middle of two BILLION years of earth history. One purpose for this trip was to hopefully lock in which one of these two subjects I wanted to be involved with. It worked, and I am sure you all will be surprised to hear that I stuck with Geography. My insructor, Mr. Bell showed me the science of geography and I became intensely interested in the cultural side. I became intrigued with how mankind in the past and present has interacted with environments and how that relationship affects each other. Anyway, I will have plenty of time to rant about that stuff so lets get to the pictures.

The rocks out here were too easy to climb, I am afraid if I lived out here I would have a new hobby! Just another day in the classroom. Mr. Bell posing questions to our group about what would inspire people to inhabit areas like this one. Gee...I don't know?

The bath water was just right! About 42 degrees and a little sandy but it was still nice. This was about 100 yards outside of our camp. It became my favorite spot to sit and relax.

Zion Nation Park

Unfortunately, the part of the park that I was looking forward to most was closed. I think this was the first time that I have ever been disappointed about the river being too high.

Fortunately, Zion offered much more than slot canyons and she quickly redeemed herself with the Angel's Landing Hike.

It was pretty strenuous. You might have to look closely for the people walking Walter's Wiggles. This is a set of switchbacks leading up to the first landing. In 28 turns we accended 500 feet of eleveation.

Looking down from the 1st landing, watch your step! See if you can located the shuttle that holds upto two hundred people.

Here is the last leg of the climb! At times you are hiking on a ridge no wider than three feet wide. Also, you don't want to loose your footing because it is an 800 ft fall on the right and a 1200 ft fall on the left. In the picture on the right, you should be able to make out people hiking the ridge.

Not too bad of a view from the top huh? Our group sat up here for an hour. After the initial awe and excitement wore off, I am not sure we said more than just a few words. It was spiritual.

Okay, well there you have the first park. Next time I will post about the Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde. As for now, Lindsay and I are going to enjoy the sunny, hot, summer Saturday.