The weather forecast for today was pointing to 102 F, so we planned our day to beat the heat. We got up before the sun, and rode the Zion shuttle to its final stop, the Temple of Sinawava. There we donned the water wetsocks, water shoes, and sturdy walking sticks and began our trek up the Virgin River.
This hike was actually hardly a normal hike. In some parts we walked on sand and rocks, but for the most part, we walked IN the river. It was usually 1 to 2 feet deep with canyone walls rising 1500 feet vertially to the left and right. In places the water rushed by our legs and it was a challenge to find the next foot hold. And in other places, the water was more slow moving. At some points we had to clamber over boulders that all but blocked our passage. And in a couple of places the water was up to our chests. Here we had to hold our backpacks over our heads and walk very carefully.
Despite it being a very narrow channel (a slot canyon) there were some signs of wildlife .. ravens, flowers, a young tree, and even a horrible looking worm crater. Adelaide told me it was a parasitic worm. There was lots of moss on the walls and occasionally water falls or invisible gurgling noises. An occasional raven soared over head.
All told the family covered about 9 miles in this way. Nicholas probably covered about 13 miles as he explored more than we could get to. Overall a remarkable day seeing the river that has been busily at work for millions of years, carving the canyon of Zion National Park
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