#Zion National Park

[xtruss]

The Twisted World of Warren Jeffs: Former FLDS Members Speak Out

Exclusive Interviews With Ex-FLDS Members Offer New Picture of Covert Community.

— By Grace Handy | February 27, 2024

When polygamy was outlawed by the Mormon Church in 1890, splinter groups formed, including the Fundamentalist Latter-Day Saints, or FLDS, in which members could practice polygamy – or "plural marriage" – discreetly, without persecution.

The FLDS was able to flourish in a remote enclave nestled along the border of Utah and Arizona near Zion National Park in a community called Short Creek.

In the FLDS community, the most important person is the prophet, and members believe that God communicates directly through him. Among the core beliefs of the community is that the more wives a man has, the closer he gets to salvation.

Warren Jeffs watches his attorneys during a motion hearing before his trial, Sept. 13, 2007, in St. George, Utah. Douglas C. Pizac/AFP via Getty Images

From 1986 to 2002, Rulon Jeffs Served as FLDS Prophet and President.

As Rulon Jeffs' health declined, his son Warren Jeffs slowly took control of the FLDS community. Rulon Jeffs died in 2002, and Warren Jeffs succeeded him as prophet.

FLDS members were used to taking direction from Warren Jeffs but, over time, his orders became more restrictive – and, to some, alarming.

Jeffs banned television, movies, popular music, and fictional books. He also executed strict mandates on behavior, dress, and language. Women were told to "keep sweet," suppress emotions and feelings, obey their husbands, and above all, obey Jeffs — the all-knowing prophet.

Briell Decker, Jeffs' 65th wife, told ABC, "'Keep Sweet' meant you could have no emotions except for sweetness. That was the only emotion allowed."

Former FLDS prophet Rulon Jeffs pictured with many young FLDS members. Courtesy of Charlene Jeffs

ABC's new special, "Truth and Lies: The Doomsday Prophet," streaming now on Hulu, features exclusive, never-before-seen interviews with FLDS members filmed inside the community.

Beneath what appeared to be an attempt to present an ideal community of content and obedient followers, Jeffs allegedly used his power to pursue twisted exploits.

ABC sat down with Jeffs' daughter, Rachel Blackmore, who alleged her father sexually abused her for years during childhood. "When your parent does something like that, it feels shameful on you, too. And then it kept happening," Blackmore told ABC.

While Jeffs accumulated brides, some of them young teens, underage marriages were common in the broader community.

At the age of 14, Elissa Wall was married off to her 19-year-old first cousin. Wall said she had no choice but to go through with the marriage, which was officiated by Jeffs.

Short Creek today – a small community on the Utah-Arizona border near Zion National Park. ABC News

Ruth Stubbs, another member of the FLDS community, was married off when she was 16. Her husband, Rodney Holm, was 32. He was a police officer in Short Creek and was already married to two other women. Holm was arrested for bigamy and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and spent a year in prison.

Warren Jeffs with seventeen of his wives. Courtesy of Rachel Blackmore

Warren Jeffs' alleged involvement in facilitating marriages between underage girls and adult men led to him being placed on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list in May 2006. Criminal charges had been brought against him in Utah and Arizona.

Jeffs eventually fled Short Creek and went on the lam, hiding out in various cities around the United States per his journals – or "priesthood records" – that were later presented at his trial. While on the run, Jeffs had a compound built in Eldorado, Texas – where he would send hand-picked followers, telling them they were being called to Zion, or "heaven on earth." Jeffs named the compound the YFZ Ranch (or "Yearning for Zion" Ranch).

"People were slowly disappearing [from Short Creek] at that time," said Charlene Jeffs, a former FLDS member who was then married to Warren Jeffs' brother, Lyle. Several of Charlene's children, Ammon, Susie, and Thomas, were called to Zion, she said.

"It was supposed to be an honor to have them called forth. But all it was, was heartache," said Charlene Jeffs, who was exiled from the FLDS community in 2012.

Rachel Blackmore with her father, Warren Jeffs. Blackmore alleges Jeffs sexually abused her during childhood, starting when she was eight years old. Courtesy of Rachel Blackmore with permission

In August 2006, Jeffs' journey on the run came to a halt when his car was pulled over for a routine traffic violation outside of Las Vegas. Then, court proceedings began.

Wall testified against Jeffs in 2007. Wall told ABC it was an empowering experience: "I was forced to face him. I was forced to get on the stand, face him, and say 'you did this' ... I was no longer just an innocent little girl who just did everything out of fear. I had a voice and it was starting to become heard."

Jeffs was found guilty of accomplice to rape for facilitating Wall's underage marriage. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The charges would be overturned on appeal in 2010, and Jeffs was never retried. However, by that point, other evidence against Jeffs was found at the YFZ Ranch after law enforcement raided the ranch, leading to new charges.

The temple entrance at the YFZ Ranch in Eldorado, Texas. FLDS members worked day and night for months building the structure. Courtesy of Angela Goodwin

"[Officers] saw scrapbooks and letters supporting the fact that these girls were being married off at a very young age and were having babies," said Angela Goodwin, a district attorney in Texas.

During the raid, officers found horrific evidence incriminating Jeffs – including an audio recording of him having sexual relations with a 12-year-old. Officials also discovered a pregnant 15-year-old at the ranch who was carrying Jeffs' child.

Former FLDS members allege Jeffs still runs the church from behind bars in Palestine, Texas, and releases revelations that his devout followers adhere to. One revelation from the summer of 2022 has been particularly concerning to former members, especially those with family members still in the religion.

"The revelations say that within five years, the children will be translated to heaven. But the problem is … you have to die first," Roger Hoole, a private attorney involved in many FLDS cases, told ABC.

Amid current concerns about Jeffs' revelations, Short Creek is moving on – and perhaps nothing is more indicative of the vast progress in the community than the election of Donia Jessop as mayor of Hildale, on the Utah border of Short Creek.

Jessop is the first female mayor and first former FLDS member elected to office. Jessop has implemented modernization in the community – for example, she is working with the United Effort Plan to completely transform the former FLDS meetinghouse.

"We want to recreate a place, a community building, where we can come together and celebrate in the things that we've always loved, the programs, the dance, the arts. We want to create a safe haven for the people," Mayor Jessop told ABC.

Former FLDS member and current mayor of Hildale, Donia Jessop. Jessop’s election as mayor in 2018 signified a major shift in the community. ABC News

Another major development in the community was the creation of the Short Creek Dream Center, a place of refuge for people transitioning out of the FLDS – and anyone fleeing oppressive or abusive environments.

The Dream Center, symbolically, was the former home of Warren Jeffs. Briell Decker, one of Jeffs' former wives, was granted the 28,000-square-foot home after escaping the FLDS – and she helped create the Dream Center.

The exterior of the Short Creek Dream Center, former home of Warren Jeffs. The Dream Center is now a safe haven for local people in need. ABC News

Decker, who experienced so much pain and trauma in her early life, says she is proud to now help others at the center.

"I feel like I'm safe. I feel like more lives are being touched than I could have ever possibly imagined," Decker told ABC.

Wall, now an activist and author, moved back to Short Creek several years ago and noticed an emotional shift in the community.

"The most important change that I think Short Creek has undergone in the last decade is healing. As people returned and came back, bringing all of their experiences, for them they were coming home," Wall said.

As veteran journalist Mike Watkiss tells ABC, "This is a story about a culture, a community, that has chronically oppressed women. The women are the victims, and the women have been the forces and instruments of change."

[funnypetorg]

10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Utah (2023 Guide)

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Picture the scenery of a western flick: sweeping deserts, rocky canyons, implausibly gorgeous rock formations, and various types of brushland. That’s Utah to a T, from the majestic Zion National Park to the Colorado River and much more. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, Utah has plenty of hiking trails that will welcome you and your furry friend, too. Considering how hot it gets during the warmer seasons, it would be a very wise decision to bring a lot of water and to pack sunscreen. Let’s check out those spots down below as well as a bit about each of them so you can figure out your next hiking trip ASAP!

The 10 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Utah

1. Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Moab, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: No - Trail length: 8.4 miles - Difficulty: Intermediate - Expect to get wet—this ambling trail follows a creek and features a waterfall grotto - Get there early to beat the afternoon heat and foot traffic 2. Grandstaff Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Moab, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 6am to 10pm 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: No - Trail length: 5.7 miles - Difficulty: Intermediate - Easy stroll along a creek and some moderately rocky sections - Sights of the Morning Glory Natural Land Bridge - Named after William Grandstaff, the first non-Caucasian pioneer to settle in the Moab area 3. Grotto Falls Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Payson, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: Yes - Trail length: 3 miles - Difficulty: Easy - One of the only waterfalls you can walk all the way around - Don’t climb on the slick rocks around the waterfall 4. Adams Canyon Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Layton, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: Yes - Trail length: 3.8 miles - Difficulty: Intermediate - Dog booties highly recommended for the initial sandy portion - The path becomes more treacherous during the spring due to runoff - Get there early for a good parking spot because the trail gets quite crowded 5. Black Dragon Wash Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Green River, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: No - Trail length: 1.8 miles - Difficulty: Moderate - Famed for its ancient rock art wall panel - Short but steep ascent with jaw-dropping views of the canyon and rock formations - Relatively remote destination 6. Corona Arch 🗺️ Address: 📍 Moab, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: No - Trail length: 3.0 miles - Difficulty: Easy - Popular Moab spot with a gentle incline that gets quite steep later in the hike - Spectacular views of the Colorado River - Keep your dog on a close leash during crowded times 7. Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Kanab, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, 6am to 10pm - Trail length: 0.8 miles - Difficulty: Easy - Unique pink sand dunes - No shade—bring plenty of water - Start early to beat the heat 8. Dino Cliffs Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Washington, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: No - Trail length: 1.8 miles - Difficulty: Easy - Your dog has to be on a 6-foot or shorter leash at all times - There’s little shade on this trail—pack sunscreen and extra water! - Easygoing stroll with fascinating natural scenery 9. Red Reef Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Leeds, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: $5 parking per vehicle, $15 overnight camping fee 🐕 Off-Leash: No - Trail length: 2.2 miles - Difficulty: Easy - Pack footwear with good traction for the few tricky and steep descents - Parking is very limited, so get here early to make sure you get a spot! - Expect to get wet 10. Mount Olympus Trail 🗺️ Address: 📍 Salt Lake City, Utah 🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round 💲 Cost: Free 🐕 Off-Leash: No - Trail length: 7.8 miles - Difficulty: Advanced - Treacherous, precipitous heights make this trail best tackled by seasoned hikers and fit, hardy canines - Can take more than a day to complete - Wide trail is easy to follow

Conclusion

If you’re into western landscapes, Utah has countless hiking destinations you need to write down for later reference. The open landscapes of the Coral Pink Sand Dunes Trail is a perfectly short, albeit sandy walk, while the most experienced hikers may want to test their mettle with the strenuous Mount Olympus Trail. No matter your skill level, there’s a trail for you in Utah’s sweeping landscape. Featured Image Credit: thatrogersfamily, Shutterstock Written by

Codee Chessher is a freelance writer whose mojo is: there is nothing a well-worded sentence can't accomplish! He loves to write about travel, DIY, pets, and more. Codee's experience is varied, but the written word has always been his strongest and biggest passion. Source link Read the full article

[waltergmeyer-blog]

More of Zion National Park

After conquering Angels Landing and living to tell the tale, Zach was ready to hike the trail to the Emerald Pools. Like many parts of Zion, the signage was lacking. In fact, the entire national park system could use better signs. We especially noticed this in Yellowstone where the park map we got at the ranger station showed some point of interest that looked interesting, but then there would be no sign for the Virginia Cascade and we’d see a sign that we were crossing the Gibbon River and realize we had just missed the cascade turnoff. Many points of interest only had signs for one direction of traffic. For instance, we wanted to check out Wraith Falls, but there was no sign. Coming back that same route from the opposite direction, there was a sign for the turnoff to the falls.

Wraith was probably the most disappointing of all the falls we saw in Yellowstone, but we enjoyed the walk—it was one of the few trails with almost no people. It was nice to have a bit of the park to ourselves as when we hiked up beyond the Pebble Creek campground and could be alone with the stream. Of course, numerous signs warned about going too far afield except in groups of three or more due the dangers of bears. But more on that when we get to Yellowstone.

So there was lots of guesswork to finding the Emerald Pools in Zion. And lots of asking other people coming the other way, “Is this the way to the pools?” and being asked that a lot by other people, even though we were ignorant of the geography as well.

The first couple of pools and the one little waterfall were not very impressive or worth the climb, although some other visitors said the falls were better earlier in the year. It had now been pretty dry for a few months. And the pools didn’t look any special color, certainly not emerald. Although it was nice, we weren’t quite getting the attraction and were wondering about expending all this energy for a hike over lots of rocks and tree roots.

Then we got to the third emerald pool. And it truly was emerald and very pretty and coupled with the other sights along the way, made it worth the trek.

There were other little waterfalls and interesting rocks and trees along the way. It was difficult at times to know what to photograph. You could almost point the camera a random direction and get a spectacular shot of rock formations or beautiful trees.

The geology of so many of these places was amazing. I did take a geology course in college—Gsci 20, Rocks for Jocks—and can still remember parts of it which came in handy on this trip, but I wish I had remembered a lot more. Truth be told, I still can’t tell schist from Shinola.

We were also fortunate that the weather was so perfect. Blue skies that made for a nice backdrop for the photos of the mountains and warm enough for just shorts and T-shirts.

After Zion, it was on to West Yellowstone, Montana.

[niroshanhemantha]

he Subway, Zion National Park, Utah, USA.The Subway is a small, uniquely-shaped slot canyon within the Zion Wilderness in Zion National Park in northeastern Washington County, Utah, United States.The canyon is actually just a fairly short (less than 0.25 miles [0.40 km]) section of the larger Great West Canyon. That canyon is located between two peaks (the North Guardian Angel and the South Guardian Angel) on the Kolob Plateau. The Left Fork North Creek flows through The Subway (and the Great West Canyon). The Subway is so named for its tube-like, undercut slot canyons.

[elementszionvillage]

Elements Zion Village

Zion Village Elements is a brand new group of luxury townhomes a short distance from Zion National Park and St George Utah. Our rental properties combine the comforts of home with the amenities you expect from a luxury vacation property. Zion and southern Utah is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers - this beautiful natural playground has so much to do right outside your door. Our family-friendly property is perfect for group reunions, corporate retreats, or even just a relaxing getaway with your friends or family.

 Zion Village offers an incredible backyard oasis. You'll have plenty to do without even leaving the rental. A semi-private pool is a perfect way to cool off and soak up the desert sunshine, and there's also a hot tub for that spa experience. Avid golfers will love the on-site putting green, and families with kids can take advantage of the on-site play area. At night, you can make a fire in our backyard fire pit and spend the night under the stars.

 Our rental property is in an excellent location just 25 minutes from Zion National Park. Zion is known for its stunning red rock formations and is a sought-after destination for camping and hiking. We're also located within the small town of Hurricane, which was originally settled by pioneers and now has a charming small-town feel with excellent local cafes and shops. We're also a short drive away from the larger city of St. George, which is located near the border of Utah and Nevada. Our property's central location makes it one of the perfect vacation rentals St George visitors deserve. It’s truly a perfect paradise.

 Our property is family-owned and family-friendly, so you'll get that personal touch you look for in a vacation rental. Our owners Jeff and Jamie are avid travelers and love taking in everything southern Utah has to offer, including boating, hiking, ATV riding, and golfing.

 Every Zion Village Elements rental includes a free pass to nearby Sand Hollow State Park, which is known for its beautiful red sand and a large reservoir. It is a very popular destination for water sports, so our rental properties also include kayaks and paddleboards for guests to use. Sand Hollow and Quail Creek reservoirs are also an excellent place to go fishing or diving, and the nearby dunes are suitable for off-road vehicles.

  Address:

314 N 2020 W, Hurricane, UT 84737, USA

 Phone:

801-608-8655

 Website:

https://www.elementszionvillage.com/

 social sites:

facebook

linkedin

[bistatelodge-blog]

The Historic National Park Lodge - America's Least Known and Almost Forgotten National Treasure

Take a tour of Americas historic national park lodges.

These crown jewels of the National Park Service are uniquely located in some of the nation's most remote scenic back country. Most of these remarkable landmarks were hand-crafted at or before the turn of the last century. Small armies of old world artisans and craftsmen came together to showcase their remarkable skills in Americas newly formed national parks.

All of these remarkable century old structures are recognized as historic national landmarks for their unique craftsmanship that is unequaled and irreplaceable to this day. Each of them should be preserved, visited and enjoyed by all generations. Lean more Bistate Lodge

No better locations can be found anywhere in North America to experience the vast scenic outdoors. If you enjoy nature or watching endangered wildlife roaming wild and free that are virtually unavailable and inaccessible in their natural setting anywhere else in the country. America's national park lodges and the national parks they reside in are the only place to start your adventure of a lifetime from.

Below you will find a short description of fifteen of Americas premiere historic national park lodges, along with the beautiful national parks they can be found in. If you would like more information, or to read a complete article by Sandra Stacey on any of the listed National Park Lodges herein, please see the resource box following this article.

The Ahwahnee Hotel

Opened in 1927, this magnificent national park lodge is located in what might be America's most beautiful valley. Yosemite Valley is in the heart of Yosemite National Park, California. This renowned park is known the world over for its beauty and striking geologic formations along with its many waterfalls. The luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel sets shaded under towering cliffs and offers guests luxurious accommodations rarely found in a national park setting. Perhaps that's one reason Presidents, world leaders, movie stars, and even Queen Elizabeth II, have graced its halls.

Bryce Canyon Lodge

Opened in 1925,this rustic lodge sets atop a forested Mesa next to the rim of Bryce Canyon in Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah. This is the smallest national park in Utah, but offers visitors the worlds greatest collection of unique geologic formations called Hoodoos. These strange formations, along with many other sight were created by erosion in this small beautiful canyon along the eastern edge of Utah's Paunsaugunt Plateau.

Crater Lake Lodge

Opened in 1915 and rebuilt in 1995, this beautiful national park lodge is scenically perched on the edge of cliffs overlooking Crater Lake. This spectacular deep blue lake is considered by many the most beautiful lake in America. No other lodge anywhere else on earth offers visitors the unique combination of scenic surroundings provided by the collapsed caldera crater in Crater Lake National Park.

The EL Tovar Hotel

Opened in 1905, this architectural wonder seems to spring up out of the very rock it is perched on overlooking the South Rim of the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. Once called "The most expensively constructed and appointed Log House in America". The El Tovar still holds most of its rustic charm that has attracted many noted guests over the years such as Presidents Roosevelt and Taft, along with Bernard Shaw, Gugliemo Marconi, Author Zane Gray and Albert Einstein.

The Furnace Creek Inn

Opened in 1927, in what is one of the most remote and desolate locations on the North American Continent. Death Valley National Park, California is not the place anyone would normally associate with a lush green oasis of towering Palm trees, or spring-fed gardens. The luxurious Furnace Creek Inn breaks the mold and is certainly one of the most unique lodge destinations you will ever visit. If the beautiful adobe walls could speak, it's not hard to imagine what tales they could tell of the bygone business moguls and Hollywood types that have lounged around the hot spring-fed pools shaded by lush palm trees over the years.

Glacier Park Lodge

Opened in 1913, the guardian to the gates of Glacier National Park, Montana's eastern boundary. This truly grand national park lodge needed a railroad spur laid to the building site just to transport in the enormous timbers that frame its colossal central atrium. When the local Blackfeet Indians first saw the giant timbers unloaded they were so awed by their size that they dubbed the new building "Oom-Coo-Mush-Taw" or "Big Trees Lodge" a fitting name that has stuck ever since.

Grand Canyon Lodge

Opened in 1928, this stunning historic park lodge is posted on a promontory overlooking the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. If you want to enjoy the Grand Canyon without all the traffic and crowds that gather on the South Rim, make reservations to stay at this stunning remote location on the North Rim.

The Lake McDonald Lodge

Opened in 1914, on the eastern shore of beautiful Lake McDonald deep in the heart of Glacier National Park, Montana, this historic lodge is a prime example and one of the only remaining Swiss Chalet style mountain lodges that early park pioneers strove to create a century earlier. You will be hard pressed to find a more picturesque alpine setting anywhere in North America to enjoy views from the lakeside veranda.

The Many Glacier Hotel

Opened in 1915, this is the largest national park lodge in Glacier National Park, and for many years the largest hotel in Montana. The scenery here is world famous with sweeping panoramic views of Swiftcurrent Lake whose shores this majestic lodge is built along. If you are looking for a vacation destination that offers striking views of the northern Rocky Mountains along with a beautiful pristine alpine lake. You can enjoy it all right from your rooms lake side balcony.

The Old Faithful Inn

Opened in 1904, next to the historic Old Faithful Geyser in the heart of Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. this is unquestionably the "Queen" of all national park lodges. This massive log structure hardly needs an introduction. It has reigned for well over a century as the largest log building in the world, and has influenced and inspired the construction of all the national park lodges that followed. This was the first national park lodge built anywhere in the world, and Yellowstone National Park was the first designated national park anywhere in the world.

The Oregon Caves Chateau

Opened in 1934, this charming lodge was built to span a wooded granite gorge in the beautiful Siskiyou Mountains next to the entrance to the Oregon Caves in Oregon Caves National Monument, Oregon. You won't want to miss this one if you plan a trip anywhere in the region. A live mountain stream flows through the dining room providing an unforgettable ambiance you won't soon forget.

The Paradise Inn

Opened in 1917, high on the slopes of Mount Rainier in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, this historic lodge recently went through a massive 35-million dollar restoration. Each stone was numbered and cataloged then completely rebuilt. The term "no stone was left unturned" literally fits in regard to the Paradise Inn. Many notable guests and dignitaries have graced this lodge over the years including President Truman, the crown prince of Norway, Sonja Henie, Tyrone Power, Cecil B. DeMille, and Shirley Temple just to name a few.

Timberline Lodge

Opened in 1937, and has a truly historic past. This national park lodge was built during Americas "Great Depression" as a WPA works project. A small army of out of work master craftsmen and artisans eager for work camped out midway up the slopes of beautiful Mount Hood in the Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon to create this masterpiece. Few lodges anywhere in the world can compete with Timberline Lodge for historic importance, craftsmanship, or overall artistic detail.

The Volcano House

Opened in 1941, on the edge of Kilauea Crater one of the most active volcanoes in the world in Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii. This historic location has been host to some form of structure as far back as the early 1800's. Easily one of the most unique national park lodges you will find anywhere in the world. Not only is Volcano House the only hotel in Volcanoes National Park, it is the oldest continuously operated hotel in Hawaii.

Zion Park Lodge

Opened in 1905, this lodge was uniquely build on the canyon floor in beautiful Zion National Park, Utah. This is an outdoor enthuses dream, set amid a magnificent panoramic surrounding shaded by striking 2000 ft. sandstone cliffs. If you like to hike, backpack, bike ride, or horseback ride you will find this national park lodge an ideal year-round destination.

[pvccblog]

2019 IMV

We have begun our 2019 Intergenerational Mission Venture to Short Creek. We are looking forward to meaningful connections with the people of this great town. We will be doing BARF (Bring A Real Friend) Nights at Maxwell Park beginning tomorrow. We will also be doing a Sports Camp for kids Monday through Wednesday. We are also excited to participate in some amazing 4th of July festivities. The event has been expanded to two days this year! For more info about this event check out www.scfestivities.org. Much more info to come as the week goes on, check back here often!

Today was our team outing today. We had an amazing time at Zion National Park. God's creation is breathtaking!! Some of our team hiked a popular trail called The Narrows while another crew hiked Angel's Landing.

The Narrows goes directly through the river with canyon walls on either side if you. Angel's Landing features a thin trail with 1,000 drop offs on either side of you!! They're both absolutely amazing hikes!!

More posts to come!!

[reshuffleadventures]

3/26/22 - Pine Creek Jabronies and Minecraft

Wil and I were scheduled to lead a Narrows hike today with four clients. Wil and I met up at 7 AM at ZAC, grabbed drysuits and boots, and loaded up a couple e-bikes. We rode into the park and all the way to the Lodge. We waited for maybe 10 minutes before a guy came up to us and said that he was cancelling the trip. His daughter was sick, and they were going to the urgent care. That was at 8 AM. I was a little bummed that I wasn’t going to be leading a Narrows hike. But Wil said, “Well, we’re awake, I’ve had my coffee, and it’s only 8 o’clock. Let’s go on an adventure. Do you want to run Pine Creek?” I immediately responded, “Hell yes!” Pine Creek is a canyon in Zion National Park, and it’s one of the ones on my list! So, Wil and I rode the e-bikes back to ZAC and dropped them off. We loaded up his car with canyoneering gear. He drove me to my house, we grabbed Matt’s rope and my car. And we caravanned into the park. We dropped Wil’s car at the exit of Pine Creek, Wil hopped in my car, and we drove up to the East side of Zion.

We grabbed our gear out of the car, and we walked down from the road towards to the Pine Creek entrance. We put our drysuits and neoprene socks and canyoneering boots on, and we were ready to start. Pretty soon, we had our first obstacle - a short drop into shallow water. We downclimbed down into the water, which was maybe waist deep. There were several swims that were so deep that I couldn’t touch the bottom. There were several rappels that Wil let me set up. There was one rappel that was pretty big, maybe 55 feet that led into a big open cavern. There was a natural arch inside this big cavern. This cavern was called The Cathedral, and it had such an amazing echo. I was able to sign multiple notes, and the chord would echo for several seconds. Wil rappelled first, and he was waiting at the bottom for me, but I couldn’t see him. I started singing while at the top, and Wil was singing, out-of-sight, at the bottom, and it was so cool how our voices echoed together in the Cathedral. We had several more rappels and some more swims. By this point, the canyon walls had risen up so high above our heads that when we looked up, sometimes we couldn’t even see the sky at all! The canyon walls above us swirled and curved and blocked direct view to the sky. When I looked up, I could see entire tree trunks wedged in between the canyon walls, a hundred feet above my head. There were boulders the size of buildings that had fallen from the canyon walls high above and had gotten stuck between the canyon walls just 20 or 30 feet above our heads, just dangling, seemingly ready to drop to the canyon floor. The last rappel was 100 feet tall. Wil rappelled first, and after he got to the bottom, I hooked up to the rope and started to rappel. Wil took some photos of me coming down this rappel. At the bottom of this last rappel, there was a short downclimb and then the canyon opened up, and I could see the sky again. Wil and I packed up the rope and stripped off our drysuits. I put on a fleece over top of the fleece I was already wearing. We had a snack break and warmed up a little. We saw some people at the top of the last rappel getting ready to descend, so we packed up and put some distance between our groups. The hike out was about 45 minutes. We made it back to Wil’s car, and we were glad to take off our neoprene socks and let our feet breathe! Wil drove me up to where my car was parked, and we both drove back to ZAC.

We cleaned our drysuits and other gear before heading home.

Judah and I played Minecraft for several hours tonight. I’ve never played Minecraft before, so it took me a while to figure out what I was supposed to do and how I was supposed to do it. Judah coached me through some of the basics. By the end of the Minecraft session, I was able to build pickaxes, torches, sticks, planks, chests, and ladders. Right before we signed off, Judah showed me how I can scoop up water with a bucket. It was super fun just chatting with Judah. We didn’t talk about anything serious, but it felt really nice to just be having fun together, even though we’re thousands of miles apart.

I’m grateful to Wil for being so positive and fun and for making lemonade when life gave us lemons. I’m grateful to Wil for thinking of such a fun way to spend the day after our trip got cancelled. I’m grateful to Wil for running Pine Creek with me, helping me check off canyons on my list. I’m grateful to Wil for his kindness and goofiness and knowledge and flexibility. I’m grateful for Minecraft because it’s through Minecraft that I’m getting the chance to chat with Judah for hours and hours. I’m grateful to Judah for suggesting that we play Minecraft together.

[geotourism]

Zion national park Utah- Best Trail for hike and camping

Zion National Park

Zion National Park is located in southern Utah near the city of Springdale. Park is a 147,000-acre desert sanctuary and is one of America’s most beloved national parks. It preserves epic red Sandstone formations, around 610 m high, that are carved brilliantly in colored canyons. Zion national park’s most prominent feature is 229-square-mile Zion Canyon. The canyon, which spans 24 kilometers and reaches a depth of up to 805 m, was carved by the North fork of the Virgin River. The canyon runs southward through the Narrows valley before reaching the Temple, where the North Fork river creates a tall, seasonal, waterfall. The gorge then runs southwest through Zion before merging with Pine Creek Canyon nearby Springdale. See the zion national park map.

Zion national park consists of 80 summits. The highest, Horse Ranch Mountain, is found in the Kolob Canyons region. The park’s most iconic landmarks, like The Watchman, West Temple, Towers of the Virgin, and Cathedral Mountain, all are found along the park’s scenic Zion Canyon road. Some other famous rock formations include the Court of the Patriarchs, The Pulpit, The Spearhead, the Beehives, The Great White Throne, and Lady Mountain.

Zion is a Hebrew word that means ‘refuge’ or ‘sanctuary. Human inhabitation in the Zion region started over 8,000 years ago with small groups of Native Americans. After the 1800s, Mormon pioneers arrived in Southern Utah. In November 1919, the United States of America designated the region as Zion National Park. apart from its spectacular rock formations, Zion is also known for its incredible biodiversity of plants and animal species. The Zion national park is often divided into four life zones desert, riparian, woodland, and coniferous forest, each zone hosting a variety of plants and animals species. Nearly 289 species of birds and 75 mammals inhabit the park.

Geology of the Area

Zion National Park is located in southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale. Zion Canyon is a prominent feature of the 590 km2 area, which is 24 km long and up to 800 m deep. The canyon exposed by reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone eroded by the North Fork of the Virgin River. The lowest point in the park is 1,117 m at Coalpits Wash and the highest peak is 2,660 m at Horse Ranch Mountain.

Zion Park is located at the junction of the Colorado Plateau,  Great Basin, and the Mojave Desert regions, and has a unique geography with a variety of life zones that allow for unusual plant and animal diversity. Zion National Park includes some beautiful mountains, canyons, buttes, mesas, monoliths, rivers, slot canyons, and natural arches. The geology of the Zion and Kolob canyons area represents 150 million years of formation mostly Mesozoic-aged sedimentation. At various periods in that time warm, shallow seas, streams, lakes, vast deserts, and dry-shore environments covered the area. The Colorado Plateau forms due to the upliftment process around 13 million years ago with the highest elevation of 3000m.

Zion mountain Trail rides

The Narrows

The Narrow is the narrowest section of the Virgin River in Zion Canyon. The hike begins along the scenic Riverside Walk, through ankle-deep or waist-deep water along the canyon. Though the trail spans more than 24 kilometers, hikers can turn around at any point,

Zion national park angels landing

Angels Landing is a side of sandstone cliffs, clinging to a set of chains. This is Zion’s most iconic trail takes trekkers up the side of a mountain following a narrow ridge to a 457m viewpoint overlooking Zion Canyon. Thrill-seekers will appreciate views and chain-assisted rock-climbing. This natural stair of Sandstone is dangerous and will surely test your fear of heights. The trail is just a mile long, making it a short and safe alternative to view Zion icons like Towers of the Virgins, the Streaked Wall, East Temple, and Beehives.

Also read- The Secret of ‘VILA FRANCA DO CAMPO’ Islet of Azores archipelago

Zion national park camping

Zion National Park has three campgrounds. Watchman Campground is located in Zion Canyon and is open all year round. South Campground and The Lava Point Campground. Camping is permitted in designated campsites. Watchman Campground is the most famous campground.

Zion national park city

Zion Mountain Ranch

Zion Mountain Ranch is the best place to make a base camp to visit the National park area. The 8,000-acre ranch is very near to the park and offers visitors a peaceful, remote getaway in the mountains. The Zion Mountain Ranch also offers visitors the opportunity to go horseback riding through the mountains. Canyoneering in Utah is the most dramatic experience in the canyons, exploring the corners of Zion via jeep and guided hikes are the best activities around the place.

Zion mountain  Lodge

Zion Lodge is the best place within the National park area and is located in the heart of hikers paradise. The lodge is surrounded by Zion’s spectacular 610m canyon walls and some of the park’s most popular attractions and trekking trails. Zion mountain biking, tram rides, and transportation to and from the park are all available at Zion Lodge.

Springdale

Springdale is a small town located outside of the boundaries of Park. Springdale boasts a variety of accommodations and restaurants, is the perfect place to expand some time to the place. The Springdale Shuttle stops at 9 different locations in Springdale, takes visitors to and from the heart of the park. Mountain biking in Zion, Mountain lion in Zion, Zion mountain ranch restaurant, Zion mountain resort are some major attractions in the national park area. There are some other excellent accommodation options Surrounding areas in Zion national park-like- Mount Carmel, Kanab, and St. George.

Zion national park closest airport

MCCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT in Las Vegas is the nearest airport from Zion with direct flights from many foreign and domestic airports.   Apart from this Visitors can reach the park via ST. GEORGE REGIONAL AIRPORT and SALT LAKE CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

[j0sgomez-blog]

By Michael Lanza

We step into the ankle-deep North Fork of the Virgin River, in the backcountry of Zion National Park, and water at refrigerator temperature immediately fills our boots. Until sometime tomorrow afternoon, we’ll walk in this river almost constantly, crossing it dozens of times—with the 50° F water, at its deepest, coming up nearly to our waists. As we splash downstream, the canyon walls of golden, crimson, and cream-colored sandstone steadily creep inward and stretch higher, soon eclipsing the sun. We’ll see very little direct sunlight as the sheer walls of Zion’s Narrows eventually tower a thousand feet overhead and, at times, close in to the width of a hobbit’s living room.

Drinking in the scenery, I’m feeling a surreal sense of luck just to be in this place, considering that, for various reasons, it has taken my friend David Gordon and I a few decades to finally get here—and the fact that it’s sunny and warm in November as we set out on one of the most uniquely beautiful and sought-after backpacking trips in the entire National Park System.

The Narrows is the roughly 14 miles of the North Fork���s canyon upstream from where the road in Zion Canyon ends at the Temple of Sinawava. Enormously popular, the lower end of the Narrows teems with hundreds and sometimes thousands of dayhikers on hot days of late spring and summer, when the river is warm and low. Many of those people don’t go beyond the first mile or two of the Narrows, while some hike as far as Big Spring, five miles upriver, the farthest point you’re allowed to venture without a wilderness permit.

Backpacking the Narrows from top to bottom—16 miles from the Chamberlain’s Ranch trailhead to the Temple of Sinawava trailhead—requires a permit that’s very hard to get, whether you try to reserve a campsite in advance (they get scooped up as soon as they become available) or try to get a permit on a walk-in basis no more than a day in advance of starting the two-day trip.

Click here now to get my e-guide The Complete Guide to Backpacking Zion’s Narrows.

David Gordon on day one backpacking the Narrows, Zion National Park.

But there’s one other way of snagging a permit—perhaps the easiest, given the towering hurdles of the other two methods, though it does involve pure luck. The park holds a Last Minute Drawing for unreserved campsites between seven and two days prior to the date you’d like to start. (See Permit info in the Make It Happen section at the bottom of this story.) When I saw an unusually warm, sunny forecast for the first week of November—not a high-demand time for Zion permits—I grabbed two of the most-coveted wilderness permits in the National Park System through the Last Minute Drawing: backpacking the Narrows top to bottom, and dayhiking Zion’s Subway top to bottom. (Read my story “Luck of the Draw, Part 1: Hiking Zion’s Subway.”)

David and I have both had backpacking Zion’s Narrows in our sights literally for decades. But for various reasons—including the short season and stiff competition for permits for both—it has taken us this long to get to them. Now, thanks to watching the forecast, good timing, flexibility in our schedules, and sheer luck, we are spending three straight November days of temperatures in the 60s knocking off two of the best hikes in America—the Subway and the Narrows—and seeing relatively few people, a situation unheard-of during the peak seasons.

After the Narrows, hike the other nine of my “10 Best Backpacking Trips in the Southwest.”

  Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

  The Narrows Day One

By mid-afternoon, a few hours into the hike, the only evidence of sunshine that we see is where it sets fire to the upper canyon walls, a few hundred feet above us. Down in the canyon’s basement, we walk in the shadows of a premature, extended dusk.

Here in the upper Narrows, several miles above its confluence with Deep Creek, which triples the river’s volume, the North Fork of the Virgin River meanders through adolescence, a skinny but energetic stream—at least during times of low water levels, which is when park officials open the Narrows to hikers. (See the Make It Happen section at the bottom of this story for details about safe river levels for hiking.) We’re still above the true “narrows” stretch of the canyon; pine trees grow sparsely along the river, like thin hair on an old man’s head, and the rims wear a green crown.

Day one in the upper Narrows, Zion National Park.

Black water streaks bleed down blood-red walls smeared with spilled-paint splotches of white rock. At sharp riverbends, where flash floods and high water have done the destructive work of erosion, cliffs crest overhead in petrified waves.

Our canyoneering boots and neoprene socks do not keep our feet warm so much as prevent them from getting painfully cold; I wouldn’t do this hike without them, except perhaps in really hot weather. We’re also carrying dry suits in our packs for the deeper water we’ll encounter later today and tomorrow. Here, we don’t need them yet for water that rarely tops our ankles. (See details on gear at the bottom of this story.)

Eons of geological uplift and the erosional force of the river carving into the Navajo Sandstone created the Narrows. Floods continue that eternal work. The Narrows and many other similarly tight canyons can transform from placid to deadly in a span of minutes—which is why you should avoid them if there’s any chance of rain. A flash flood in 1998 abruptly raised the Virgin River’s volume from 200 to 4,500 CFS (cubic feet per second), acting like a giant, high-speed plow coursing downstream, damaging the park road in Zion Canyon. On Sept. 15, 2015, seven people descending a slot known as Keyhole Canyon were killed in a flash flood in the worst disaster in the history of Zion National Park.

By late afternoon, we reach the beginning of the true “narrows” section. The walls pinch down to 15 to 20 feet apart and shoot up several hundred feet. For the rest of this day, we’ll wade water that comes up to our calves—and briefly higher—through a dark, cool, and church-quiet hallway in solid rock, with only a sliver of sky visible high above us.

We hear the North Fork Falls well before we see it. At 8.5 miles from the trailhead, the river pours thunderously over a 10-foot-tall, boulder-and-log jam. To bypass it, we squeeze through a claustrophobic passage on the south side of the waterfall, between a massive boulder and the canyon wall, and then wade a short distance back upstream to see the waterfall.

I can help you plan this or any other trip you read about at my blog. Find out more here.

David Gordon on day one backpacking Zion’s Narrows.

Minutes beyond the North Fork Falls, we clamber over a log pinned between the close walls and lower ourselves into the deepest pool of the day. The numbing water rises crotch-deep on me; I wade across it as quickly as I can propel myself forward into shallower water. Around the corner, we reach our home for the night, campsite one, the first of a dozen designated campsites in the Narrows. (This campsite made my top 25 all-time favorite backcountry campsites, and I grouped the 11 other sites in the Narrows together as one on my list of the 15 nicest backcountry campsites I’ve hiked past.)

Our camp sits on a slightly elevated patch of dry ground, on one side of a cavernous opening where a tributary canyon joins the North Fork. Within an hour, by 6 p.m., it’s completely dark. With no moon out yet, stars riddle the Y-shaped slice of sky visible to us above this confluence of two canyons.

After dark, a mouse skitters around our site, obviously accustomed to pilfering food from backpackers. As David sits on a log enjoying the quiet and the stars, he feels the mouse crawling up his pant leg and kicks it off. With the forecast for clear weather, we didn’t bring a tent; we lay our pads and bags on the comfortable bed of soft, dry sand. But a few times during the night, I feel the mouse crawling up the outside of my bag and kick a leg out to send it airborne.

See my “10 Tips For Getting a Hard-to-Get National Park Backcountry Permit.”

The Narrows Day Two

In the morning, we awaken to a clear sky—what we can see of it, anyway. At the bottom of this deep hole, beneath close walls that dwarf skyscrapers, we remain in deep shadow. A breeze blowing down canyon sharpens the knife-like chill in the air, as the temperature sits in the high 30s Fahrenheit. The forecast had called for lows in the 20s, so we’re lucky on that count. But “lucky” isn’t the word I mutter while tugging my wet, stiff, half-frozen neoprene socks and boots on over my feet and taking my shocking first steps back into the 50-degree river.

Before long, though, the air temperature starts rising and our feet warm up as blood finally seeps back into them—even as we’re constantly crossing the ankle- to calf-deep river. I shed two of the three shirts I’m wearing and my wind shell, and roll the top of my dry suit down to my waist, thinking: It’s November, and I’m hiking in shirtsleeves.

Want to take this trip? Click here now to get my e-guide The Complete Guide to Backpacking Zion’s Narrows.

Low-angle sunlight gradually infiltrates the canyon. Some walls catch indirect light reflecting off other walls, making them appear to glow. At every turn, the cliffs display a different face, a complex mosaic of curves, cracks, columns, pinnacles, and buttresses in a rich geological color palette. Mature trees lend the green of conifers and, at this time of year, the yellow of cottonwood trees.

High above us, the wind blows clouds of dust off ledges, and the sun backlighting the tiny dust particles makes them sparkle as they float earthward. “Pixie dust,” I tell David. Moments later, a gust hurls leaves off the rims hundreds of feet overhead, creating an identical effect, the leaves twinkling in the sunlight as they float downward.

An hour out of camp, below campsite four, we see the first people we’ve encountered since we started hiking from Chamberlain’s Ranch yesterday—two backpackers who remain ahead of us and mostly out of sight.

. . .

  Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

[thpatterson]

2. Zion National Park

Zion National Park is the first of Utah's national parks that I have been to and it holds a special place in my heart.  

There is an abundance of short day hikes and some great longer hikes as well.   "The Narrows" is something that everyone should experience.  There is something wondrous about being in a narrow slot canyon. 

Most people will do this hike from the bottom up.  You start at the last shuttle drop off and then just keep walking up.  Be prepared you will be walking in water.  I've done it this way with kids as young as 1.  The nice thing about this is you go up as far as you can or feel comfortable with and then turn around and walk back.  

For the best experience drive the dirt roads to the Zion Narrows Upper Trailhead, start early and plan on a very long and full day.  Be sure to check in at the visitor center.  Any rain in that drainage system can make the journey life threatening.   This hike is about 17 miles and the first half of it is interesting. The last half of it is spectacular.  If you have enough time take the side trip up Orderville canyon.  You will be in the water.  There is no escaping it.  How much will depend on the time of year and how recently there has been rain.  

Angel's Landing is awe-inspiring.  This hike is so worth it.  But unfortunately EVERYONE wants to do it.  The last time I did this it was so crowded that it really took away from the experience.  Do this one off peak season or very early in the morning so that you are coming down when the hordes are on their way up.  Even with the crowds it is a wonderful and challenging hike.  CAUTION:  People die on this hike.  There are shear drop offs and very narrow trail.  If heights aren't your thing find a different hike.  There are plenty to choose from.

Springdale is fun little town.  

Don't forget about the Kolob entrance.  Some of the best hiking trails and impressive scenery are up on that plateau.  

Camping is available in the park or at nearby Quail Creek State Park and at various campgrounds along the roads on both sides of the park.

Favorite Memories: 1. One of my favorite memories was taking the family in the middle of summer, we rented a tent trailer and camped just outside Springdale.  We had 5 kids from 1 to 13.  It was very hot.  We placed camp chairs in the Virgin River and played for a long time in the cool water.  

2. First time I did the Narrows from the top down either the trailhead moved or I had bad information.  It was 1989 or 1990 so pre Internet. The trial was about 9 miles longer than we expected.  We started late.  One of the kids was wearing old sneakers that the bottom blew out.  We had to strap a leather belt around it so he could keep going.  It was rather late and we were quite hungry and cold when we got out.   But it was still well worth it.

3. Another time doing the Narrows the young man in charge of food that day decided that beef ribs was a good lunch.  I thought we would just let him learn.  He grilled them over the fire the night before, cut them into 3 or 4 ribs per person and put them in baggies so everyone carried their own.  They were great.  We barely stopped for lunch.  Everyone just grabbed a rib and gnawed on it as they walked.  It turned out great!   4. First time doing Angel's Landing it was not crowded and we had the trail almost to ourselves.  The boys laid on the bellies and inched toward the edge to peer over.  It made quite a picture.  We were being very careful.  

A note about the name Zion.  It's no secret that Utah was settled by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  They were often called Mormons and had been forced out of Missouri then Illinois and Iowa.  They were looking for a place where they could live in peace and establish what they called "Zion" where they could be "of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."   Moses 7:18

[jacewilliams1]

Landing below sea level—my bucket list flight

This little adventure is about two old pilots checking an item off their bucket list. Paul Charbonneau and I have been friends for a lot of years and have flown many hours together. We have owned a plane together, which we flew to Alaska and used to visit the Arctic Circle in 2001. One of the trips we have talked about for the last few years is flying to Death Valley and landing below sea level to watch the hands on the altimeter recede counter-clockwise past zero. This trip is best flown during colder months of the year because Death Valley is usually over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in warm months. We finally decided to make the flight April 11, 12, and 13 of April 2015.

Flying a Cessna 175 VFR over the mountainous western states in winter or spring can be a challenge; one needs to plan for clear weather to fly over the mountains, cross some very desolate terrain, and stay out of the vast restricted airspace east of Death Valley. The weather forecast for the above dates promised severe clear over our route, with moderate west winds. As you read this narrative, it might be helpful to have a WAC chart or iPad with a chart subscription in order to follow our northerly route to and southerly route from Death Valley to avoid the restricted airspace east of Death Valley.

Flying a Cessna 175 in the high country requires good weather and good planning.

Early Friday morning, April 11, we met at the Chadron, Nebraska, airport (CDR) and loaded our 55-year old Cessna with food, water, iPad, and other essentials for a long cross country flight. After a through preflight and run-up procedures, we lined up on 29 and took off into a west wind, which got stronger as we gained altitude and stayed that way for all three days. This balanced out pretty well: we recovered the time lost flying west on the return trip going east (our usual luck on these trips is a lot of headwind and very little tailwind).

Our first fuel and rest stop was Rock Springs, Wyoming. As it was a beautiful clear spring morning, our only challenge was flying over the Laramie Range. To fly a straight course we had to clear ridges about 9,000 feet high. We were flying into a brisk west wind, so we needed to fly above 10,000 feet to stay out of the turbulence and downdrafts on the east side of these ridges. This was the shakeout phase of our trip; the iPad with the ForeFlight app worked great, the yoke-mounted Garmin GPS displayed our route, the instruments all worked, and our Lycoming O-360 with constant speed prop seemed up to the task ahead.

After lifting off from Rock Springs, out next destination was Provo, Utah. This was a fairly short flight, but we wanted full tanks for the flight over high desolate country with a headwind. We passed through a weak cold front just west of Rock Springs, consisting of some high clouds and a little high virga. The north ends of the Flaming Gorge Reservoir passed under us and then we began a long ascent over ridges and between the peaks on the north side of the High Uintas Wilderness Area. This is high country and forced us to fly for a while at 13,500 ft. We watched and talked to each other looking for signs hypoxia.

Not much civilization out here.

Then the mountains dropped away to show us a view of the river valley through Provo Canyon, east of Provo and Utah Lake. This is a deep pass with a lot of general aviation traffic coming and going from the valleys on the east and west sides of the mountain range, which required monitoring the radio traffic and staying visually alert. Coming through the pass we went to Provo Approach and landed at the airport, which is close to the lake.

When Provo Departure passed us back to VFR flight, we were on a west-southwest route to Tonopah, Nevada. If you look at a VFR sectional or WAC chart, you will see we were flying a long route over 9,000- and 10,000-foot mountain ridges with wide desert valleys between them and no towns or airports close to our route. Not many people live in this area!

After leaving Provo, we deviated south around a restricted area covering a huge desert basin and then proceeded in a straight line to Tonopah, located just outside the northwest corner of all that restricted airspace east of Death Valley. We finally crossed the last high ridge and a broad bowl valley spread out before us with the Tonopah airport in the middle. Tonopah airport is an old WWII bomber and fighter training base with two looong runways. As we crossed midfield to land, we flew over a ghost town of deserted huge hangars and outlines of roads with barracks areas; it housed quite a population during the war. The local casino/hotel provided transportation for our overnight stay.

The next morning was clear with our west wind and we were now flying south about 100 miles to Furnace Creek Airport in the heart of Death Valley. This southerly route was just a few miles west of the restricted airspace. After flying about 60 miles south over 6,000-foot and higher ridges, a huge northwest/southeast harsh desolate valley opened in front of us. We could suddenly descend from 7500 to about 1500 ft.

A lonely outpost in the desert.

During our descent we flew over Scotty’s Castle, a historic settlement in a side valley with some access to water. As we descended into Death Valley we viewed a valley floor of sand and rock and almost no plant life; it is stark and harsh. We flew past Stovepipe Wells Airport, which is maintained by the federal government and has no services. Furnace Wells Airport is also maintained by the government and has no services, but is next to a resort and a well-developed area maintained by the Park Service.

We entered the pattern to land and got ready to take pictures of the altimeter. With full flaps on final, we were ready to land but the plane was not—it was descending at a very leisurely rate. We decided to abort this landing and planned for much denser air the second time. This is probably why the Wright brothers chose Kitty Hawk to test powered flight; it had consistent winds and dense air at sea level. This successful landing included a long final and full flaps. Then we turned around and did a second landing to video the altimeter going below sea level. When you come all this way to land below sea level, once is not enough and it must be documented!

Furnace Creek is 210 feet below sea level. There is adequate water for an 18-hole golf course with lots of palm trees, other trees, bushes, flowers, camp grounds, stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. Next to the golf course is a huge solar panel farm. We signed in on a form in a three ring binder in a shed at the airport. There were two other planes on the tarmac so not much traffic to worry about. We walked about half a mile to the golf course and then on to the main Park Service registration building. Being senior citizens, we showed our Golden Age Passports and didn’t have to pay the park fee. We saw a lot of backcountry tour groups using mountain bikes, motorcycles, and four-wheelers, along tourists in buses and cars visiting the park.

Yes, 210 below sea level.

When we walked back to the plane in the afternoon, the temperature had climbed to 96 degrees and that was hot enough for us. We took off and flew southwest down the valley, which is about 130 miles long, to go around the restricted airspace and then fly east to North Las Vegas Airport. This meant climbing from below sea level to clearing the 6000 to 8000 foot ridges west of Las Vegas; we still had a west wind, so had some help from updrafts going east. After landing at North Las Vegas, we were informed there were no rooms at the two hotels by the airport. We then flew to Mesquite, east of Las Vegas, where the casino had rooms and would provide transportation.

The next morning, with our west wind, we could fly from Mesquite to Grand Junction, Colorado, with adequate fuel reserves. Clear weather allowed us to fly high again with few deviations from our course. This route provided a scenic and varied panorama, a lot different than our northern flight. We flew over forests, ranches, scenic rock formations, and some farming. People live in some areas of this route. We proceeded over Zion Nation Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Box Death Hollow Wilderness Area, Capitol Reef National Park which is part of Water Pocket Fold, Canyon Lands National Park, and Arches National Park, before landing in Grand Junction. We were treated to a lot of interesting scenery on this southerly route home.

The scenery east of Las Vegas is a little more varied.

When Grand Junction Departure passed us off to VFR, with our west wind, we were on the final leg of our journey. Again, with clear skies, we could fly a fairly direct route. A deviation to the north across the high country east of Grand Junction and then one to the south to cross the front range brought us over flat rangeland northwest of Laramie, Wyoming. After crossing the hills and ridges northeast of Laramie, we flew north of Torrington, and across the Pine Ridge before landing at Chadron.

Characteristics of a great trip:

Walked away from the last landing and could use the plane again.

No weather problems or delays.

No mechanical problems with unexpected expenses.

No navigation problems or getting lost.

Debriefing:

Item on bucket list checked off.

One has to fly over some of the highest parts of the U.S. to visit the lowest part.

The post Landing below sea level—my bucket list flight appeared first on Air Facts Journal.

from Engineering Blog https://airfactsjournal.com/2020/04/landing-below-sea-level-my-bucket-list-flight/

[ledenews]

Sports Shorts - February 4, 2020

Saturday's Finals are Set

Chalk held sway for most of the OVAC Girls' Basketball Championship semifinal round action Monday. Top-seeded UL in Class 3A received a scare, down 10 to Monroe Central in the third before battling back at home to win 63-59. They will play Fort Frye, a solid winner against Bellaire, setting up perhaps Saturday's most anticipated matchup. But it was the effort of a scrappy Wheeling Central squad that steals the headlines for the semis. Down two Division I players in Eden Gainer and Kaylee Reinbeau, head coach Penn Kurtz's squad took the quarter against a dangerous Shadyside club that, in typical fashion, came out red hot, raining 3s. To make matters worse, senior guard Hannah White injured her hip briefly in the first quarter and was noticeable limping. But the Knights overcame a shaky start, White returned to the floor and Central came away with a 66-62 overtime upset, sending it to Saturday's finals opposite Steubenville Catholic, which took care of Shenandoah, 51-34. In Class AAA, Martins Ferry took care of business at home against Oak Glen, 65-39, and will face Beaver Local, which held off St. Clairsville. The Beavers and Purple Riders have faced three times this season, with the Purple owning a 2-1 split. The defending champs were bounced in 5A as Wheeling Park exacted some revenge and took care of University. They will get a chance to pay back Indian Creek for an earlier loss this season as the Redskins took care of business, besting Weir 64-23 in the opposite big-school semifinal. In Class A, Beallsville flexed its muscles early and had little trouble with Hundred while Cameron was able to get by Madonna to reach the finals. It will be the third meeting of the Devils and Dragons, with the Blue and White having taken both games. The Class AAAA title game is first up Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by 5A at noon, 1A at 2 p.m., 2A at 4 and 3A rounding out the event at 6.

Taco Tuesday at WesBanco

The Wheeling Nailers play host the Kansas City Mavericks tonight at WesBanco Arena. The puck drops at 7:05 for a Taco Tuesday promotional evening. The Nailers saw their three-game winning streak snapped Saturday, 5-2, against the Orlando Solar Bears. Wheeling is 4-5-1 in its last 10 games and sits fifth in the Central Division with 45 points. The Mavericks are 2-7-0-1 in their last 10 games and are 19-23-2-1 overall with 41 points and sit in the basement of the Mountain Division. This is the first meeting between the two teams this season.

Bethany’s Dobbins Honored

Bethany freshman Abbey Dobbins was named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference’s Rookie of the Week for the second time this season for the last week of January after averaging 14 points, 5.5 boards and four steals for the week, including a career-high 22 points in a tough 74-73 loss to Waynesburg. For the season, the Hopewell (Pa.) High School product is averaging 6.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Bison.

Records Broken for WLU

West Liberty’s Adam O’Donnell turned in a record-breaking performance recently at the National Mid-Major Invitational at Youngstown State University. O’Donnell, a junior from Martinsburg, W.Va., broke the school’s long jump mark of 21 feet, 5.75 inches previously held by James Coleman—since 1976. O’Donnell’s record-breaking jump covered 21-feet, 11.75 inches. Not finished yet, O’Donnell’s two-day total of 4,750 points in the heptathlon—I which we won the long jump, shot put and 1000-meter run—smashed the previous record by nearly double. He wasn’t the only one establishing new marks for the Hilltoppers in Youngstown. Former Weir High Red Rider Meghan Hawthorne scored 1,932 points in the women’s pentathlon.

Vaulted Honors

Wheeling University’s Danielle Stewart was named the Mountain East Conference’s Women’s Track Athlete of the Week last week. The senior from Strongsville, Ohio posted the 17th best mark nationally in Division II with a pole vault of 3.70 meters (12 feet, 5 inches) during the SPIRE Institute invitational at Geneva. The previous week, fellow Cardinals athlete Liz Fleming earned the honor.

Tonight’s Sports on TV

There's a host of college basketball on tonight at 7 p.m., with Duke at BC on ESPN, Ohio State at Michigan on ESPN2 and later ESPN will have Mississippi State at Kentucky at 9 p.m., with the Deuce playing Oklahoma at Texas Tech. TNT is showing the Milwaukee Bucks at New Orleans Pelicans at 7:30 p.m. This will be the first time the Greek Freak and Zion Williamson will square off on the court this season. Afterward, the Lakers and Spurs will battle at 10 p.m SSAC Hoops Classifications Altered Super Bowl Didn't Disappoint Read the full article

[mama-feminista]

Hiking with a baby can be easy!

I previously blogged about my learnings from traveling with a baby. Surprisingly, our two-week road trip through national parks in Utah and Arizona went quite well. We started and ended in Las Vegas where we rented a car and visited:

Valley of Fire State Park 

Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Willis Creek Slot Canyon (I wish we had done Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon too)

Capitol Reef National Park

Arches National Park

Canyonlands National Park

Monument Valley

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend

Grand Canyon National Park 

I want to write up all the baby-friendly hikes we did in these areas, since there wasn’t much information online and I saw so many babies in baby carriers, so there are parents out there who want to hike with their little ones. 

Tip: We used a stroller for some of the walks, even if the path was not paved. If we had had a jogging stroller, that probably would have been even better. We met a couple who used a jogging stroller as far as they could and then left it next to the trail as they continued on with their babies in backpacks. No one stole their stroller.

Valley of Fire State Park : Fire Wave hike with the Manduca, but there’s no shade.

Zion National Park: the paved path that leads to the narrows and the hike at the eastern side of the park. We did both with the Manduca, but we could have done the first hike in a stroller. 

Bryce Canyon National Park: Rim Trail with the stroller even though it’s partially unpaved. My partner hiked solo into the hoodoos on a loop trail, which he said he could have done with the baby in a Manduca but after the Rim Trail, she needed a break.   

Willis Creek Slot Canyon in a Manduca

Capitol Reef National Park’s Grand Wash Trail in the Manduca

Arches National Park, Devil’s Garden and Delicate Arch hikes in a Manduca. We could have done the first half of the Delicate Arch hike with the stroller.

Canyonlands National Park: We hiked to Mesa Arch with a Manduca.

Monument Valley: We hiked to Teardrop Arch with a Manduca.

Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend: These were not hikes, more like walks, but we went there with the Manduca.

Grand Canyon National Park: We walked along the rim with the stroller and hiked to Ooh Aah Point with the Manduca.

Best National Park for hiking with baby: Arches National Park to see Delicate Arch and Landscape Arch, both hikes of up to 1.5 hour

Worst Park for our baby: Monument Valley 

Inside monument Valley you drive around to see the different buttes. After driving 2.5 hours to get to Monument Valley, it was another 1.5 hours of driving inside the park, so it was too much driving. We did go on a short hike to Teardrop Arch!

Best meal of the trip: Hell’s Backbone Kitchen

Even though this is an award-winning restaurant, we felt completely at ease with a baby here. There’s no tablecloth for her to pull her; they had exchanged our vase of flowers for a pumpkin as decoration. The service was relaxed and fast without rushing. They even had anon-alcoholic cocktail. The food was excellent without being pretentious. I wish I had ordered more vegetables.

Worst meals of the trip: Mexican food in Page

We went to 2 out of 3 Mexican restaurants in Page, and the quality was bad. So bad we ate at our hotel the last night. 

Best cities: Springdale and Moab

I had thought that these two towns would be too tourist-y for me, but I loved their big natural grocery stores, non-dairy milk for my cappuccino, good food — amazing huevos rancheros at Eklekticafe in Moab, and the site of red rocks all around us. We changed our itinerary spontaneously to stay in Moab a second night so we could go to Cantonlands National Park, and I could imagine spending a third day there to see the rock art and Fisher Towers around there.

City I wouldn’t visit again with a baby: Las Vegas

Our baby loved the big water fountains in Las Vegas, but casinos are smokey and the restaurants are loud. I wouldn’t take a baby to Sin City again. 

City I wouldn’t visit again: Page, Arizona

We spent 3 days and 2 nights here, and there wasn’t so much to do other than pay for guided tours to see different slot canyons. Even Horseshoe Bend, which used to be free, now requires a $10 parking fee. We did see the dam and went down to the water, but it didn’t feel like a town with a lot to offer. 

Best Reason to go back to the area: If we win the lottery for the Wave! I wish we had gone to the Wave. Or at least visited Coyote Buttes, which is the park the Wave is in.If we come back to the area, I’d spend less time in Arizona and more time around Escalante and Moab in Utah, as there are more independent things to do. I’d sign up to hike in Bryce Canyon under the full moon’s light with a park ranger. I’d hike the Zebra and Peekaboo slot canyons. I’d love to see more rock art around the San Rafael Swell and Moab. I’d still visit the Grand Canyon but now the North Rim. 

To be honest, the next trip we take will probably be inside Europe, though.

Where have you gone with your baby on vacation? 

[topfygad]

There’s a National Park for Every Kind of Traveler

The national park system is one of America’s great treasures. But you don’t have to be an avid camper to enjoy trips to national parks. 

The variety of climates and landscapes—from deserts to glaciers to caves—means that there’s truly a national park out there for any traveler.

If You Want to See Monuments…

Mount Rushmore is a must-visit. One of America’s most iconic landmarks, the granite hillside sculpture depicts the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Set in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, Mount Rushmore is also a short drive to the Crazy Horse Memorial—a hilltop carving of the famous Lakota warrior—which stands as a monument to North American Indians.

If You’re a Cultural Enthusiast…

Visit the home of the Ancestral Puebloan people—one of the country’s oldest indigenous cultures—in Mesa Verde National Park in southern Colorado. This ancient community flourished in the region from about 600 to 1300 A.D., and their cliff dwellings still stand along the park’s sandstone canyons. Breathtaking Big Sur—in California’s central coast—inspired a number of great American writers, including Steinbeck, Kerouac, and Henry Miller, and you’ll see why when you drive along famous Route 1 or visit the area’s state parks.

If You’re Passionate About Photography…

Get your camera ready to snap photos of the Grand Canyon, Zion, or Bryce Canyon. Located in northern Arizona and Southern Utah, these parks are a treat for the eyes. Bryce Canyon’s orange and red hoodoo rock formations look otherworldly as they catch the sun, while Zion National Park’s striated cliffs and lush canyon floor beg to be photographed. If you prefer snow-capped mountains, then you can’t go wrong with Glacier National Park in Montana or Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. The parks’ crystal-clear alpine lakes reflect the stunning scenery, and true to its name, Glacier National Park holds twenty-five breathtaking glaciers.

If You’re a History Buff…

You must explore the birthplace of the national parks: Yellowstone. President Ulysses S. Grant signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act in 1872 to protect the land from settlement and ensure it remained a “pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” Tours of national parks are the perfect way to honor this legacy. Also located in Wyoming is Devils Tower, America’s first National Monument, as proclaimed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.

If You Love Hiking…

Then put your hiking boots to good use in the Pacific Northwest. Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a variety of hikes through moss-covered forests, alongside giant ferns and babbling creeks. A bit further south, you can stand in awe of the world’s tallest trees as you hike through California’s Redwood National Park. And to the north, Kenai Fjords National Park in the majestic Alaskan wilderness offers visitors the rare opportunity to hike next to enormous glacial ice-fields.

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[georgeycowell]

6 Yurts That Will Have You Dreaming of Your Next Adventure

Contemporary yurts are popping up everywhere - from Los Angeles to Zion National Park - as airy homes, backcountry destinations or even weekend glamping getaways. 

Below are some of our favorites.

Marfa, Texas

Photo by Nick Simonite.

Sleep under a swath of stars in this brightly colored Marfa, Texas, yurt. Located about three hours southeast of El Paso, the yurt sits on a 21-acre artists’ retreat with a hammock grove, bike rentals and wood-fired hot tubs. Bringing friends? The yurt is perched alongside safari tents and renovated vintage trailers.

This home is currently available as a short-term rental.

Orderville, Utah

Photo by Robert Ranney.

Just beyond the terra-cotta backdrop of Zion National Park, this Utah yurt is off-grid and on point. Cell service and technology are nonexistent, making for the perfect environment to enjoy this bucolic setting. An outdoor fire pit serves as a spot to warm up underneath the night sky, and the yurt’s interior can sleep up to 11 people tuckered out from exploring Utah’s natural bliss.

This home is currently available for short-term stays.

Elgin, Texas

Photo by Sean Mathis.

About 30 minutes outside of artsy Austin, Texas, sit five yurts for the glamping fan in all of us. Each space is artfully decorated, from the Southwestern decor to the hand-picked vintage furniture. The rustic surroundings provide the perfect escape from the hubbub of big city life. There’s a classic writer’s desk inside each yurt, relaxing hammocks outside and walking trails nearby.

These homes are currently available as short-term rentals.

Fairplay, Colorado

Photo by Joe Holmes.

If the mountains are calling and so you must go, this might be the yurt for you. Nestled in the wilderness about 30 minutes from Denver, this home serves as a Rocky Mountain retreat for explorers of all ages. Enjoy stunning stargazing at night, fresh powder all winter long and 360-degree views from the wraparound deck.

This home is currently available as a short-term rental.

Los Angeles, California

Photo by Ryan Schude.

This urban yurt proves the circular structures aren’t just for outdoor explorers. Smack dab in cosmopolitan Los Angeles, this yurt sits under a canopy of orange, lemon and avocado trees, just a few miles from the famous Hollywood sign. The space boasts hardwood floors, modern amenities and a fire pit (for the few weeks each year that LA braves chilly weather).

This home is currently available as a short-term rental.

Saratoga, Wyoming

Photo courtesy of The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch.

About two hours outside of Cheyenne, Wyoming, sits this 700-square-foot mountain yurt. An overnight stay in this luxury space comes with custom gourmet meals, along with an expert guide to lead you to your digs via horseback. There are luxe glamping amenities on the inside (leather couches and a giant bed) and all that rural Wyoming has to offer on the outside (trout fishing, wildlife viewing and even yoga au naturel).

This home is currently available as a short-term rental.

Top featured image by Sean Mathis.

Related:

This Tiny Home Is Ready for Outer Space

Sleep Under the Stars in a Bubble Home

This Home Looks Like a Barn (But Has Enough Room to Be a Small Castle)

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