KUHL Weekly Musings

The simple task of breathing in and out is habitual, often times shallow and unfulfilling.  We rarely think about it.  Driving to the grocery store, school, doctor’s office become second nature. Habitual pathways etched into our cerebral function. It is what we do. What if we did something different, something foreign?  Cognitive dissonance sets in and the discomfort of that pushes us back to the norm,  the mundane – the habits of life. Experts say it takes 21 days to form a new habit, 21 days to create a new pathway in our brain.  Change doesn’t happen overnight, it is a process, an evolution. In this journey, this process, our hope is to create new habits. Habits that choose exploration and adventure over comfort and complacency. That our instincts would be towards the unknown, the unseen.  Where all 5 of us become examples of pushing the boundaries of our own personal  limitations.

 

ZION National Park

A world unto itself, Zion National Park is ceremoniously awe-inspiring. When asked about favorites, it always comes back to “ZION!”  In our native province of Alberta we experience profound beauty daily.  It is a province that is sought out by adventurers all over the world. There is no shortage of jaw dropping beauty in the Canadian Rockies. It never ceases to amaze but in the same token, it takes a little bit to stir our souls. But Zion!!!  Zion is a special place, like nowhere else we have experienced. Tucked amongst red giants and green dwarfs, you feel like you have stepped into another existence. Rivers run through ancient canyons, carving out beauty as it goes.  It is such a feast for the eyes.  It was a place we found quite difficult to say goodbye to. We are already planning a return trip, hopefully in 2017. To plan your trip ZION NATIONAL PARKS.

Driving into the park from the East you are met with stunning vistas and hair pinned turns as you make your way down into the valley.  This is a road that you want to take your time on and potentially drive back up once you get settled if you are staying in the park.  There is so much for the eyes to take in that it is difficult to do when you are navigating (especially if pulling a trailer) the turns.  Just a note, if you enter or exit through the east gate and have a big rig, be prepared to pay an extra toll on top of your park pass.

One of the many unique things about Zion, is the lack of vehicles off the main highway.  In 1997 the park saw 2.4 million visitors and was increasing.  A shuttle service was created to restore tranquility to the park as well as reduce traffic and protect this natural wonder.  There are 8 stops along the shuttle route that drop the adventurous off to explore.  The shuttle was simple to access, even from outside the park and added to the overall experience. For easier hikes with small children make sure to hit up Emerald Pools, Weeping Rocks or The Narrows (prepare to get wet).  For the more adventurous and physically fit, try Angels Landing (prepare for huge crowds).

Rolling into one of the few campgrounds within the park can prove to be a little challenging.  They are generally booked 6 months in advance.  We ended up staying at Zion Canyon Campground just outside of the park in Springdale.  Our site backed on to the river (try to get one of these) and we had access to showers, laundry and a chilly pool. The Shuttle into the park was just outside of the campground.

Springdale has some great little shops and delicious ice cream at Hoodoos General Store & Ice Cream Parlor. The General store is great in a pinch for grocery staples, but with just a short drive east you can find a number of other reasonably priced markets.

If you are heading west out of ZNP with kids, make sure to stop at Fort Zion/Virgin Trading Post to feed the donkeys and sample some home cooking.

If you are an avid mountain biker, this area is for you. Trails just on the outside of ZNP are endless, ranging from beginner to pro. PSSTTT watch out for rattlers and cactus plants.  Events like RED BULL Rampage (THEE downhill riding event) are hosted in Virgin, Utah, just a few towns east of Springdale. Thanks to Brayden (manager of the Ice Cream Parlor) for showing us around some of the trails.

 

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