LAKE MEAD and ZION NATIONAL PARK

After leaving Hoover Dam we head north along  the road through Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This is the lake formed by the water behind Hoover Dam. The lake is down about 32 feet from normal but we were told that the lake fluctuates every year according to the snow fall.

 The road also passes through lots of scenic views. Like this.  we stopped for the night at a state park, it was nice to have power for the air conditioner because the temp was 104F when we stopped.  WE know some people say O,yeah, but it is dry heat.  Yes it is, its like bending over you oven when you open the door. It"s still hot.

 Next morning we arrive at Zion National Park, the north entrance., it is very dry and again very hot but the scenery again is pretty special.

We take a hike up a trail that rises 1500 feet in one half mile. this view is the reward, but it was really a tough climb and very hot.

  We visited the south more popular entrance to Zion NP.  Private vehicles are not allowed deep in the park so we hop a shuttle and spend two hours getting a educational trip and many great views of Zion. The area above is named The Great White Throne. Named by a Methodist minister  many years ago.  Nearby is a area called "Angel's Landing" where he envisioned  angels would land before the throne.  The hike to Angel's Landing was labelled extremely difficult and was 5 hours in length.  We quickly declined that.   We did take a one mile hike on a trail to a place called the narrows.  We get there and discover that the best part in up the river through the water and highly recommended you use  a walking stick.  So walk the mile back to the trail head and the shuttle back to the entrance and buy the necessary equipment.

Next morning our 46th wedding anniversary, I take my darling bride on a one mile hike to the water and then  on a mile and a half hike through the 56* water in waist deep water and back again. (beat that guys)

Actually there were some areas where we were able to walk on rocks and get a chance to warm up.   In the Narrows the canyon closes to about 12 feet wide (above) and the current becomes fairly strong. The canyon walls rise to about 1400 feet over your head and  you stand under  the rock overhang of billions of tons of rock. It is really an incredible feeling and spectacular sight.  We were pretty proud of ourselves after that hike until a couple of girls we talked to had just finishing all 16 miles of the canyon in 2 days.

Later on our way our of the park on our way to the Grand Canyon we see this natural amphitheater.