Zion's Narrows, 1

It wasn't the Tour du Mont Blanc, nor the Milford, nor the Everest trek, but we were pretty pleased with our two day-hikes up the Narrows, aka the Virgin River Canyon, in Zion NP. The Narrows are a really narrow part of the Canyon, the really interesting part of which is 3-4 miles up the creek from the Narrows parking area. Most of the hike, depending on conditions, season, etc., is down in the water, wading in the creek. On our two hikes, the water depth ranged from ankle to mid-thigh, the latter level getting interesting with the heavy current. There was a minimal shore to walk on perhaps a third of the way. Anyway, to do all this, unless you really like wading in 45 degree water (hypothermia is possible below 46 degrees), you rent water boots and waders, all of which really work; plus you get a hiking stick mostly for probing the depths and holding yourself against the current in the deeper water. The first day, we got a late start, were learning the technique--we both fell once, me in the water and Vicki on the shore--and didn't get as far as we wanted; and so resolved to do it again, starting way earlier. The second day we got where we wanted and had a great time. And took lots of pix, a few of which are below and in the next post.

Starting out

Dimrill Dale; I am in awe of those photographers who can
do canyon landscapes; handling the contrast between
brightest light and deep shadow is beyond my skill;
presently

Vicki, just beyond the waterfall, early into the hike; temps in
the canyon got as high as the low 50s

On a bit of shoreline

A rare floor to ceiling shot

Pretty much what it looks like in the early stages

Then things start narrowing...

Thus, me

Vicki at one of the innumerable crossings; note cave

Ever onward

Narrow...

Narrower...

The hike wasn't crowded, but you were never alone for very
long, and making and getting portraits made was never a
challenge

Thus; narrow but not straight

Moi, again

Undercut

The canyon-cutting ever interesting

Really big undercut

To be continued...