Day 7 - Zion National Park

 After another robust breakfast at the lodge cafe, we started off at 9:15.  We took the Grotto Trail and then connected with the Angels Landing trail.  It was a strenuous climb with many switchbacks.  We knew about Walter's Wiggles, and thought we were there two times before.  LOTS more switchbacks.  

The first set takes you up the side of the mountain facing the Grotto then you go through a slot canyon (your footsteps echo) to the other side and go up another set of switchbacks.

Finally you reach the bottom of the wiggles.  Actually after the previous climb, the wiggles are not that bad.  There are 21 of them but they are short.

After the wiggles you find yourself on a plateau of sorts with a view down to big bend.  A short path leads to the next section which is like rock climbing with chains to hold on to.  I decided -- no way.  Teresa had me take care of  her stuff and she started out.  She made it up the first chain.  There was a gap to the next chain.  Teresa wisely decided to abort.  

We sat sown and enjoyed a protein bar and watched folks going up and down the rock face.  Several we talked to turned around as well before the top which was a half mile "trail."  We noticed that all that made it to the top were young.  And even they said it was "scary."  Teresa overheard one comment that it would be a great place to commit suicide.

There was an "emergency only" out house which I decided was for senior citizens like me.  We decided to continue on the West Rim trail for a while and found a nice rock plateau that had great views of the River Trail and Big Bend.

We decided to name it the Senior Angels Landing.  It was a great spot and great lookout.  We went back down the trail and walked along the River to get back to the lodge.  We got there about 2:30 and took a break.

We got in the car and went to Visitor's Center.  Took the Pa'rus Trail to the end at the bridge ;where highway 9 takes a turn to the east.  Took some side trips to the river for some photo opportunities.  We got back about 6pm to Visitor's Center for a great sunset view of Watchman.

Back at the lodge we found that the housekeeper had evidently noticed our wine bottles and left us 4 wine glasses topped with the cardboard circles used on regular glasses. 

I think we will sleep well tonight.  Last day at Zion tomorrow.