Reflections

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Reflections

April 25, 2015 by Pat Bean

The trail led beside and beneath the waterfalls. I do so love Zion. — Photo by Pat Bean

“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! – Dr. Seuss

Runoff from the Emerald Pools’ waterfalls created this small puddle of water, which reflected the nearby landscape. — Photo by Pat Bean

On a Birthday Hike

It felt fantastic to be back in Zion National Park to celebrate my recent birthday with some of the same friends who have celebrated it with me in this awesome place for three decades.

A good-sized lizard near the start of he hike. I barely captured him with my camera before he slithered away.

While my body wasn’t up to the grueling 5.5-mile roundtrip hike to the top of Angel’s Landing, which I have done about 30 times in my life, it was up to a moderate three-mile hike on the Kayenta and Emerald Pools’ trails. The two trails join at the waterfalls junction.

I originally started the tradition of spending my birthday in Zion because I didn’t live near any family members, and I figured it was much better to do something I enjoyed than stay home and feel lonely.

My friend Kim near the start of the hike. — Photo by Pat Bean

I had hiked it alone or with varying friends for several years before Kim and her son began joining me almost every year. This year she called me about three days before my birthday and told me to get my butt to Zion. The message wasn’t exactly expressed in those exact words but I got the meaning.

I drove up to Zion, a nine-hour journey, in Cayenne on Friday, hiked and partied on Saturday, and drove back on Sunday. It turned out to be one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had.

Blog pick of the day. Check it out.

Bean Pat: A Writer’s Path http://tinyurl.com/ps647fp This blogger chose his favorite 10 opening lines of books. I agreed with a couple, but the blog made me want to go and list my favorite opening lines. Perhaps it will do the same for you.

Posted in Favorite Hikes, Favorite Places, Journeys, Nature | Tagged birthdays, friends, Zion National Park | 13 Comments

13 Responses

on April 25, 2015 at 2:28 pm | Reply jmgoyder

Happy birthday and I love the Dr Seuss quote!
- on April 26, 2015 at 6:03 am | Reply Pat Bean
  
  Thanks JM.
on April 25, 2015 at 3:43 pm | Reply Kim

Great weekend and fun reminiscing.
- on April 26, 2015 at 6:04 am | Reply Pat Bean
  
  While everything about the weekend was fantastic, best of all was seeing you and Cory and his babies. Hugs
on April 26, 2015 at 7:26 am | Reply melouisef

Happy birthday 😊
- on April 27, 2015 at 4:16 am | Reply Pat Bean
  
  Thanks melouisef
on April 26, 2015 at 11:01 am | Reply Candace

Nice tradition. My co-worker was just there this weekend and did the 5.5 mile hike you spoke of, I believe, so I will hear all about it tomorrow. Happy B-day!
- on April 27, 2015 at 4:17 am | Reply Pat Bean
  
  Hope your co-worker loved the view from the top as much as I have in the past. You feel like you’re on top of the world.
on April 26, 2015 at 1:50 pm | Reply judysbirds

What an incredible place to spend your birthdays!! So glad you had such a wonderful day!
- on April 27, 2015 at 4:18 am | Reply Pat Bean
  
  Thanks Judy. Do you ever get up or down Tucson way. I’d love to go birding with you again. And this is a great place to do it.
  - on April 27, 2015 at 11:36 am judysbirds
    
    I’d also love to bird with you, Pat. I’ve only been out west twice, though I’d love to take that trip again. When the time comes, I’ll be sure to let you know! Meanwhile, if you ever come to the Mid-Atlantic area, be sure to look me up!
on April 29, 2015 at 12:54 am | Reply Kate Johnston

Happy birthday! I’ve never been to Zion, but I adore hiking. I bet I’d love to visit.
- on April 29, 2015 at 8:12 am | Reply Pat Bean
  
  I’m sure you would love it too. Hope you get to visit someday Kate.