Last weekend I turned 58 and for my birthday, hubby and I went to Vegas and Utah to celebrate. I have dubbed this the #mountainsandmusicbirthdaytrip
The two main focal points of this trip were a Garth Brooks concert Saturday night and a 5.6 mile hike – Angels’ Landing at Zion National Park, the rest was built around these two events.
On Saturday morning, my actual birthday, we went out exploring. We arrived at Red Rock Canyon and the temperature was already approaching 100. I had resigned myself to admire the landscape from the car, even though I yearned to hike on my birthday. We pulled off at different view points and got out to fully take in the view. A family was there so we took pictures of each other. I get back to the car and looked at the pictures (way too bright to see in the sun) and not one picture.. What the what? The guy never actually took any pictures even though it seemed like he had. So out we went again and traded phones with another couple.. this time, the money shot.
We arrived at another overlook and there was a short (1.6 mile) out and back. I had my backpack and all my hydration supplies and with a gentle nudge from Big D off I went. I took it at a slower than normal pace due to the heat. I constantly hydrated. It was truly spectacular. I am so very happy that I did it, because I would have walked away with some regrets if I had not.
Hot and hungry, we stumbled upon a Thai restaurant that was amazing. Pork Belly and Short Ribs Massaman Curry, oh my flavor palette! To top it off, the concert that night was fabulous. Garth is an amazing entertainer, he is invested in his audience and he loves his craft. This is evident in every word he speaks and song he sings.
Sunday morning up and on the road after a tasty breakfast. Utah here we come. A gorgeous drive, a leisurely pace, an education boost on dinosaurs and the Mormon religion, a stop at Snow Canyon to take in God’s beauty and reflect on my own faith. Enjoyed a pre-hike dinner of a burger and fries.. I was ready!
Monday morning, after a restless and disjointed night’s sleep it was time. I got up and got dressed in my stretchy hiking shorts, the wick capris did not fit, in fact, they didn’t even make it into the suitcase. And that is the last time I will ever utter those words or even think about it. We got to Zion at 6am and waited in the shuttle bus line with the other early birds. The drive up the mountain was breathtaking as we came around each bend.
Finally, it was time to begin my trek. I headed off on my own to face Angel’s Landing filled with excitement and the tiniest bit of trepidation. As much as I like to form my own opinions, a number of scariest hike ever, one of the most dangerous, etc reviews about this adventure did find a small space in my mind. As typical on my many paths I have followed, a heart shaped rock presented quickly and as I felt myself relaxing and just reveling in God’s beauty, more and more hearts popped into sight.
I ventured up, drinking in the cool air and noticing all the vibrant colors, I took a steady pace and slowed down at spots that literally stopped me in my tracks. It was magnificent.
And then I arrived here….
I folded up my pole and put on my gloves, took a deep breath, looked up to the sky and said a quick prayer. Then off I went. Slowly I found a rhythm of using the chain to guide me and all nervousness left my body. I trusted my ability and my instincts to propel me upwards.
I reached the top and felt exhilarated. I looked around and took in the majesty. I sat quietly, deep in thought, then I had a snack and some water and then I heard, the next section is just around the corner.. what???
So off I went once again, more chains, more drop offs, more of nature’s beauty beckoning to me and there I was at the top. Surrounded by more hikers who were doing the same thing.. contemplating how long I would spend feeling one with God and nature, I heard those words AGAIN. This next section to the top is easy.. Are you kidding me? There’s more.. so once again, I went around a tree to the hidden path and made my way to the top, for real this time. And as promised this section was basically walking no drop offs, no need to table fears, just a leisurely climb to the summit.
As I stood there in awe, feeling proud and humble, feeling truly blessed, my eyes fill up and was overwhelmed with joy as the spirit washed over me. I closed my eyes, I prayed I felt a song welling up inside of me..
“Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed”
A stranger took this picture of me.. it’s magnificent, don’t ya think? What catches your eye? What thoughts pop into your mind? Do you think it matters what freaking pants I was wearing? Does it make the experience any less meaningful. Do I lose any bad a$$ status or joy?
We finished up our trip at Bryce Canyon where I was able to add one more hike to my experience. Cooler temperatures, different terrain, a mixture of burnt trees from a fire a few years back against the backdrop of orange and gold across the canyon.. the fragility of it all…
I get the whole having a goal and using it to achieve certain things, but do not ever let the failure to reach that particular goal keep you from who you are and what you can do. Live your life fully and without regrets.
Wherever My Heart Lead Me 
What an awesome adventure! And the photos are breath-taking. I was pondering what scripture you would have pop into your head, and the hymn that did is fitting! When I see such grand vistas, Psalms 8 comes top of mind for me. “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” It makes one feel small, but also incredibly safe, sheltered by Grace.
Blessings for your Birthday, and many healthy returns!
– Barb
LikeLike
It excites me that you were able to see Gods hand in the beauty of this earth. I have been and seen the Beauty Utah has to offer.
LikeLike