On Monday, we said that today we would profile a “globally important birding area within the National Park Service”. You say, “I didn’t know Zion National Park was known for birding. I thought that park was famous for its beautiful scenery centered around the profound steep gorges shaped by the Virgin River.” You would be right. While we did see a handsome golden eagle, two Coopers hawks and dozens of hawk moths (are they birds? absolutely not, we realized) within Zion, the park is not a notable birding destination.
So why are we at Zion? Because today is Gab’s birthday! Zion is one of her favorite places in the National Park System and home to her all-time favorite hike: the Narrows. Two years ago we spent her birthday there and we always long to return. So, today, in mind and spirit we have traveled to the most beautiful place in the Colorado Plateau. We are hiking in the Virgin River, towering cliffs to our left and right and knee deep in rushing water, not knowing what is around the next bend. We are struggling up the switchbacks of Walter’s Wiggles eager for a golden eagle’s view of Zion Canyon. We are smelling the sagebrush and listening to the trickle of our campside creek. We are relaxing and bathing in the overwhelming otherworldliness of our surroundings.
That is until it gets dark. Then we’re going to downtown Harrisburg to see one of Gab’s favorite bands. Happy Birthday!
Click Here to Read More about Zion National Park.
