Listen to The Wind

Going where the breeze takes me

Recent Posts

The quiet life of Zion

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Man I can’t believe it, but I have been in Zion National Park for two weeks. I tell you, I have been loving every minutes.

This is a perfect place for me. There’s beautiful scenery and plenty of places to go hiking and see. On my downtime I have my Internet access at The Pioneer Lodge Coffee Shop where I made friends with two great women named Rachel and Cassie. I wish all the best to you.

I’ve been camping at The South Campground near the visitor center.

This trip is different for me because I am not riding my motorcycle and I actually took my car. I did bring my bicycle along. You know…one of the funny type motorcycles without a motor. Because of this, I am getting to see Zion in a whole new way by riding down it’s main 8 mile road into the canyon. No traffic is allowed on this road except visitors from Zion Lodge and national park shuttles.

The canyon road goes up hill into the canyon for about 85 percent of the route. This really gives me a good workout but it also allows for a very peaceful and enjoyable ride back out the canyon. I’ve ridden this route about four times now. I have also cheated a few times by taking my bike on the bus into the canyon but we won’t speak of that.

I’ve been taking my usual hskes here. I’ve gone up Watchman Trail from my campsite a couple times in the morning. The Kayenta Trail is also scenic and good for a mild workout. It merges with the Emerald Pools which are always beautiful to see.

A new hike taken this visit was “The Narrows” river hike. This is my new favorite hike. You hike down the Virgin River right into the heart of Zion Canyon. The walls of the canyons narrow in on you, (hence the name) in several places and the colors of the walls change constantly as the sun moves across the sky.

The weather has been much warmer than I am use to and the mercury has peaked into the 100s during midday several times. I’ve combated by doing odds and ends during this time or hanging out at the Pioneer Lodge and Coffee Shop and getting some work done there. I highly recommend this place. The people are friendly, the ice coffee is excellent and I always feel welcome.

Zion has been a quiet peaceful escape. This is a place I would love to move to but realistically right now, is probably not going to happen.

Below are some other scenes that I saw on my trekkings day to day. I love Zion National Park. I definitely will be back.

Click to view all

Meet Kramer the Macaw

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Very early the other morning I was heading to the restroom on the South Campground here at Zion National Park and I saw this man leaving the bathroom with a parrot on his shoulder. Quite honestly, it was early and I just thought I must of imagined it. Low and behold I heard the bird later in the day and saw she and her owner at a nearby campsite.

The bird’s name is Kramer and she has been with her owner for 17 years. She pretty much goes everywhere with her owner, Dr. Glenn Greenfield. She even goes mountain biking with him. Below is a video about the bird and her owner.

Why not to always blindly follow your GPS

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On my way to Zion National Park, my GPS told me to turn right on this dirt road. Well as a guy, I naturally figured the GPS wouldn’t steer me wrong. Besides, the GPS said I would only be on this dusty path for a few miles. Well I was wrong and after driving 7 miles down this washboard route, I decided it best to turn around and go the old fashioned way and I pulled out an atlas.