Since I made the second toughest hike of Zion Park the day before on Angels Landing, I decided I might as well go for the toughest hike and take on Observation Point.

Observation Point is an 8 mile/5 hour hike that takes you even higher than Angels Landing. If fact you can see Angels Landing in the picture above, just across the way.

I was better prepared for this hike by carrying more water and a lunch to eat.

The hike was harder in some ways. It’s an hour longer and my body did notice it next morning. You do hike along sheer cliffs like Angels Landing, but there was no need for cables.

I did get rained on “just a bit” when I reached the top. It was still beautiful to see.

This hike had more to see as you hike up and down the trail.

I’m on my way to Moab, UT this weekend. I will have a riding buddy for a couple of days. He’s a rider I met in the campground here in Zion. He’s riding from Alaska and he is on a 7 month trip. (I could only dream.)

More later…

I’ve been wanting to do some serious hiking in some of these parks. Well I have now. I also wanted to know what the parks considered a “Strenuous” hike and whether I could handle it. Yes…I found out I can. (BARELY)

The first day in Zion I planned on doing a moderate hike to Hidden Canyon. I got off on the wrong bus stop and decided to hike Angels Landing instead since I was at the trailhead already. I didn’t realize what the hike was and if I did, I probably would not have gone. I’M VERY GLAD I DID. This was the best hike I have ever had.

Angels Landing is a 5 mile/4 hour hike that the Natl. Parks consider strenuous and a little dangerous.

An average of 1 or 2 people a year fall to their death on the Angel’s Landing hike each year. I know why.

There is are parts to Angels Landing that are only 5 feet across with drop offs on both sides of the ledge. I no longer have fear of heights, I have decided. Once up at the top, you get get some great views.

Eric, Notice I got good use out of The ATL BMW shirt you gave me. It is holding up well.

Most of the hike up was steep and hard. I took breaks to see what was around me and it was pretty as well.

This little guy came up and said “Hi”

I made it back down and didn’t get a heart attack so I guess I am still in “decent” shape. This was a funny hike. Once you hit the halfway point, you have to make it to the top. People coming down inspire you so much by their comments. I did have the occasional person that didn’t go all the way and say…”You are crazy to go.” Well I sure was glad I did. This was an experience I will remember my entire life.

I stayed in Boulder City, NV last week for about 4 days so I could get some odds and ends completed. As usual everything took longer than I thought.

David Earl from the motorcycle group “The Chain Gang”, (a group of bikers who own BMW F650’s,) was kind enough to loan me his garage so I could take care of an ongoing fork seal leaking issue on my bike.  I also changed my engine oil.  Both were a success.

Other things I had to accomplish was to return some camping REI stuff that didn’t work, get new tires on my bike and other minor things that just took too darn long.

I did make it to the Las Vegas strip, but I wasn’t too excited about it.   I think you need to be with friends to enjoy Las Vegas.

My plan after Vegas was to go to Texas and the Harvest Vintage Bike Rally near San Antonio. I stopped in Zion Natl. Park in Utah first and fell in love.  This was view from my campsite the evening I arrived. Right then I knew I wouldn’t make the rally in Texas.

More soon…