Virgin River Narrows Zion National Park, Utah

May 1, 2021

At the Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel

As predicted, the Visitor Center parking lot is full.  After making several rounds of the lot, I kick the others out of the car, telling them to get themselves onto the shuttle and not to rely upon my attendance.  I will try to park elsewhere and make it back before our one-hour time-window expires.

I do find a $20 parking space about a quarter-mile from the park.  By running from the lot and shortcutting around the normal pedestrian entrance, I do manage to make it back within the designated time.  I see Teri standing near the head of the waiting line; but before I can get her attention, she has boarded the bus.

Awaiting the shuttle

Exiting an empty shuttle

At the end of the ride, I set out briskly on the Riverside Walk, assuming that the others are somewhere ahead of me.

Beginning the Riverside Walk

Well, I had expected probably to have caught up with the gang by now, but no.  Because I was in such a hurry, I am missing both my water shoes and my noeprene socks; but that is okay.  Having done this previously, I anticipate no particular issues.  I do have my strong wooden hiking pole, which was purchased just for this endeavor back in 2014 and hasn't been used since.

It's time to get wet

The water is only thigh-deep in most spots, but proves crotch-deep in one place

Last time, the water was nearly a foot shallower on average.

A nifty cascade

It is easiest to hug the walls

By now seems very likely that nobody I know is ahead of me in the river; for I surely would have spotted someone by now.  There is nothing for it now than to continue at least a ways farther than I managed on my prior visit

Charting new territory

Beautiful

End of the line for me

I nearly lose it here in the rapids

Heading back

The masses have arrived

After a while, water temperature is no longer a factor; and getting around is pretty easy with reasonable care.

A homemade walking stick

Nearing the finish

Shooting Stars

My photographs aren't the best today, because for safety reasons I am toting only my waterproof model, which has been submerged several times.  In particular, the macro mode has ceased to function; and that's why those shooting stars are somewhat out of focus.

Telephone Creek Falls are dry

Just as I approach the shuttle stop, Dave appears on the trail, accompanied by Mary, Paul, and Eileen.  In their collective wisdom they seem to have concluded that it would take me three hours to park the car in Springdale and make it up to this trailhead.  Go figure.  On the other hand, I did tell them not to be concerned about me, and that's what happened.

In any case, the prospect of waiting back at the Visitor Center is highly unappealing; so I opt to accompany the group back up the mile-long Riverside Walk.  Having done enough wading for today, I will wait for them at this point instead, for as long as it takes.

Dave and Eileen set out into the river

Paul and Mary soon follow

Eileen returns shortly, having been put off by the depth of the water

A new friend    ⇔

Eileen properly declines to feed the critter, but many others ignore the park admonishments.  At least one rodent's cheeks are bulging with unhealthful goodies.

Dave returns

I miss a photo-op here, when Mary trips and falls into the river at her last opportunity.

Paul and Mary return (post-dunking)

Judging from the short stays in the water, it seems that the vaunted river-walk proved less exciting than had been hoped.

A pretty alcove

The Virgin River currently is poisonous to drink

Hiking along its bank is great, though