As I stated in my previous blog, I took a road trip before entering into the Army.
This trip was from Memphis, all the way to the west coast, with many life changing stops along the way. I wish I could tell you about every experience, but the postwould be unbearably lengthy. I will keep it somewhat short and just tell some of the big events. The previous blog about the Grand Canyon was obviously a big event on the road trip. After I made it back up to the top, I used the night to recover. Luckily, they had public showers and washers. I'm not going to lie, I was rank!
Once more, I camped in my previous primitive spot way off into the woods. I got the privilege of seeing some more wild elk. Don't worry... no growling from scary animals this time. I woke up early to a crisp 30 degrees and set off north to Utah. My next stop was Zion National park. This is the most beautiful place I have ever set eyes on.
The Grand Canyon was beautiful, but I will remember it more for its immensity and tranquility at the bottom. I will remember Zion for its astounding beauty. Other than mountain bike trails, I hiked two main trails here... "Angels Landing" and "The Narrows." Both trails are listed as "strenuous." Let's be honest though,... in comparison to the Grand Canyon, these hikes were not strenuous. However, I did pass signs that say, "Caution: This trail has resulted in death."
Angels landing: I wish that I was a prolific writer. Maybe then, I could attempt to describe the amazing beauty I saw at the top of this hike. Angel's landing is the heart of Zion. The journey to the top is just about 3 hours,... OF GREATNESS!
The trail culminates at a lofty perch, with magnificent views in every direction. One would think that this narrow ridge with deep chasms on each of its flanks would allure the most intrepid of hikers, but I was surprised to see quite a few regular hikers. Most gave up when it came time to pull ourselves up with chains. This was the most narrow part with 100 foot drop-offs on both sides. I enjoyed the rush. I have to say, the ones that gave up missed the greatest view God has ever blessed me with. I spent hours at the top. I stood in awe of Angels Landing's stunning nobility.
The Narrows: The Virgin River has carved a spectacular gorge in the upper section of Zion Canyon.
I feel the best word to describe the Narrows is character. This trail has so much character. Sixty percent of this hike is spent wading through freezing water. 
Once again, the magnificent views are worth the hard work. The narrow walls, carved smooth by the rushing water, shoot up hundreds of feet. This is yet another sight God has allowed me to marvel in.
After my amazing days spent in paradise, I ventured west to another one. I spent an insignificant night in Vegas. This was not the paradise. After one night in Vegas, I
yearned to see some more of God's beauty. This beauty was none other than the coast of Southern Cal baby! I had been on the road by myself for more than 10 days at this point. I set up camp on a cliff that overlooked the coast. I can not believe I camped at the bottom of the grand canyon and days later I camped on a random beach in southern California. I only had a "one night" permit to camp on the beach. This means I had just one west coast sunset to soak in. This was my first west coast sunset. I stood there, with feet in the water, watching in admiration.
I can not remember all my thoughts in that moment, but I know this was one of them: I thanked God for my awesome life. Most people plan to take a life changing cross-country road trip, but never follow through. I am thankful I took the chance.
