It would take a starving lion even to attempt an attack on another predator my size. And I carry a gun. I'm a solo hiker in mountain lion country; I'm not stupid.
Read MoreElk Dance Loop Trail. Photo by author. copyright BrickBarnBlog2023.
Sawmill Reservoir. Photo by author. copyright BrickBarnBlog2023.
Sawmill Reservoir Trail. Breckenridge, Colorado
I could have driven, but frankly, that would have been embarrassing. I prefer to stop on the side of the road, double over, with hands on my knees, gasping for air as cars drive by (sarcasm).
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The waterfalls of Emerald Pools (and upper Emerald Pools). Zion National Park. copyright BrickBarnBlog2023
Emerald Pools. Temple of Sinawava - UT, quad (Zion National Park)
The track is muddy, slick, and steeper than I remember; however, the views of wet sandstone, green trees, and abundant waterfalls take my breath away.
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“View through Twin Pines Arch” copyright BrickBarnBlog2022
Twin Pines Arch (Zion National Park)
Twin Pines Arch is a sliver of rock extending from one of the cliff bands. It is visible from Hwy-9 if you know where to look; however, it also blends perfectly with the surrounding rock.
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“Rosebud” copyright BrickBarnBlog2022
Hiking the Grapevine Trail to Left Fork North Creek (Zion National Park)
The trip Report Hiking the Grapevine Trail to Left Fork North Creek is part of The Space Between the Lines blog series devoted to hiking, peak-bagging, and ATV/OHV riding in the backcountry and byways of the world.
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“North Guardian Angel” copyright BrickBarnBlog2022
Northgate Peaks Trail. The Guardian Angels - UT, quad (Zion National Park)
I’m trying to get back into hiking shape; however, it feels like I have a long way to go. I had knee reconstruction surgery toward the end of March. I completed my physical therapy without too much squealing and crying like a ten-year-old girl. Please don’t verify that with the PA; the leg feels good and strong.
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“End of the ridge” looking West toward West Temple. Hwy-9 below. Copyright BrickBarnBlog2022
Twin Pines Arch Loop. Springdale East - Ut, quad (Zion National Park)
The ridgeline ends with an almost sheer drop to the highway below; the elevation and location allow for a straight-line view as the road twists and turns in both directions. It is a stunning viewpoint, and I sit in the shade to drink some water and soak it all in.
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“Desert Tank” Copyright BrickBarnBlog2022
Many Pools. Springdale East - UT, quad (Zion National Park)
With blazing blue skies, I follow the dozens of cars moving slowly through Springdale, Utah, toward the south entrance to the park.
Read MoreRed Cliffs Conservation Area ATV ride, Babylon Arch, UNP 3980. Hurricane - UT, quad
I enter through a gate in the fence and follow the well-worn path, which quickly spiders in dozens of directions. Of the information I did read, not being able to follow the trail was the largest complaint.
Read MoreRock Springs Creek, Rincon Butte and Bear Paw Petroglyphs. Slickrock Bench - UT and Bull Valley - UT, quadrangles
Before joining the Paria river, Rock Springs Creek makes a long sweeping turn northward before finally connecting with the Paria channel. The current path circumvents around Rincon Butte, a stone abutment separating the two channels. I follow the existing trail near the rock face and hike up onto a sagebrush-covered sandbar, searching for petroglyphs.
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