First we took the slightly scary ride up the chair lift to the top of the ridge. I found the dismount disconcerting when you had to leap off and run so the chair didn't cut you down at the knees.
Ron looks very much at home on the lift, although a bit cold. Today dawned cool and blessedly not humid. The sky was as blue as it is in Utah.
Here's the group at the overlook. That's Natural Bridge in the background.
Here's a zoomed version.
Walking along the ridge top, we ran into this family who were doing something I found fascinating. The father and four kids (one is out of the picture) are on a trip. They brought along cardboard pictures of the mother and child who couldn't come along so they could be in every picture. I thought that was unbelievably clever and touching.
At the end of the ridge was a spot labeled 'Lover's Leap', where I had to pose.
After walking across the natural bridge, riding the chair back down, and eating lunch, some of the group decided to explore a few of the many trails in the area. Here are Will, Valerie, Ron, Peggy, and Marvin taking a break at one of the trail shelters built by the CCC.
Here's the view from under the natural bridge.
And the stone steps carved through a slot between the rocks that go to the top.
Peggy gracefully navigated this low spot in the trail.
You might have noticed I'm not in any of these pictures.
That's because
I'm
lying
at the bottom
of Lover's Leap.
I guess I got a little too close to the edge.
Happily Ron was able to revive me with a free iced mocha from McDonald's. In case you haven't seen it advertised, McDonald's is giving away free samples of their hot or iced mocha coffee every Monday (7am to 7pm) until August 3. Mark your calendar for next Monday and get yours.
Looks like a great hike. I remember those challenging chair lift dismounts with skis on.
ReplyDeleteI visited Natural Bridge many years ago...I didnt ride a chair lift but have ridden them when skiing Im sure its easier to ski off than to jump off the chair. Wonderful photos.
ReplyDeleteSounds like your having a lot of fun. Our family is arriving there on Saturday. Are you staying at the campground at the park or elsewhere. Just wondering if the campground is nice.
ReplyDeleteWe were supposed to stay in Koomer Campground in the Daniel Boone NF, but there wasn't room for all the big rigs in the group. It was very nice, though. I would highly recommend it. We also looked at the campgrounds in the State Park - okay, but close together. I assume you have reservations. We ended up at a private CG just behind the rest area at Exit 33 off Mountain Parkway. They gave us a good deal and are super nice.
ReplyDeleteBack to the Johnson's question, I forgot about the 'family' part. The park seems to have lots of activities including a HUGE pool. Your family will love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update on Natural Bridge- it's been a long time since I was there. We are going to be in Berea/Renfro KY for a family reunion on Friday and Saturday and we thought while we were there we might as well take the kids on a little mini vacation. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
ReplyDeleteThe Johnson Family
Looks like a lot of fun. Sure glad Ron was able to revive you!
ReplyDelete