“A Sanctuary. A place of life and hope.”
A place that has been in my backyard my WHOLE life. Zion’s National Park is the most beautiful and incredible place on earth. I’ve found peace in the red rocks that surround me and the sanctuary that is Zion’s.
My husband has been living in Utah for about 10 months now and me, being the slacker wife I am, hadn’t taken him to Zion’s yet. We woke up one Saturday morning and the weather was perfect, we both had the day off, neither of us were sick, and we were getting cabin fever so what better way to kick off spring break than with a trip to Zion’s.
My hubby is DEFINITELY the ultimate adventure buddy. He is so gung-ho for anything and thrives of of spontaneity. When I suggested that we go on my favorite hike, Angels Landing, he grabbed some energy drinks and some beef jerky and said,”Alright! Let’s go!”
For those who don’t know, Angels Landing is a 5.4 mile, round trip hike up a 5, 790 foot peak with straight drop offs on either side and chains along the trail to help pull yourself up the mountain. It’s rated “strenuous” and that’s no joke. It’s frightening, and potentially dangerous, but the view is SO worth it. Whether balancing on the rocky trail or trudging up “Walter’s Wiggles”, which is 21 switchbacks IN A ROW, the breathtaking surroundings somehow distract you from the fear and fatigue.
Watching my husband on the hike was like watching a kid in Disneyland. He was marveling at the sights and his appreciation for nature is seriously incredible. He shows me all sorts of ways to appreciate the world, and I am so grateful for that. 
Seeing it though, how could you not appreciate this beauty?
Hours without cell service left me with time to talk to my husband, and it was SO wonderful. I think I get so caught up in the stresses of my world, that I forget to slow down and actually live.
But look how much there is to live.
The pathway is so narrow that during your ascent you have to wait for the other people to pass as they make their descent. You end up in hodgepodge groups as you catch up to each other in the waiting game. The communication that is required for safety on this hike is refreshing, because by the end of the hike you’re sharing jerky with the couple from India and switching off role as photographer and model with college students.
On the way down our legs were shaking, the sun was setting, our carb loaded breakfast was no longer assisting us, and the fatigue was starting to make itself very aware. However, we were so full of peace that we couldn’t help but to sing the entire way down the wiggles and stop for a billion more pictures.
(Who wore it better?)
I guess that when you spend time where the Angels land, you get filled with the peace that the Angles have.
So now, I challenge you.
Go outside. Go on a hike. Go on a walk. Go with your loved ones.
Unplug and talk to those you love. It’s even better when surrounded by the beauty of God’s earth.
Look up for a minute. You don’t know what you’re missing.
XoXo, Aubree
Aubree Harper 