Observation Point - An Unreachable Destination

Zion Canyon

 “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” - Greg Anderson

Zion National Park is known for its dry heat, clean air and bright colors but on this day the canyon is cool and wet. During a steady drizzle, we begin our steep ascent up the dark, weeping wall.

Despite the limited light, the narrow gorge displays a wide value range. Under such conditions the desert can’t be seen in black and white, it must be expressed with a thousand shades of gray.

Lofty height is earned quickly from a steady effort exerted up the long switchbacks. The far rim vanishes in a veil of dark clouds as the storm descends below and settles over the riverbed.

The dangerous ravine is approached with respect but climbed with confidence. While walking a narrow line, the airy landscape is visually stunning but frightful vertigo is induced to the sensitive viewer.

A slender cavern provides surprisingly dry cover during the heaviest downpour. Pressing ever forward across slippery rock, the massive landscape is completely quiet.

After taking it to the limit, our unfortunate return is reluctantly arranged. Unfazed by the uncomfortable elements, we just miss the vertical max because time expired.

Despite our best efforts, the Point remains unreachable but that’s okay because there’s something I’ve learned concerning life. The journey is what brings us happiness, not the destination.

A steady drizzle in Zion National Park

The gorge displays a wide value range

A thousand shades of gray

Lofty height is earned quickly

The far rim vanishes in a veil

A storm settles below

The dangerous ravine is approached with respect

The airy landscape is stunning

Unfazed by the elements

We missed the vertical max

We gave our best effort

It's the journey, not the destination

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