07/16/2021
After all-day hiking the narrows with the family, the temperature hit 111 degrees🥵. The water and shady areas keep you cool for 90% of the hike but the last mile is perhaps the most challenging since it’s outside of the water and directly in the sun. 🌞. If you start early in the morning, it’s very deceptive as the shade and water almost makes it cold but around 2p, the heat turns pretty drastically.
As we made our way down to the shuttle, we realized one of the family who separated from us around 11a to make it all the way to the waterfall did so without food and only a half bottle of water. The worry began to set in as I saw an ambulance and sheriffs at the ready at the parks entrance. The park employees consistently said to make sure you take precautions with at least a gallon of water per person and food as the safety and emergency services are so busy this time of the year that you most likely have to fend for yourself.
I figured we’d give it another hour since he’d gone about that far ahead of us, get the family to the camp, and then if we didn’t hear anything, pack a bag and head back up the mountain. Luckily, I chilled most of the day with the boys, my mom, and grandpa, so had conserved my energy which at this point, I figured was for this purpose.
I took this photo immediately after getting word that he made it through and they were coming down. He experienced heat exhaustion and extreme dehydration but was safe. 🙏🏽
Zion is an amazing place to explore and has beauty beyond words but it’s power must be respected. Whether the flash floods or extreme heat, understand the risks, be prepared, and enjoy it with someone. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING US TOGETHER, THANK YOU FOR YOUR BEAUTY, AND THAN YOU FOR THE EXPERIENCE ALONG THIS JOURNEY. THIS TOO IS ZION.
❤️ 🌎
