Zion Nat'l Park

Salvation in the form of a stream. Until the biting flies came out.
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We left Bryce Canyon and headed for Zion National Park.  Little did we know that we would be coming down from elevation and into 90 degree weather again!  We did a one night backpacking trip (Maggie''s first backpacking.. awww) in the Kolob Canyons section of the park.  It was hard to appreciate the beautiful scenery as we sweated our way through the desert and then swatted flies away on our hike in.  Luckily it cooled off at night and we were more prepared for the hike back out of the canyon (unfortunately it was all uphill).  We found an oasis swimming hole to cool off for a bit on the hike out, and also caught a brief glimpse of a rattlesnake... eek!

So. Hot.
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We spent the next two days in the rest of the park and did two main hikes.  The Narrows is basically just walking up the river at the bottom of the canyon.  Our feet were very wet, but we stayed very cool.  The next morning we got up early (surprising, I know) and hiked up to Angels Landing, which is this really ridiculously steep hike with incredible views.  It was well worth the grueling uphill sections with 1500 foot cliffs on the side.  We experienced some great camaraderie among others trekking up and clutching the chains for dear life.