Up and Over

We did the Up and Over hike today with some friends, including Maren and Stewart and their new dog Gracie.  I think it was a pretty big hike for Gracie -- who probably had never hiked in her life.  The Up and Over has been our standard "go to" hike this spring while we wait for the upper trails to melt off.  It is a great hike in the foothills above the University of Utah that goes up above Red Butte Creek to Van Cott Peak and down the other side along a ridgeline overlooking the Huntsman Cancer Institute.  We have done this hike over 20 times already this year. 

Trailhead Elevation:  4,990 ft
Peak Elevation:  6,348 ft
Total Elevation Gain:  1,358 ft
Total Distance:  4 miles
Total Time:  2.25 hours

Blood Work Results

Kidney, electrolyte, liver function, thyroid and CBC tests were all normal.  Vitamin D deficiency indicated.  Here are the specific results of the blood work:

Blood Sugar Level:  85 (normal is less than 100)
Cholesterol:  169 (normal is less than 200)
Triglycerides:  54 (normal is less than 154)
HDL Cholesterol:  54 (normal is greater than 50)
LDL Cholesterol:  104 (normal is less than 130)

Physical Exam

Well, a trip to Africa and a climb to 19,000 feet seems to be good cause for a general pre-trip check up with the doctor.  I went in yesterday for my first physical exam in probably 5 years.  I forgot how many places they can find to poke and prod.  Even though the trip is still nearly 4 months away, I decided to get in to the doctor sooner rather than later just in case something needs to be addressed.  So far, everything looks good.  I just have to wait to get the blood work back.  Interestingly, it feels reassuring to know that everything looks in order.  I consider myself pretty healthy, so I wasn't expecting to feel any sort of relief.  I guess we all harbor a bit of insecurity and doubt when it comes to our health.  I'm definitely glad I got the "once over" if nothing more than to feel more confident about my health and fitness level.  Anything I can do to add to the confidence level for the trip is a plus in my book.  If you can fit it in to the training regimen, I would definitely recommend adding the physical exam to your preparations for the trip. 

Observation Point

For our final day in Zion, we hike Observation Point.  This trail twists and turns up Echo Canyon on what seems like an interminable trail.  Maybe we were just tired from all the hiking we had done.  After climbing up the canyon, the trail follows the ridge like a horseshoe to Observation Point.  You can see the destination in the distance.  The wind was howling across the ridge at probably 30 mph gusts.  We didn't get to really enjoy the view with the searing wind, but the point does provide expansive views in all directions.


Trailhead Elevation: 4,360 ft
Observation Point Elevation:  6,507 ft
Total Elevation Gain:  2,147 ft
Total Distance:  8 miles
Total Time:  5 hours

West Rim Spring

On the same day we did Angels Landing, we ventured out on the West Rim Trail to Cabin Spring.  This trail is epic.  We started out from Scout's Lookout at the base of Angels Landing.  After a brief uphill slog, the trail opened up into Telephone Canyon surrounded by white and red cliffs and cascading waterfalls.  It was just beautiful.  After a few hours, the trail comes to a horseshoe and seems to disappear, only to continue to the ridge on a path literally chiseled out of the cliff face.  It was amazing. 



Trailhead Elevation:  4,297 ft
West Rim Elevation:  6,736 ft
Total Elevation Gain:  2,439 ft
Total Distance:  6 miles
Total Time:  4 hours

Angels Landing

We managed to make it up Angels Landing in Zion NP.  It took me two tries.  The first time I was by myself and chickened out.  The second time I was with Mary and I bought a hat like my friend suggested and DID NOT LOOK DOWN.  I just followed Mary's footsteps up the craggly ridges.  For those of us afraid of heights, this one takes the cake. I'm glad I can say I have done this one!

Trailhead Elevation:  4,297
Angels Landing Elevation:  5,785 ft
Total Elevation Gain:  1,488 ft
Total Distance:  5.4 miles
Total Time:  3 hours