Stephenson Family Ties

There were almost no other words spoken, 

fro the simple reason that there was nothing

more anyone could say.  Besides, this thing which 

had happened to them struck the Larkins' hearts too 

deeply for chatter.  They were unequal, even, to 

the obvious necessity of expressing gratitude.

from: Blue Willow

by: Doris Gates

On the way up to Angels Landing a couple of weeks ago...we spotted this fine feathered friend standing like a  garden statue in the Virgin River.  We stopped and stared back at him...being almost as still, for we didnt want to frighten this grand creature away.  Our patience paid off..for we watched him dive into the water after a fish...though how he could see anything swimming under the surface of that muddy spring melting river is anyones guess!?  Im not exaggerating when I say that this handsome fellow must have stood an impressive 4 ft from his claws to his yellow plumed head!!! Impressive!!!

"You see these things, even if you are not looking. You come out and the animals will find you, even if you never know they are there.  Whether you are observant, curious, unaware, reluctant, or apathetic, they will find you.  As they move around you, they will make tracks of different sizes, different gaits, different numbers and shapes of toes and claws, leaving signatures as they turn their weight into the ground to watch you.  ..Always there will be a brilliance of form and function in such discreet and flagrant abundance that the universe must be nothing but a bottomless grab bag of ingenuity.   -Craig Child

And it has finally happened!!!  FINALLY!!!  Every visit to Zion...I look heavenward...in the hopes of spotting the local condors.  Everyone sees the condors...everyone except me!!!  Angels Landing is the most common spot to see them.  And I have climbed Wally's Wiggles, and rested at Scout's Lookout and have daringly made the accent to the Landing...many times...and not once have been able to spy those magnificent birds!!
Then remarkably...when I was least expecting it...there they were, high above Refrigerator Canyon...circling, circling, climbing higher and higher into that azure blue sky!! I was so happy I let out a whoop!!! Did a little jug, dancing for joy!!! Yep...every day in Zion there is a gift...and wondrous natural gift!!!

The Life of an animal lies outside of conjecture.  It is far beyond the scientific papers and the campfire stories. It is as true as breath.  It is as important as the words of children. 
 - Craig Childs