Zion Canyon: Angel's Landing Oct. 2009

Brad took the Boy Scout troop to Zion National Park in Utah to hike Angel's Landing.

Just minutes before breaking camp and starting the hike, Matt Mohlman and Joshua were enjoying the smell of the smoke from the campfire.

Kirk Walker, T.J. Angilau, Brandon Jackson, Matt Mohlman and Joshua sitting around the campfire in the morning before the hike, waiting for Brad to put down the camera and start making breakfast for them. (Just kidding, Kirk.)

The hiking path to Angel's Landing started by crossing over the Virgin River.

The Scouts were lucky to enjoy a picture-perfect fall day in Zion Canyon.

One of the most famous segments of the hike is Walter's Wiggles, a series of switchbacks up the back of Angel's Landing that look a lot more intimidating than they are.

Joshua and the rest of the troop hiked up Angel's Landing. The highlight of the hike was the land bridge--a narrow pathway across to the rock formation that is Angel's Landing. A few feet to either side would result in a fall of 1,000 feet or more.

At certain points of the hike, the land bridge is so narrow that there is a chain to assist hikers.

On the way up, the Scouts caught the rare sight of a massive California Condor soaring over Zion Canyon. This fantastic bird has an incredible wingspan of 8 to 10 feet.

Joshua made it to the top! Way to go!

The Troop and other hikers rested at the top of Angel's Landing and enjoyed the scenery before heading back down the rock.

Joshua was so excited to make it to the top.

Joshua found a chipmunk and shared some of his snacks with the little beggar.

Josh and Brad on top of the rock with Zion Canyon and the West Rim behind them.

Angel's Landing provides a spectacular view of Zion Canyon.

Joshua Earns His Arrow of Light

Joshua was presented the Arrow of Light, the highest award in Cub Scouting. He has enthusiastically pursued completing the requirements, often without "encouragement" from his parents. If there ever was a Cub Scout who deserved this award, it is Josh. Congratulations, buddy!

Desert Inn

Our stake had a campout at the church's Warm Springs Ranch for 11-year-old scouts.

Joshua and I went because the 11-year-old scouts are part of my responsibility and
Joshua is about three weeks shy of his 11th birthday. The Warm Springs Ranch is a
desert oasis in the Moapa area purchased in 1978 by the church from the estate of
Howard Hughes, the former owner of the ranch. The area called the pond is shown above.

The patrols lined up in the morning for assembly and announcements.

In the morning, the scouts were busy with classes on orienteering, starting fires
without matches or lighters, and safety handling pocketknives.

In the afternoon, the emphasis was a fitness course.
Joshua is in the blue hat doing pushups.

Pullups on the monkey bars followed.

The course culminated in a 40-yard dash. You can tell Joshua
means business as he is rolling up his sleeves.