Hank came by for some Zion fun this Memorial Day weekend. First on the itinerary was to take a look at the BIG DROP in Telephone Canyon. Second was a quick run through Fat Man's Misery.

Wading through the tourists on the West Rim Trail.

Hank posing on the summit of Angels Landing. Nice headstand, Hank.

Below the trail and crossing of Telephone, we found some nice potholes.

And quite a nice Arch. Location: NAD83 12S 326760mE 4128549mN

Travelling with Hank, you get to see a lot of snakes. This was a nice Bull Snake that did some great hissing.

The snake.

A bit of a drop, out at the end. 900 feet down to the Temple of Sinawava.

On to Fat Man's. I had done it many years ago with Brian Cabe in July. We had a good time, but I was unimpressed. Hank assured me it was better than I thought. OK, let's go take a look.

Lots of flowers out this spring.
Berry Pricklypear
Opuntia phaeacantha engelm
Cactus Family

Hank walking the slickrock toward Misery Canyon.

Some Kinda Penstemon
Penstemon so’enorother
Figwort Family
Lots of these around, I’m surprised they’re not in my Zion wildflowers book.

Hank.

Descending the slickrock bowl into Misery Canyon.

First rappel.

Berry Pricklypear
Opuntia phaeacantha engelm
Cactus Family

We got an early start, I guess. Hank struggling for wakefullness, at an interesting rappel anchor.

First arch in Misery Canyon.

Downclimbing a slot, just before the second arch.

Second arch in Misery.

Descending into a slot, near the confluence.

Getting into the final grotto section. Me. Photo by Hank.

Arches in the Grotto. Photo by Hank.

Downclimb in the Grotto. Photo by Hank.

Pool in the Grotto.

Grim Hank……………………………Smiling Hank.

East Fork Virgin River.

The exit.

Golden Columbine
Aquilegia chrysantha gray
Buttercup Family

The Powell Plaque.

Palmer’s Penstemmon.

Spreading Fleabane (I think?)
Erigeron divergens
Sunflower Family (Asteraceae)

Hymenopappus filifolius - Aster family.

Did find a benchmark section quarter, out there in the slickrock.

There were a few nice Yucca blooms.

Some nice slickrock hiking on the way out.

Thanks, Hank, for coming by and getting me out of the house. Two fine hikes and great companionship.