Zion National Park- Overstimulation: Resting in the Virgin River

Overstimulation: Resting in the Virgin River

By Armando Ortiz

In the heart of Zion National Park, amidst the towering canyons and desert landscapes, I found myself wading in the quiet waters of the Virgin River. As we submerged our bodies in the cool river, I began to reflect on life. It's so easy to get caught up multitasking and doing multiple things at once and how nature offers a welcome respite from the constant electronic overstimulation.

As I rested my body in the waters, I became captivated by the magical beauty surrounding me. I noticed different dragonflies hovering along the river’s edge, some iridescent shimmering in the sunlight, ruby red, blue topaz or pastel yellow. tiny fish began to nibble at my fingers. At that moment I realized that mountains weren’t simply triangular peaks but are also narrow canyons and flat mesas. Floating in the water I realized sandstone can be made up of a spectrum of oranges, with hot pinks and crimson reds bended like a layered velvet cake with hints of tangerine.

In the midst of this sacred place, I was reminded that rivers weren't always freezing cold. In the desert heat of Zion National Park, where temperatures soared to 115 degrees fahrenheit, the river’s 75 degree waters became a cooling sanctuary. Luckily I was not alone to enjoy these waters. Yeny was there with me. Other visitors were enjoying splashing into the waters. 

Being overstimulated by nature brings with it a serene experience, and as I moved my arms and legs in the water I wondered about the lives of those that once called this land home. Even more profound were the cottonwood trees lining the river, and watching its branches sway with the wind and its leaves switch from muted green to yellow green like tiny hands waving at everyone there. The cottonwood trees seemed to whisper secrets of the past, leaving me wondering about the lives of those who once called this place home and how they adapted to the environment. What materials did they use to build their homes? Where did they seek shelter and shade? Among the aspen or juniper trees? How did they navigate the intricate maze of the canyons? Could the alpine plateaus have been locations for the hunt? What vision quests did they embark upon? 

This is what you experience as you rest in the shallow waters of the Virgin River. It brought forth a flood of questions, eclipsing any answers offered by a search bar. It was both physical and intellectual stimulation that the river evoked, finding moments of peace as I moved my arms and legs through the water.

Resting in the Virgin River was more than just a physical experience. It was an experience of reflection and wonder. It opened my eyes to the magical beauty of nature and its ability to transport us through time and space. We left the river with a greater appreciation for the delicate balance of life and an insatiable curiosity about the past and the untold stories they held.

If you ever find yourself longing for a special connection with nature, and are open to consider history’s mysteries, I encourage you to dip your body in the Virgin River. Embrace the colors, the extreme elements, and listen to the whispers of the past, and let nature become the screen that over-stimulates your senses with its boundless wonders.

Zion National Park: Driving along the Canyons

Zion National Park: Driving along the Canyons

By Armando Ortiz

The word Zion is imbued with a sense of sacredness, like a land set aside for divine reasons and Zion National Park lives up to its divine name. Visiting a national park one can expect to be in awe of nature's beauty and a visit to this park goes beyond that expectation. Driving through the canyons of Zion National Park became an unforgettable experience. Entering the park and driving through the canyon took me through an array of memories. At one point I saw things from films I saw in my childhood, and at other times I was reminded of the ancient artifacts that I’ve seen in museums. At other times it seemed that the canyons contained all the images I'd come across up to that point in my life. I’ll briefly attempt to describe my experience.

As you drive the mind begins to work magic and things that probably aren’t there begin to emerge. No matter the time of day, the wonder of this park will have a visual impact. Driving along the edges of the park’s canyon, the majesty and greenery that contrasts with the reds and oranges begin to change. It's as if the sun's movement creates a prism of rich oranges. One begins to wonder if the mind is playing tricks on what we see. After a while, the walls turn into giant sphinxes, towers that inspired the great wall. As if Waldo all of a sudden began appearing in places you thought couldn’t. Except what we are looking at isn’t a book.

As you curve around the edge you see glimpses of petrified orange cream popsicles. This canyon is a geologic wonder veiled in mystery and every eye has its own interpretation. Everyone captures a unique angle of light and reflection Other points look like former Apache lookout posts weathered by the sun. One begins to wonder what the ancient people saw within these walls. Maybe what we see at a distance are abandoned Pioneer forts and homesteads of sandstone slabs. Possibly these canyons were carved out by extraterrestrials and these slabs are a sarcophagus of extinct giants. Coming down on a full moon and carving their wonder. These walls also tap into your own memories. You see a Darth Vader memorial frieze forever imprinted on a canyon relief. The drive becomes a meditating experience where you focus on the road, but let the mind's eye discover these mirages. Along or with others the drive becomes a unique individual experience.

As you continue winding up the canyon there is a bridge being carved away by time’s weathering seasons- completion dates unknown. The sun creates a shadow at the bottom of the canyon. I stopped the car and we got off. Cottonwood shrubs were protecting a creek. Ground squirrels scurrying for cover get your attention. Along the cliffs, at a distance you notice eroded Babylonian griffins, specks to the thunderbird faces one sees stamped on tops of layer mesas. One is reminded of all those museum visits one has taken. It's as if one undergoes a review of all that one has seen.

You pull aside, park your car to take a break, and step out to walk a bit and you see the images of wild horses galloping across plateaus carved on the cliff sides. You might identify other images and discover other carvings. Our mind becomes the hands that discover these mirages. The heat at times becomes overwhelming and you take a drink of water. Water intake becomes important. Nearby, in between the clay layered slots, remnants of spaceships that crashed on the sides of the towers can be glimpsed. These canyons are home to a multitude of animals we probably won't see under the midday sun. Deer emerge later in the day along with smaller mammals. Dragonflies cross your path reminding you that at the bottom of the canyon runs water.

Zion National Park is a place imbued with sacredness. It's a special place that will leave you wondering how something so beautiful could be nature's work. The park’s ease of access allows you to explore its canyons and drive through the park and stop along the way. The vistas here are magical and at times make you have a deep sense of spiritual connection to the land. It's a visit that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Wandering Wonder: Free-verse Piece

Wandering Wonder

By Armando Ortiz

Wandering soul of wonder, 

under the noon sun splendor.

Meandering through the summer, 

inside a jacaranda temple.

A gentle river in late september, 

cooling our feet from a day’s labor.

I close my eyes to open them again, 

and feel the season’s tenor.

The next moment seems frozen, 

her touch is forever tender.

An easterly breeze sweeps, 

making trees sway gentle.