ZION NATIONAL PARKS' TUNNEL

"Under a wine-dark sky I
walk through light reflected
and re-reflected from the walls
and floor of the canyon, a radiant
golden light that glows on rock
and stream, sand and leaf in
varied hues of amber, honey,
whiskey--the light that never
was is here, now, in the storm
sculptured gorge...
from:Desert Solitaire
by: Edward Abbey

Not too far from the beautiful Zion Lodge you can find a VERY famous tunnel.
Legends have been born within its confines.
Local yokels love joking about some of the "illegal" activities that have taken place in this marvelous tunnel.
During the Centennial Celebration, which took place about a month ago, these old timers and local young folks spoke openly about all the antics they 'got away with' within its darkness. (I suppose many of us never grow up!!) There aren't many people who can brag about a run through a mile and a half long tunnel which was built 80 yrs ago in the mighty sandstone cliffs. The best boasts of all where those about the crazies that ran though in their birthday suits!! (there are no lights built into the walls and ceilings of the antiquated tunnel.) Running from one carved out window to the next on a starless night would be a thrill unique to only this tunnel. Add to the thrill, the possibility of a car plowing you down in the middle of the night...and voila...legends are born!!!
But on the day of the Centennial Celebration, were events that may NEVER happen again.
First off, all traffic through the park was halted.
For hours. (20,000 cars travel through the park on any given summer day.)
Then a passel of shuttle buses were enlisted to shuttle the select few to the north entrance of the tunnel. This is where we began the leisurely stroll down through history and an engineering marvel.
And nobody was excluded either. Once you had your "golden ticket," walkers in wheelchairs and folks pushing walkers all were able to make their way through. Hiking apparel wasnt required and hiking sandals and flip-flops were allowed.
It was a wondrous way to spend an afternoon. I knew full well how lucky I was to be able to attend such an event. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now its my job to to continue to try and spread the word about all the glories of Zion National Park. Its pay-it-forward for me!!

(oh yeah!! If you are an engineer freak or a history buff or just a lover of all things Zions Park, BUY this book for a mere 5 bucks!! The proceeds go directly to the Park!! Its a beautiful publication, full of the most amazing black and whites of the building of the tunnel. It'll be the best 5 bucks you've spent in a long time!!!)