Winter Subway

Marty, Tully and I took advantage of the unusually warm February this year and ventured into the Subway of Zion National Park.  We actually entered the Subway via the Russell Gulch variation and arguably the more "pure" beginning for this fantastic back country route in Zion.  It was sunny and about 65 degrees in the afternoon.  Our start was at 1 pm due to Marty's college schedule.  We were not worried as we were confident we could negotiate the canyon in good time.  We found the water crystal clear and of course very cold.  A few pools had a half inch of ice floating on the top.  To our surprise and delight, we encountered no other parties of people in the Subway.  This made for a more wilderness experience and a great back country day.  The three of us have completed many a canyon together and once again we traveled quickly and quietly and savored the beauty of Zion.  Darkness was settling in as we trudged up the trail to the parking area with my truck.  Awesome day!