The Grotto

One of the most unique spots on the Virgin Narrows hike is the cave known as the Grotto. It also plays a major role in the book The Narrows Escape. The Grotto is campsite #8 for backpackers wishing to spend the night in the canyon rather than trying to complete the entire 16-mile hike in a single day. It is one of 12 campsites in the canyon, all located between the First Narrows and the main Narrows. Naturally, a backcountry camping permit is required to stay at the Grotto, or any of the other campsites in the Narrows. Here is a picture of our group at the Grotto:

Unfortunately, because of the flood, we were unable to reach this spot before nightfall. Instead, we slept at this campsite:

I honestly don't know which campsite this is, or if it is even a real campsite. I just know that it was nice to find somewhere reasonably dry to sleep.
In the story, The Narrows Escape, the Allreds end up sleeping at four different locations. Shane ends up sleeping at the Grotto, Arthur sleeps with the rangers and Bob somewhere between the waterfall and the Grotto (in the vicinity of campsites 2-4), Marvin and Trey stay at the bench they climbed to escape the flash flood (before the First Narrows), and the rest of the group camps shortly after the First Narrows (in the vicinity of campsite 1). How did I keep track of everyone and where they were at? I used a map with the major landmarks I downloaded from the internet with approximate distances and times:
 http://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/upload/Narrows%20campsite%20map.pdf

This map was indispensable in mapping out the various scenes and chapters in the book. In any case, I have three of the four groups converge at the area of the Grotto before two of the groups continue on together. What happens to the third group? I guess you'll have to read the book...but I'll give you a clue. It has something to do with the Grotto.

More pictures next time.