Colorado/Utah-Chapter 6-July 19- Zion NP

Last evening we drove through Zion Park on our way to Springfield from Bryce NP.  We stayed at a Quality Inn that also had a campground on site.  We ate at a neighboring restaurant, The Whiptail Grill, that served mainly southwest Mexican dishes.  Since I had recently had fresh apricots right from the tree I decided on an apricot flavored beer.

In the morning we were up early and had a fabulous breakfast provided by the hotel that included homemade eggs to order, biscuits and gravy and waffles.  We did not leave hungry!  A little stuffed but definitely not hungry.  We had to get to the visitors center early or it would be necessary to drive back to town, park and ride a shuttle into the park.  This way we were inside the park and even though we had to ride a shuttle we would be much closer to our car if we needed something.  We parked at the museum, caught an early shuttle bus and were soon on our way to the Temple of Sinawava and the Riverside Walk.  This trail was a favorite as it meandered along the river and the seep springs along the rock walls provided a bed of lush greenery rich with colorful wildflowers.  The trail led to the Narrows which is a popular hike through the narrow cliff walls while walking in knee to chest high waters. That trail was estimated to take about 9 hours and required water shoes and a hardy constitution.  We took several pictures and enjoyed the beautiful scenery before walking the 1 mile back out.

The end of our trail, the beginning of the Narrows

Our next shuttle stop was at Weeping Rock. A man and his wife at the shuttle stop went on and on about how awful the trail was, steep, hot and difficult but we found it to be quite pleasant and were rewarded by a beautiful light cascade over a sandstone cove at the top.  Very beautiful!

Great-crested Flycatcher

Weeping Rock

It was wet here at the top, but it sure felt good!

Me, Barb Butler and Barb Orr

After this hike we hopped on the shuttle and our next stop was the Zion Lodge where we had lunch.  After lunch we took the Emerald Pools Trail.  This afternoon hike about did me in.  Not sure if it was the heat, my congested head and chest or just plain being out of shape but I thought at one point that I wasn't going to make it.  I did and I'm a better person for it, well I can say I made it and that makes be feel better.

Black Phoeb

Probably two of the most exciting happenings of the day was #1 on our way to stop at the museum to pick up our car we saw a Bighorn sheep cross the road and climb the hill next to the bus. And #2 at the museum a ranger had his spotting scope set up outside and we were able to see a nest with 2 condor chicks.  We did not see the adults but it was quite exciting to see such a threatened species in the wild.  They were very high up on the adjacent cliff wall and not visible to the naked eye.  I couldn't even find it with my binoculars.  Our next stop is the Best Western Paradise in Beaver, Utah.  Arrived in time for a nice relaxing swim and dinner at the Crazy Cow!

Colorado/Utah-Chapter 5-July 18 Bryce Canyon NP

I believe that Bryce Canyon NP was the prettiest park we visited if you judge based on the colors of the geological structures that were referred to as Hoodoos.  It was a beautiful day as we started out but when we reached the park we were told to expect thunder storms in the afternoon. However the blue sky with ominous clouds rolling in seemed to be the perfect back drop for the luscious hues of red, yellow and orange sandstone.  I will let my photos show the beauty but you should know that these photos do not capture the beauty that we witnessed on this day.  God certainly out did himself when he created Bryce Canyon!

Our trail today started with a section of the Navajo Loop Trail that led us down Wall Street before we joined the Queens Garden Trail that took us back up to the Rim Trail that led to the parking lot. An approximate 3 mile hike among some of the most beautiful features in the park.  Going down was fairly easy but hard on the knees but coming back up out of the canyon was breathtaking, and I don't mean that in a good way.  The altitude and heat as we came up from the canyon floor made breathing almost impossible.  It was, however, one of my favorite hikes of the trip.  Lots of great birds to make it all worthwhile!

Half of the Navajo Loop Trail

This part is called Wall Street

Looking up from the bottom of the canyon

Cliff Swallow nests

A Golden-mantled ground squirrel

We chose the Queens Garden Trail

A Steller's Jay

Another timed photo, notice the lens cap cover in the foreground

Sharon doing her best to keep the tunnel open!

Whenever I got tired and couldn't breathe, I would stop to snap a photo.  And I wondered why I had taken 750 pictures!?

A beautiful Western Bluebird was posing for me at the top.

On our way to our next stop we spied a female pronghorn with these two cute fawns in tow.

Our next stops included Rainbow point, Natural Bridge and Inspiration Point.  The views were.......very inspirational!

These little Uinta Squirrels were Barbara Jean's favorites, They were little and cute and a little too friendly.

Not sure what this Raven was squawking about but he sure was noisy. Maybe the threat of thunder storms!

Rainbow Point.  No rainbows yet but there was a storm in the distance.

Upper Inspiration Point

After Bryce Canyon we had to drive through Zion National Park to our lodging.  Tomorrow we will lace up the hiking boots and head down a new trail!  Happy trails to us and you.