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Wow, where do I begin.  Words and pictures can not describe the beauty of Zion.

It is easy to get around.  There is a shuttle that travels the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive which provides access to beautiful views and hiking trails.  The shuttle takes you to Canyon Junction, Court of the Patriarchs, Zion Lodge, The Grotto, Weeping Rock, Big Bend and Temple of Sinawava.  A round trip ride takes about 80 minutes.  There are hiking trails at all the stops except for Big Bend.

Our first day, we stopped in the visitor center and then on to the Human History Museum where we watched an orientation film highlighting the dramatic landscapes of the park and examined the history of the canyon.  My first hike was the Kayenta Trail and Lower Emerald Pool Trail which was approximately 2 miles (+/-) in 100 deg.  Considering how out of shape I am, I think I did pretty good, I made it to the end – exhausted!  Every evening there was a 45-minute program at the Watchman Campground Amphitheater addressing a myriad of topics which were very interesting and informative.  Of course, I could only sit for a little before my RLS would kick in – guess I did too much walking!

The second day, Maureen and Alan went on a 5.5 mile hike to Angels Landing and I went off on a 1 mile hike with Ranger Angie and 4 other people along the Virgin River.  After the walk with Ranger Angie, I hiked the 1 mile Grotto Trail back to the Lodge and took the shuttle back to the Visitor Center.  Again, it was over 100.  When Reen and Al got back, we went into Springdale to get showers – did I mention there were no showers in Zion  (and no water or sewer hook-up at the campground)!  The public shower left a lot to be desired.  That was the last shower in Zion … just sponge baths with the plastic bucket!  Thank the Lord we had electric … A/C worked!

Saturday was a quiet day.  We took our chairs down to the river – Reen and I put our chairs in the water, Al sat under the tree, and read and relaxed.  A few people came down the river in tubes and went through the small rapids.  One group had their cooler tied to a tube!  Temperature was around 105.

On Sunday, I went to the Lodge for the 8:00 SCAP service – Service Celebration in the Absence of a Priest.  Deacon Bourget was a very interesting speaker.  Reen and Al met me and we took the shuttle to Weeping Rock Trail (.4 miles) where we found the Cables from the Rim historical marker.  Then on to Temple of Sinawava for the Riverside Walk Trail (2.2 miles).  Next stop was Big Ben to see if we could spot any California Condors.  There was a Ranger on the shuttle to the Riverside Walk and she pointed out a condor in a tree.  That was the only one we saw.

The original plan was to stay at Zion until Wednesday, but we decided to leave and go to Bryce Canyon where it was a little cooler; and, I would have the opportunity to see another National Park and get another stamp for my “passport”.  Reen and Al are so good to me …!

I truly enjoyed my time in Zion National Park and my 6.6 miles of hiking/walking.  We took the Zion-Mt. Carmel Highway.  This 10-mile scenic drive connects the South and East Entrances.  From Zion Canyon, the road travels up steep switchbacks – great road for the motorcycle – through the historic Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel.  Construction of the 1.1 mile Zion-Mt. Carmel Tunnel began in the late 1920′s and was completed in 1930.  At the time the tunnel was dedicated, it was the longest tunnel of it’s type in the United States.  The purpose of building the tunnel and highway, was to create direct access to Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon from Zion National Park.  It was a beautiful ride to Bryce Canyon National Park.

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