Zion Canyon National Park

We left beautiful Lake Powell and to another beautiful spot, Zion Canyon National Park, yesterday morning. We drove through the Paiute Nation this time. I drove and even had a chance to practice using the exhaust brake down some steep, winding descents! Yikes! We are camped within the park with “Watchman Tower” right out our front window. They have limited space and many visitors so private cars are not allowed in the park, except to the lodge and campgrounds – so everyone must ride the shuttle buses – which is OK with us – the ones at the Grand Canyon were great and we can put our bikes on the front. Roger took his bike to a shop in Springdale, a small town on the edge of the park, this morning to have the brakes fixed. This is not a place for the brakes to fail!!

Carlos and Megan are joining us Wednesday through Sunday. We are really looking forward to spending some time with them. Our plan is to explore today and make hiking and biking plans for the next few days. There is a chance of rain tomorrow but the rest of the week is supposed to be sunny and in the 70’s – thank you weather gods! Roger was supposed to attend an FAA meeting, for work, in Long Beach, on Thursday but it has been postponed until June – bad news for the company, but great news for us!

I have been reading about all the different hiking trails – here is one description: “The Narrows, with its soaring walls, sandstone grottos, natural springs, an d hanging gardens can be an unforgettable experience.” Sounds great, huh? But, here’s the rest: “It is not, however, a trip to be underestimated. Hiking the Narrows means hiking in the Virgin River (key word “in.”) At least 60% of the hike is spent wading, walking, and sometimes swimming in the river. There is no maintained trail because the route is the river. The current is swift, the water is very cold, and the rocks underfoot are slippery. Flash flooding and hypothermia are constant dangers.”  Just the hike for us, don’t you think? Too bad it is closed due to high water!

We "talked" with Emily on SKYPE - she has new "tricks" - she can point to her hair, ears, eyes, nose, mouth and her belly button! Heather says her favorite word is "stuck" - if she is in her high chair and she wants down she says "stuck!" She waves "hi" and "bye" now too! Can't wait to see them in August!