Zion National Park Part 1

Finally, we decided to stop and see some of the beautiful places we usually pass by when we travel to my sister's home near Salt Lake City. Previously, we've been in the "hurry and get there" mode, so it was nice to schedule a few days to stop and smell the pine trees. Lauren and Jared are traveling with us, Alex had to stay home to attend classes and to work. Bea is driving up with Sally, Chris, Katie and Mom on Wednesday. The story I'm about to relate will totally amuse those of you who are aware of our history of suffering at the hands of buttinsky neighbors. We stopped in Dixie to buy some groceries for lunches before entering Zion. So we park in the Smith's parking lot and enter the store. As Paul walks in, he passes a couple and hears the woman say to her husband "that looks like a guy in Temecula". Paul turns around and says "did you say Temecula?" She replies "You are from Temecula!" Paul asks "where do I know you from?" She replies "Who's your favorite code enforcement officer?" UNBELIEVABLE! NOW THEY'VE FOLLOWED US TO UTAH! Raquel (we're on a first name basis now) asked Paul what he was doing here and he said "Trying to find a place to park my boat" :) She laughed and said she and her husband were up to explore So. Utah and guess where they're headed YUP! Zion Natl Park and Bryce Canyon NP! You just can't outrun the law! They will hunt you and find you. Hmmm....Dog the Bounty Hunter? We finished shopping and then ate at Cafe Rio since Jared had eaten there before and insisted it was the best. He was right! We then made our way to the Bumbleberry Motel in Springdale (home of the famous bumbleberry pie, who knew?) The office was closed when we arrived, but taped to the door was a note with our name on it. The note said we were assigned to room 103 and the key was in the door. OK folks, we're NOT in LA anymore! The next morning, we got up at 6 am, got dressed and Paul, Lauren and I drove into Zion to scope it out. Jared remained in bed....he doesn't do morning. Here are Lauren and I at the entrance to the park. After driving the scenic road through the park, we headed back to have breakfast and get Jared. Emerald Pools was our first hike. It's about a 2 mile loop to middle Emerald Pool and lower Emerald Pool. Jared and Lauren at the trailhead adjusting their packs. Emerald Pools was a beautiful hike. The water wasn't very emerald looking but I guess sometimes it glows due to the high algae content. Next we decided to hike up to Weeping Rock. The view was incredible from there. Our next hike was 2 mi. up to Hidden Canyon. It was pretty steep ascending 870 ft. in 1 mile. I know I've said this before, but it bears repeating: I am NOT a spring chicken! (even when I was a chicken, I wasn't very springy). Lauren and Jared hiked ahead and Paul and I brought up the rear. But we made it! It was a really beautiful area. This is us under an arch in Hidden Canyon. It was a great day! We headed back to town for a Pesto Pizza and salad. Then to bed.

to be continued....