Zion Hikes

     The main part of Zion accessible by road is a long canyon which is serviced by a shuttle bus. We first had to shed our warm clothing because, although weather.com said it was only going to be 70 in the park, the park said it was going to be 86. Guess which prediction was correct?
     We took the shuttle to the end of the road and then walked along the river another mile as the canyon got tighter and tighter in a space called "the Narrows." Zion is known for an 18 mile hike in the very chilly water of the Virgin River which goes through this canyon. We did NOT take the 18 mile jaunt, although many folks were heading off into the narrow canyon.

     Our second hike came after lunch when we walked into one of the Emerald Pools. It was another really nice area with water drizzling down the rocks into a mossy pool. Nice and cool away from the hot sun. We passed on the hike to the top of one of the mesas described as "strenuous."

     Although there was much left to see, we headed back to meet our niece Kristine and her family at her home in Hurricane. Kristine gave us good directions, but we were not prepared to look for a house among the orchards, cows, and hay fields. Kristine and Donny live right at the edge of town - close enough to enjoy town schools, restaurants and services, but with a view of the rocky hills and surrounded by fields. We had a great dinner with Kaylee, Gerrod and Anthony and then showed them some recent pictures of the family in Minnesota. It was great to see them!