We woke up at 7:00, at least Art and I did. I think mom got up at 4:00. We ate breakfast in our room that we'd bought the evening before. Fruit, muffins and juice were just right for us.
We drove about two hours from St. George to Zion. We liked learning that Zion meant "Place of Quiet Sanctuary". Art said the name alone made him like it so much he even bought a t-shirt there.
The park was PACKED! We didn't expect that. We had to park a distance away because the closer parking lot was full. We walked to the Zion Visitor's Center where we boarded a shuttle bus that took us to different locations in the park.
We ate a hot dog lunch at the Zion Lodge Red Rock Grill.
The Emerald Pool 1.23 mile Trail was a little more challenging for mom than we expected, but mom pushed herself to enjoy the scenery.
The Emerald Pool was not exactly emerald, but it was cooler there with the light mist falling from above.
The Temple of Sinawava walk was paved and easier, but the sun was awfully hot.
There were columbines on the trail and rock squirrels which mom enjoyed seeing.
It was nice to sit next to the cool stream toward the narrow canyons before we headed back. Mom said this was the best part of the trip.
When we got to the far parking lot, it was also now completely full.
At 3:30 we headed toward the Quality Inn in Springdale, Utah. It was a great place.
Things were looking up!
Lots of rock to roam! With the current higher heat, I'm betting the parking lot isn't full and the creek is now totally dry. Keep watered! DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteOh yes! We drank lots and lots of water and went through two cases of water during our trip.
Deleteeveryone looks so happy and relaxed, beautiful area, I have never saw a yellow columbine,
ReplyDeleteThe food looks wonderful. I love columbines.
ReplyDeleteI love columbines and need to see about getting some into our garden. I applaud your mom's stamina.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful scenery, but it sounds far too hot for me. Is it that hot all year round?
ReplyDeleteIt really isn't. You must come to the US in spring or fall, Amanda.
DeleteI loved visiting Zion National Park some years ago. I just loved that whole area.
ReplyDeleteWe did the canyon circuit in late September, early October, and it was much less crowded and much cooler, so we were able to hike and enjoy things a lot more.
ReplyDeletethat food looks wonderful!
If I had to do it again, I would definitely pick spring or fall. Definitely. However, we were in China in spring and fall is reserved for other things this year.
Deleteno suitcases yet? Zion is wonderful in times other than summer when you can drive through-no shuttles...
ReplyDeleteSigh... no.... It was very upsetting.
DeleteI guess those suitcases went to Suitcase Heaven? It looks awfully hot and uncomfortable to me. The food looks great, though. :-)
ReplyDeleteI was convinced someone stole them which was really, really upsetting. Even though we had the replacement parts, it wasn't the same.
DeleteI'm happy to see Mom is holding up. It surely was very hot there. Dianne
ReplyDeleteWow! I've been watching the news today and was shocked that the temperatures could shoot even higher. How can they stand it?
DeleteWe've been to St. George once and was tempted to drive further to Zion, but it was winter. If we can drive thru, better yet!!
ReplyDeleteL...w
Too hot foe me.
ReplyDeleteCool beans, you 3 :-)
ReplyDeleteAloha
not bad for a little grill place
ReplyDeleteIt was really, really good. I mean REALLY good!
DeleteYears back, friends of ours picked Zions as the site of a wedding celebration for their daughter. It was beautiful in front of a waterfall. We stayed in the lodge and had a great time with the other guests.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of Zion, another place I want to go back to.
ReplyDeleteYes, Death Valley at 120 something, Vegas at 117, the heat there is beyond punishing. Simple gorgeous but oh, so, hot.
ReplyDeleteYummy-the food is making me hungry. The West certainly gets hot during the summer. It is much nicer in the spring and fall seasons.
ReplyDeleteYour mother is amazing! I don't like travelling, but happy to share your photos.
ReplyDeleteYou tell your mom that she is such an amazing woman! We were in Zion last year and I just could not do the hikes that she did. I was disappointed to miss out on so much of the sights because my heart kept acting up. We went in March, so we missed the crowds and didn't have to be bussed in. It is an amazing place.
ReplyDelete