When we started our 2 hour walk it was quiet and we really enjoyed the lack of tourists as we descended into the Canyon. The Hoodoos close up are just as amazing as from the canyon rim. They are made by water freezing and knocking off bits of rock. The park Rangers are worried about global warming - as if the winters are not as cold the Hoodoos will just erode into sand dunes - rather than forming bizarre sculptures.
We walked through the Queens Gardens where there is rock which viewed from the right angle is the spitting image of Queen Victoria - it really looks like her. We then joined the Navaho trail to head back up to the rim - quite a climb along a series of tight switchbacks.
When we had started it was pretty cold (7 degrees) but by the time we got back to the top of the rim it had warmed up to 15 degrees and we were sweating from the climb.
Another really nice walk and a great way to leave Bryce.
So we drove on to our last National Park on this trip. We've done Death Valley, Grand Canyon, Sedona, Arches, Lake Powell, Custer, Monument Valley, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Bryce and many more that I have forgotten. It felt a little sad as we drove (eventually into Zion).
I say eventually as after 36 days and probably 6,000+ miles we took a wrong turn. This was caused by the fact we were busy looking for a pie shop rather than the turn off to Zion. The pies were good (Chocolate Cream) but the 34 mile detour was a little annoying. Emma has still not accepted responsibility....
Anyway, Zion. I won't say we saved the best to last, but I will say that from what we have seen this afternoon, Zion is another amazing National Park. Much more rocky than others and equally as dramatic in its own way.
We enjoyed another short 45 minute hike to a great view point and then made our way through a tunnel (blasted in 1927 so that tourists could get into the park) to enter Zion...and find our hotel and it's pool.
It was mid-80's this afternoon so after 2 hikes and a 130 mile drive we were ready to have a swim. A pleasant hour or so followed with James & Olivia in the pool, Jack playing on the lounger and Emma & I enjoying a cold Corona...all against a stunning backdrop. Bliss.
We've just got back from a great Thai restuarant and I am sitting outside of our motel room looking at the sun setting on the rocks of Zion National Park. I think it's going to be a good sunset and an amazing sky tonight - it's pretty clear.
Tomorrow we plan a few walks then a long drive South. We've almost finished the scenic part of this trip - next it's San Diego and LA - Sea World, DisneyLand and Universal Studios.....
We've had an amazing 36 days in the West of the USA. We're already talking about the highlights and what we'd do differently if/when we come back.
But still a week to go....so keep reading!!
Ken
I think it was probably Emma's fault :-)
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