Spring Break

Bob, Christina and I left for our vacation to Zion National Canyon on  Monday April 1.  The truck was having some engine issues which we were hoping was just from being cold.  We headed out and about 20 miles North of St. George the truck started having engine problems.  We knew we weren't going to make it to Zion Canyon, so Bob called his uncle who lives in St. George to come help us.  We drove to a Chevron service station in Washington, which is just outside of St. George.  Uncle LuDell was just getting off from work.  He phoned a friend of his and they both met us at the service station.  LuDell doesn't have a truck, so that's why he phoned his friend, Doug. His truck was too small to pull the trailer.  Doug has connections with all the dealerships in town, so he called up a Ford dealership and told them he was coming over to borrow a truck to pull the trailer to LuDells house. He told Cody, one of the salesmen there to set us up with a good deal.  Tuesday morning we went back in and bought us a 2012 Ford F350.  Nice truck, with adjustable pedals (so I can reach them without feeling like I am sitting on the steering wheel) and lots of power to pull the trailer.

The old that served us well for 12 years.  The new. Hoping for many years to come.

Middle Emerald Pools

In the afternoon when that was all done, we finished the drive to the RV Park, Zion Canyon Campground, just a mile outside of the Zion National Canyon park.  After setting up camp we did the hike to the Emerald Pools.

Upper Emerald Pools

 Beautiful, not as much water as we thought it would have from getting so much snow this year.We took the Grotto trail on the way back.

The Great White Throne with the Organ Peak on the left and part of Angles Landing on the right

We took the shuttle up to Big Bend to see the Great White Throne.  We were told the best time to get pictures of it are in the evening close to sunset when the sun is shining brightly on it.  It is so stunning this time of evening.



Wednesday we hiked Angels Landing.  A very strenuous climb, with sheer drop offs, skinny ledge trails with chains to hold on to.  It is one of our favorite hikes.  With lunch at the top it took us about four hours to hike.

Walters Wiggles.  Though steep one of the most fun parts of the  hike!

 Christina thoroughly enjoying herself!

I made it!

The top!  

We then decided to recuperate and went to the Zion Lodge for an ice cream cone. We took another one of our favorite hikes, a walk actually, along the Virgin River.

We stuck our feet in the river to cool them off from our hikes that day.  Wow, is the water cold!

 Christina had to do the usual of trying to cross the river without being washed away.  She made it with only getting wet up to her waist.  The shuttle ride and walk back to the RV park was a little chilly and uncomfortable for her. Thursday we decided our bodies needed a rest and did a few easier hikes.  We went to Weeping Rock.  That is another one of my favorite places.  It is green, wet and cool.  A nice contrast to the rest of Zion. 

Brings out the romance is us :)

Look closely to see the drops of water.

Bob trying to catch a drop.

A pool of water just below the Weeping Rock

Then we rode the shuttle up to the Temple of Sinawava and walked down a trail along the river to a pretty little waterfall. A deck has been built there.  The shuttle guide said there are over a hundred weddings performed there each year. Of course we took tons of pictures there.  Christina is fascinated with waterfalls. We ate lunch there. 

This is on the way to the Temple of Sinawava.  The big round  rock structure is  called  "The Pulpit", the short one next to it is "The Alter", the rock cliffs around it are called "The Temple".

Walking down the river to the waterfall. Christina enjoying jumping over  the logs.

This is the deck by the waterfall where wedding ceremonies can be performed.

The lower part of the waterfall.

The waterfall.

Then we walked down to the Big Bend where we got on the shuttle and went back to the RV Park. 

After dinner, Bob and I went on another hike to the Watchman Trail.  Christina was worn out from being sunburned so she decided not to come.  It was a nice hike to the top of some bluffs that give a good view of the Towers of the Virgin, the lower part of Zion Canyon and Springdale.  In previous visits we have talked about going on this one, but never have.  I'm glad we hiked this one.  The view was great and doing it in the early evening provided perfect temperatures. We started at 5:30 and got done a little before 7:30.

Trail leading up to the Watchman Trail.

   Saw lots of beautiful wild flowers, reds, yellows, blues, Prickly Pear Cactus, trees of many kinds coming into bloom. We have seen Mule Deer on every hike. Then there's the Chipmunks, Squirrels, little birds.  Even saw an Osprey and a California Condor flying.   Friday we drove over to  the Canyon Lookout Trail.  You have to go through the Tunnel to get to it.  We always enjoy driving through the Tunnel.  On the Canyon Overlook hike we were able to see a family of Big Horn Sheep.  Mommy, Daddy, and twins!

The East entrance of the tunnel.

Gotta love these trails!

Having fun on the trail.

This is one of the Big Horn Sheep

 Zion Canyon is one of my favorite places to visit.  I love the steep sand-stone cliffs, seeing rock climbers testing their reserve, the colorful red sand, the many water holes and waterfalls, the wild flowers, wild life and the beauty that wind and water can create.

We enjoyed a nice smooth, ride on the way home in our comfy new truck!