Prior to leaving the Grand Canyon, and after breakfast, we spotted a small lookout point close to the lodge, so it became necessary to check it out. This picture was taken from the lodge and you can see the lookout if you look closely at the middle right..
Obviously there were no elevators or escalators or moving sidewalks so we labored down the trail, out to the observation point. We were able to get an excellent shot of the lodge, an old but really cool National Park Lodge.
And finally the last picture of so many, the canyon from the small observation point, followed by another laborious hike up the trail.
We left the Canyon and headed up a bunch of scenic roads on our way to Zion National Park. Somewhere along the way (I take pictures and make comments too much later) we found this herd of mountain goats (I think they’re goats) standing next to the highway. Kenneth was given the opportunity to display his camera skills here and he gets a ten for this one.
We entered the Park but prior to showing any pics here we want to revert back a few days. When we were in Kolob Canyon, a part of Zion, we took one pic of the area that we saved for today.
Moving right along, we passed through the mile long tunnel that allows entrance to the Park from the east. Shortly after exiting the tunnel there is a great view of a huge natural arch. We elected to see it from the car and not up close via another brutal trail.
Okay, we parked the car, did the Visitor Center, and then took the shuttle to the end of its route, near the north end of the canyon. I say “near” because the canyon goes much further, gets much narrower, and involves hikers with the cool waters of the Virgin River. The three of us would love to do this, someday. Anyhow, we followed a plan of attack. We would spend a little time at each shuttle stop and then catch the next bus. At the Grotto stop, we crossed the river and took the Kayenta Trail, one mile to the Emerald Pools. After checking out the pools , which weren’t all that much, we hiked another mile back to the shuttle stop. Same drill started again until we reached the Visitor Center.
There are name for all the formations in Zion and I can only remember one of them, the Three Patriarchs. Decided to get a picture of two of them along with the two modern day ____archs.
Next we have a few keepers. I have no clue what their names are or if they have a name but it is a general looksee of a super great piect of real estate. My third visit here and I am always impressed.
Following a couple of hours of desert we arrived at a large area that was red, and I mean red; the Park mentioned above. Our first stop was to visit these three small houses constructed by the CCC in the 30’s.. I’m not sure what was going on in this area back then but here they are.
Here’s another picture of the area taken from farther back. There is a picnic area, hiking trails, and weird formations to climb.
I know that this is kind of funky but almost the whole area here looks like this. Weird!
Well, you have to call them something when there’s a whole bunch around so this critter is in the beehives.
One of the highlights in this park is the arch. It will never give Utah any concerns but it is an arch and a pretty one.
Well, family and friends, this about wraps up this blog. We returned to Vegas for the evening, had too much to eat for dinner for the seventh straight night, and listened to the sons planning their weight reduction for next week. All in all it was a great trip. I’m so thankful to GOD for his care over us during this time and for allowing me to spend some A-1 quality time with my sons. Thank you, Lord.
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