Trip to Canyonlands Post 2

After two days of wandering around the Zion National Park, we are in awe of the wonders of nature. Colorful cliffs, animals, plants, and blue skies. We took two great walks the first day. One to the Emerald Pool, and another up the narrows as far as the trail went. There were intrepid people who went on up wading in the river, but that must have been super cold! There were quite a few tourists even though the season hasn't really started. On April 1st they will start shuttle buses and not let private cars go up the canyon.

We stopped to marvel at the Great White Throne which inspired Uncle Glen in his art. Animals we've seen are mountain goats, deer, and a pretty tame towhee.

Two mountain goats

We also stopped at the museum and watched a film about how the canyon began. The weather has been a little cold but nice in the canyon. Really windy in Hurricane where we stayed. (You must say that without the "e" on the end.)

Temple Cap Formation

Today we headed east on some switchbacks and then through a mile long tunnel. At the end of it there was a trail called Canyon Overlook. That was steep and rocky. All this hiking has been more than I bargained for. I'm glad we didn't wait to do this trip until we were old.

I would follow this man anywhere

Checkerboard Mesa

After we left Zion Canyon we stopped  in Orderville at a rock shop and then the cemetery. There we found the graves of Charles Negus Carroll and his wife, Kezia Giles. They were GG's grandparents and helped settle Orderville.

Kezia Giles Carroll, May 20, 1840 - June 13, 1927, Utah Pioneer

Charles Negus Carroll, Dec. 7, 1817 - May 26 1902, Utah Pioneer

Orderville Cemetery

Tonight we are staying at Ruby's Inn near the entrance to Bryce Canyon. Gail told me that Daddy and Mom liked to stay here when they came down. It's very nice. But Gail, the rocking chair on the porch that you remembered is no longer there!

Next post will be about Bryce.