Sam stayed in the coach as we tackled a few of the easy and moderate trails, including the Lower, Middle and Upper Emerald Pools Trails, the Kayenta Trail and the Grotto Trail. The combination of the trails resulted in a loop that started and ended near the Zion Lodge.
Starting at Zion Lodge, we crossed the river and then headed up the mountain.
A short way into the hike, we walked under the waterfall that fills the lower pool.
When water passed through sandstone and hits a layer of slate that it can't penetrate, it spills out of the mountain.
The Middle Emerald Pool on its way to the lower pool.
The water at the upper Emerald Pool was very still. (I see a bird in flight.)
The mountain is reflecting on the pool.
Coming back down the mountain on the Kayenta Trail, the view was fantastic.
Crossing over the Virgin River and back to the Grotto.
This was the highlight of the Grotto Trail.
Later in the afternoon, we drove into Springdale. It was a quaint little town just outside the entrance to the park. It has a lot of B and B's, restaurants and galleries and a small grocery or two. We spent some time in one gallery where Joani recognized the work of an artist she collected many years ago, Nick Blaisdell. Of course, her collection consists of pieces from his early days that were affordable even on our limited income 35 years ago. Now he is recognized as a master craftsman and the increased prices will likely limit Joani to her current collection.
These wind sculptures by Lyman Whitaker were mesmerizing but averaged around $2,000. I couldn't take pictures of the Nick Blaisdell Pottery inside, but trust me, it is incredible.
I took Sam for a walk along the river that passes by the campground at sunset.
Holy cow, such a beautiful place!
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