Final Days at Zion

The Riverside trail is mostly paved and hugs
the Virgin River, sometimes along the cliff and
other times right next to the river,

We watched several groups of 
hikers wade up the Narrows, most
of them with guides.

We walked up the official trail and then on the way back took the sandy path along the river when it was available. The weather stayed nice that morning although it was too early for the sun to make it down to us

As we expected the weather changed over our last two days. On Wednesday we started out with clear skies very early. After full city buses and long line at the Zion shuttle the day before, we decided to go up to the Zion Lodge and have breakfast. And it was an excellent breakfast, a buffet with tons of choices. We lingered over our coffee but still were ahead of the crowds on the Riverside trail. We did this one our first afternoon but so late we didn't finish it. This time we enjoyed the full length and spent time watching the intrepid hikers head up the Narrows in the freezing water.

Taking a break next to the river. 

There were a lot of families here this week, not
sure why. But this little fellow had a tiring day
but a good place to take a nap,

The cliffs go straight up from the
path, Here water seeps out from the
rock

We were back at Baby in time for a late lunch and some errands in town. Well, at least we planned to finish them in town. But no one there could fill or exchange our propane tank, so we had to drive to Hurricane, 20 miles away to do it. The scenery was nice along the way with a lot of big expensive homes. The sky had clouded up with light showers. We also filled up our refrigerator at several stores. As usual, we won't go hungry.

Thursday morning looking back at Baby & Junior (black truck),

The Temple of Shinawava shuttle stop in the snow.

Looking out our window at Zion Lodge

Scott at our table for lunch at Zion lodge

That night it poured most of the evening and it was socked in that Thursday morning. Clouds hung around the mountains. It was so atmospheric we decided to take the shuttle up and around the valley to admire it. As we headed up the mountain the showers turned into hail and then snow. At the last stop we got out to take photos but it was freezing so we hopped back on the down shuttle. The bus stops at every station and at #6 Zion Lodge it came to a halt. Our driver informed us that the shuttles coming up the mountain were unable to continue past #3 due to icing on the road. We would be stuck on the bus for some indeterminate time. Well, it was cold and crowded, so we promptly exited and headed for the restaurant. Just in time because everyone else got the same idea over the next hour. We were comfortable and happy having first coffee and then when lunch service began, an excellent lunch. Downstairs in the lobby every surface was covered with people waiting for the shuttles to begin again. And they did after an hour or so, gradually. 

The view from the Zion Lodge shuttle stop as we headed down finally.

Scott took this atmospheric shot of the old cottonwood in front of the Lodge

And this one of the distant mountains appearing through the mist,.

That evening we treated ourselves to another meal out, at Oscar's Café, highly rated on TripAdvisor. And it may be nice sometimes but didn't work for us. It's set up for nice weather with mostly outdoor seating (under heaters but everyone there was in their parkas and hats!). We sat inside but it was cold and so was our food. It's a Mexican/Southwestern restaurant so we ordered Margaritas. I didn't read the fine print - white wine Margaritas! Yiech! They only serve wine and beer, I switched to wine. It took me a while back at our RV to warm up. 

This morning we head off to Bryce and wish us good luck. The weather report says a high of 35 and a low of 9 - but mostly sunny. Neighbors said there is so much snow you can only see the top of the hand rails.