Not Zoo, But It's Zion; 7th Day in the States

On the 7th Day, almost middle day of our 15-day-journey, we went to Zion National Park again. We met unfamiliar animals that were seen only in a zoo. I didn’t know why Ostrich were kept in the ranch. For eggs, for food ….? Neither were Elk.




We, four members, went hiking to the Emerald Pools. The Emerald Pools consisted of three pools, easy walk to lower Pool, moderate to middle and strenuous to upper.





Upper Emerald Pool --^
The Great White Throne ---^
From April through October, the scenic drive in Zion Canyon is closed to private vehicles, and visitors ride the shuttle buses. The picture was taken in front of the visitor center. As it was still in March, we could go to every part of parking places by our car, so we didn't ride on them.
The whole our journey to the US national parks was over and we headed to Las Vegas, 250km away from Zion.

Way to Zion National Park, 6th Day in the States

After spending the 6th day morning in the States, we left Bryce Canyon and headed to Zion. Zion was the third and the final national park of our year 2007 travel. Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park were not far away; distance was only 120km. So, we dropped in many places and took lots of pictures as usual. The only regret was that we could not book a nearby hotel to Zion; the hotel was located in Hurricane, about 40km away from Zion. We planed to go to Zion for two days. So, I should have looked for a closer hotel and booked earlier.


I saw those wheels in the picture in many places. Does anyone know what those wheels are? Why were those placed near the ranch? How do they use them?





Way out from Hwy 9 just east of the Tunnel, Rina and I went an hour hiking to the Canyon Overlook trail. It was a great little hike, well worth the effort. At this vista, we could overlook scenic lower Zion Canyon.

Bryce Canyon Part3 on the 6th Day in the States

The 6th day in the States began at the swimming pool in the hotel.


After swimming for an hour in the morning, we headed for Bryce Canyon again. Our destinations were the rest of the viewing points we didn’t visit yesterday.


At Rainbow Point, the highest part of the park at 2,775 m. It was very windy. I walked on the Bristlecone Loop Trail alone. Here and there, snow covered the trail. It was fine in the early morning. Then, gradually it turned cloudy and windy. Later, clouds disappeared. After that, it snowed, occasionally cleared up. It was veeery strange weather. Strong winds were always blowing.
Strong wind broke the tree in the morning. Luckily, there were no cars in the parking.






It was not an old tree. You can imagine how strong the wind blew there.

Bryce Canyon Part2

Visiting several viewing points in Bryce Canyon by car continued on the 5th day in the States.

We had to wait for a herd of deer crossing the road sometimes. At this time, we were accustomed to see wild deer since there were many wild animals in national park area. On March 26, we visited following viewing points.
Fairyland Point, Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point and Bryce Point: All were, of course, in Bryce Canyon.
When the time became closer to the sunset, we went to the Sunset Point for watching the sunset scenery.

Few minutes after taking these pictures, it became dark immediately.
We stayed at the Best Western Rubys Inn close to the entrance of Bryce Canyon. It was nice and comfortable hotel. I should say it was the perfect place to stay for Bryce Canyon visitors. The restaurant in the hotel was also nice. I ate rice for dinner for the first time after having come to the States. Don’t you think the dish is healthy?
I didn’t do any exercise in the States at all. Playing tennis, biking, nothing! Food should have been healthy.