Wednesday, June 28, 2006 - Zion, Utah

Today we awoke and had breakfast. Bob decided to take a hike along and in the Virgin River. The Virgin River is the main element in the forming and erosion of Zion Valley. He left for the visitors' center around mid morning. The visitors' center is the starting point to all points in Zion Valley. Private vehicles are prohibited from driving in the valley, except for visitors with reservations to Zion Lodge. From the visitors center, everyone boards a tandem bus powered by propane fuel.

The riverside walk starts at the end of the shuttle route at a stop called The Temple of Sinawava. The riverside walk is a two mile out and back hike. The hike terminates at the Virgin River. From there, hikers continue upstream in an area called the Narrows. The Virgin River enters Zion National Park at the northeast corner and flows south through Zion Valley. This area is unique because the river carves a deep, narrow valley with vertical sides as it passes through this area. Through hikers usually start at the point where the river enters the park and walk downstream in the river as if flows south. Bob decided to walk upstream from the terminus of the riverside trail. The river bottom is rocky and the footing is tenuous, with a swift current adding to the difficulty. He went upstream about one-half mile. There was a point where the water was waist deep and he decided his navel couldn't stand the shock. He returned after a enjoyable, cool and refreshing walk in the Virgin River.

While Bob was on his hike, Sue cleaned the trailer and read a book, Teaching For Comprehension in Reading, Grades K-2, that will be used in her book study group at Hollydale next school year.

After supper, we drove to Springdale for groceries. Actually, all we have to do is exit the campground, take a left turn, exit Zion and take another left turn to the Market. It can't be more than a mile away. We really liked Springdale. It owes it's existence to Zion NP and serves the visitors to the park. The town is clean, attractive, but unlike other cities bordering national parks, it isn't "touristy" or exploitative. While we were in the market, Sue saw a tote bag with Native American weaving. She really liked it and mulled over it for a long time. She decided not to buy it. We got groceries and returned to camp.