Emerald Pool Hike, then chores

Well, I set the alarm and I got up at 5 am. I must be confused, because I think I'm supposed to be on a vacation, and now it's looking more like I need to get up early to get to a job! But my mission is to get out early because Jo Jo needs to stay in the RV, and not that it's hot out, but I also want to beat...the...crowds. Make no mistake, at times I really want to beat the crowds, when I have lost patience, but I'd rather be a soul hiker on a trail that hasn't been walked on early in the day. Otherwise it's too peopley. Some of these paths are quite narrow. I got on the very first shuttle out at 7 am, and dropped off at the Zion Lodge to do the Emerald Pool hike. I did this hike probably 20 years ago, and deja vu struck me as I recall seeing a porcupine in a tree back then. Such wasn't the case this time, but I was one of the few on the trail before 8 am. At this time of year it's barely light out. And yes, it was chilly, so I layered up well, and had my mother's gloves on. It was doable. The pool, with waterfalls, is gorgeous, and it looks more like an oasis in a tropical forest then part of the desert. I took my time walking around and enjoyed a cup of coffee in the Zion Lodge, upon my return. I made a pit stop at the "court of the patriarch." I may have timed this stop even better than any other stop, as the morning sun cast a brilliant golden light on the cliffs. Along with the the blue sky it was truly a stunning sight.

After lunch I just had to lay down, thinking I should take a nap. My sleep has been sporadic, and I was just feeling tired. I never can nap in situations like this, but it felt good to be horizontal with my eyes closed, in a comfortably warm RV. I spent the rest of the afternoon doing a variety of chores. Chores, if you can call it that. I gave myself a pedicure, manicure, did a sketch in my sketchbook, and in the end taped up and finished my clay irises that I will take home in time for the Hidden in the Hills Studio Tour. Jo Jo was outside keeping me company, and the weather has warmed up to a very pleasant temperature. It's partially entertaining watching the campers here doing a variety of things, and surrounded by the red rocks, and listening to the babbling Virgin River.

It was actually very relaxing and restful. The plan is to leave early tomorrow to do the rest of Zion down Route 9. However returning for my final night at the South Campground, I will be sleeping in!





















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