Written Wednesday 4 June
After getting over the initial and inevitable early morning grump, it turned out to be quite a nice day :) Did an easy hike down into beautiful Bryce Canyon, an amazing National Park home to hundreds of hoodoos (incredible spire shaped rocks). Legend has it they're people who were turned into rocks; science says they were formed by wind and ice - tough one but think I'm gonna side with science on this one. The views from above and inside the canyon were striking - I really had to tear my eyes away from the shapes and colours when it was time to move on. I can see why Bryce is some people's favourite park - from what I've seen so far, it's one of the most unique and eye catching the West has to offer.
Made a stop off at a real American diner on route to Zion which was cool - it had a proper jukebox and snaps of the stars pinned up around the tops of all four walls, plus the standard greasy food and calorific ice cream milkshakes - although needless to say I went for a tea, was getting serious withdrawal symptoms. After 2 days. Although it had been almost a week before that, bad times.
Rocked up at Zion not long after where we were greeted by towering orange rocks and coursing rivers shimmering turquoise, green and blue under the blazing sun. Pitched up, waved off the others as they went tubing down the river and went for a hike with a lovely couple in our group to the Emerald Pools which was hot work but super fun. The upper pool was particularly worth the effort: an incredible sheer canyon face on one side sheltering a trio of shallow natural pools, it looked like a real life Neverland. So glad we went despite the heat - where else would you witness a lizard doing press ups? For serious, I wish I'd taken a video, it was the best thing ever.
Chilled out evening - just as well since we're up at 4.30am tomorrow (on breakfast duty, booo) to set off at 5.45 for a tough hike into Zion. Felt dizzy hiking in the sun today though so not 100% sure I'm going to do it, kind of want to save myself for Yosemite - not long to go now woo!
