Zion

I have found an enchanted world and would happily stay here forever - Zion National Park. The towering cliffs of red rock have a stunning presence; they change with the light and impress every way you turn. The colours are splendid, especially at this time of year when the new leaves on the trees are bright. The whole place is a joy – food for the soul.

The forecast was not good for today, so we made another early start, got a parking space at the Visitor Centre and caught one of the first buses that run an extremely efficient service to all points on the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The early morning light on the tops was wonderful and I took most of my photographs during the first hour. We followed a trail to the Emerald Pools – birds, flowers and very few people – magical. 
 
Later we took the bus to the far end of the canyon and followed the Riverside Trail to the point where the cliffs narrow – the Narrows. A popular walk with many people, but this didn’t matter on such a lovely walk by the river with coloured cliffs towering all around. There was room for everyone.
   
Then the rain started and we called it a day. A wonderful day, despite the rain.  And we found a great place to eat.

I have blipped my favourite picture, which captured the early morning sunlight and shadows. The first extra gives more of an idea of the majesty of the cliffs and the second extra gives a sense of scale, especially if you can see the figure below.