vacation (day three)

THURSDAY

After breakfast we took some bag lunches that the resort gave us and left to spend the day at Zions Park.

The Emerald Pools
This trail was divided into three segments, the lower pool which came out at a couple of really pretty waterfalls, the middle pool which had a moss-filled green stream running through it, and the upper pool which opened into a huge clearing that had lots of large rocks to sit on, several moss green pools and a BIG waterfall. The first third of the trail was paved but the rest was fairly steep, rocky terrain. It was a fun hike and SO beautiful but a lot of work with two very young kids along.

Heading up to the first pool

At the lower pool

Continuing to the middle pool (we didn't take pictures once we got there though)

At the upper pool

It was so much cooler there which was a welcome relief after hiking for so long in the heat and sun!

Heading back down

Finally at the bottom!
Landon was getting really tired towards the bottom, so Scott offered to carry him on his shoulders, never mind that Jack was already on his back and the Camelback full of water was on his front. Talk about a great dad!
At the trail head there was a bridge that we crossed which Landon excitedly said was a "suspension bridge" (which is what the bridges are in Thomas shows and therefore what all bridges are called as far as Landon is concerned). So, of course we had to take some pictures on Landon's suspension bridge

After the pools, we ate lunch in a grass clearing and then continued on another hike.

Weeping Rock

This was a very steep but short hike that ended in a huge rock overhang which had water pouring out of it that seemed to be coming from within the rock- hence the name of the spot

view from under the weeping rock (the white specks are the water droplets falling down over the rock)
Another "suspension bridge" at this trail head

view from the trail head

A waterfall spot

this was a place the resort recreation director told us about

Another waterfall area

Apparently there's a blue crane that lives there and can often been seen catching fish. He must have been sleeping when we stopped, though. Oh well.