Well, to continue-  we spent the night in the Kaibab NF at Demotte Campground.  That was interesting.  We had 2 tents to set up as mine is only for 2 people and they had to borrow one- a nice one at that.  I can set up all my stuff in less than 15 minutes, but they were still working on the tent after 1/2 hour.  I offered to assist but, no, they would do it themselves.  OK, I could accept that, but don't use a rock, which took 10 minutes to find to hammer in the stakes when a mallet was sitting right there.  Then came the sleeping equipment- a 3/4 size mattress from their bedroom.  Mind you, this mattress took up most of the mini-van on the trip so that I could not get out without it being moved each time the sliding door was opened.  Pillows, sheets and pillowcases and blankets from the lodge where they are staying completed the package in plastic bags.  Another 20 minutes making the bed after a tedious process removing the bed from the van.  And all I have is a still pic camera!

OK, time for dinner- 9:30 PM.  E. began dragging plastic bags from the back of the van.  Chips, pretzels, cans of black olives and a small cooler which had ham and bread.  I don't eat full meals when camping but have puddings, apple sauce, trail mixes, granola bars, cheeses, dips and crackers and plenty of water or Sobe drinks.  Plenty to eat for all. 

We are in a primitive campground but there is some water with lots of restrictions on how much for each site.  V. wants to know where and how he can shower and shave.  Uh, uh!  His wife never told him there were no facilities where we were going.  Time for me to tuck in while they argued over this discovery.  The night was beautifully cool and I actually used the sleeping bag to be comfortable.  About 1AM some coyotes began to howl and my partners were very upset.  They were freezing and there were wild animals around.  I calmed them down but knew they were unhappy.  Winds began about 3AM and were fairly strong and again we were awake- would the noise ever stop? would the tent blow away on them?

6AM, my time to rise!  The park was alive with folks dressing, eating and packing up camp.  I managed beautiful pics of the sunrise from my tent as I got ready for the day.  E and V finally got moving at 9AM.  The park was almost empty and they wondered why.

Next stop, the Forest Ranger Center- the camera batteries had to be charged.  I suggested next time they purchase a charger to use in the car.  Not a good idea- cigarette lighter does not work.  After 1/2 hour, the batteries were charged.  This was not such a bad stop as I got to plan my route thru AZ for next month while we were waiting.  I found lots of national sites and monuments to visit going south.  Also took a short walk along the snowmobile trail while waiting.

Now 11:30AM, and we're finally on the way to Zion.  So glad I was sitting in the back, I couldn't see how often we crossed over the center line of the highway and could only guesstimate how fast we drove where others could pass and how slowly we went in no-passing areas.  OK, another 90 minutes and we're at Zion.  Never did get pics as we drove so quickly thru the park to get to the Riverwalk trail to the Narrows.  Again, never got to the visitor's center but did park at the Human History Museum where we parted ways. 

We decided to meet up at 6:30PM at the VC.  We would probably head for home rather than camp out another night.  One campground was full already and the other 1/2 full.  I would check on availability, though, when I got to the VC.  So much to see and do at the museum- a film introducing the park, a neat museum, a ranger talk, and a 1 mile trail to the VC.  Heard a talk RE:flora and fauna of the area, watched the beautifully made film, read all the highlights of the exhibits.  Finally, a trip to the VC.  A lovely walk along the river and past the campground.  Wow, there were openings, so I got us a site and continued on to find out more.  Of course had to get my stamp and find out about the shuttle. 

Like many other NPs, Zion's shuttle runs May-October taking the millions of visitors along the scenic route to the individual sites where one can begin hiking.  A 45 minute trip to Temple of Sinawava is fantastic.  No pollution, no tie ups, no waiting for parking places.  Get off, do your hike, get back on to the next stop.  I rode to the end and took the Riverwalk Trail.  I knew I'd not have time to get as far as the Narrows but did have access to the Virgin River and the beautiful hanging gardens.  I was content walking in the river and watching kids playing in the water.

I stopped about 2/3 of the way to the Narrows and rested under a lovely overhang.  Than I began my way back to the shuttle.  Next stop, the Lodge and Grotto, just to look around.  Then on to the Emerald Pools( I only got to the first one due to time).  Pretty, but not as impressive as I expected.  Very little algae right now to make them green.  Really didn't want to go higher to the others.  Court of the Patriarchs was the next stop.  A five minute jaunt up the hill to a picture taking spot was relaxing.  The park is restoring this area and there were many new plantings to view.  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as the red rock, Moroni, a Latter Day Saints prophet, were a beautiful sight in the late afternoon sun. 

Next stop the Museum, where my friends had parked.  Their car was still there so I continued on to the VC.  I was there by 6:15PM and talked with the rangers about other things I could do.  One talk began at 8PM and another at 9PM.  Gee, I might just be able to get to at least one of them.  LOL There are numerous displays in the open and since the center closes at 7PM, I decided to take advantage of my waiting time to discover more about the area.  7:15 PM and I am still waiting! 

Maybe they misunderstood and were at the Museum.  Back on the shuttle and the car is still parked.  Waited till 7:45PM and finally we were together.  Let's leave the car and go to Weeping Rock- "NO- I want to pitch my tent in the waning daylight, not in the dark!"  To the campground, not happy pitching tent, someone might steal stuff if we're not there.

Back on the shuttle 8:30PM," let's not do this, it's going to be dark soon and you have no flashlight!"  I couldn't let them go alone.  How would I ever get home if they didn't come back?  Driver assured us and the rest of the passengers that short hikes would be OK, sunset was almost an hour away.  OK, the trail is handicapped accessible, so it should be easy to do in the 1/2 hour they claim.  1/2 hour later, dark is setting in, we are 8 switchbacks up the mountain and no weeping rock.  I knew the trail marker that said "Steep Cliffs- hikers have been killed in this area" indicated we were on the wrong trail.  Take my flashlight folks, I'll wait here if you want to continue on.  One switchback ahead of me and I saw the flashlight shine along the side of the mountain.  Had I gone this far and just missed the weeping rock?  No, my group heard noises in the brush- Help!  Wild animals would attact the light!  Turn it out and come back down to me.  Let's get out of here.  No light, please.  "Sorry, I need that light to show me the way so I don't fall."

Little did they know I had seen several lizards and small critters on the way up but didn't say anything.  Every sound was magnified and they insisted my light was attracting a mountain lion or some other predator.  Finally, down at the bottom of the trail, I indicated the handicap sign we should have paid attention to.  No, we would not go up again.  It was now very dark and the sky was glowing with stars.  What a super sight.  The shuttle came about 15 minutes later and we returned to the VC area where we then attempted the trail to the campground.  I was tired and lagged behind as they took the wrong trail, insisting it would get us to the campsite.  When we reached an area where the river had overflowed onto the path, we finally turned around and got back on track.

 I'm tired writing, folks.  Will give you final installment tomorrow!  Happy Camping!  Susan