August 25, 2007, 4:50 pm / Happy
OK, we finally get to our campsite and I am thoroughly exhausted and ready for bed. E and V are upset because I am not eating with them after they spent 1/2 hour getting bed ready again. It was so warm I slept on top of the sleeping bag. The evening was peaceful but early AM saw some winds and a dull morning. Looked like rain, but I knew it would clear up before 10AM. I am up and ready to break camp at 8AM after having taken a short walk to the river. 9:00AM my partners arise and decide they will take 2 more 3+ mile hikes. OK, I want to go into town and see a few galleries before we leave. So, we part ways again to meet up at noon at the museum. We must leave at 12 because they need to rest before going to work on Friday. We are about 1 1/4 hours from "home". I walked into Springdale and enjoyed the morning, stopping at a photography gallery-not open till 6PM, but I was able to at least look thru the doors and windows at the beautiful photos. I visited a few antique stores and shops and had fun trying on some neat outfits that I'd never buy, let alone wear. Talked with the Outfitters Co. and got some good rates for future tours. Stopped at a jewelry gallery- such gorgeous hand made pieces. What a thrill. Time was getting short so I rode part way back to the park after seeing the Elk Ranch right in town. The free shuttle stops at all the major motels and B+Bs so it was easy to get a ride. Back at the VC I stopped in the museum photo gallery. I had wanted to see some more work of photographer, Michael Fatali. He moved his works to the park a short time ago and they are readying a new studio for his things. Several pieces were on display and I was truly enthralled with his beautiful interpretation of light. I could have stayed all day, but I'm on a short leash. Hopped on the park shuttle and back to the museum I go only to find my friends not there yet and I'm 8 minutes late. About 30 minutes later they arrive on another shuttle. They never took the 2 hikes they planned on, only one other. While waiting I heard another ranger talk. Wished I had stayed back down looking at the photos longer! One o'clock and we are ready to head for home. Uneventful trip except for the fact we were still driving in the middle of the road most times. Back home I unload my stuff and head in to play with the cat and then go to the laundry. Relaxing afternoon and evening and to bed by 10, very early for me. Friday AM off to work where I discover that another couple, my age, had taken E and V to Las Vegas with them earlier in the season. They related their tale of no adherence to time or consideration for their driver who wanted to return by 11PM but never left Vegas till midnight because our friends got lost, getting back after 4:30AM. Paul, Sandra, and I just laughed as we related our stories about our experiences. At least we all did a good deed showing E and V our country. As my Mom always says, "that was another star in your crown, dear!" I 'LL REMEMBER HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE MY INDEPENDENCE!  Happy Camping, all! Susan
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