Free day in Zion!

Sunset in Springdale last night.

What a great day I had today! After setting my alarm for an early start I rolled over and went back to sleep for a little while longer. When I got up and got outside I found Jean and David had done the same thing so I rode the shuttle up with them to the Visitors Center and then met them on the trail. What a trail that is. They called the massive amount of switchbacks "Walters Wiggles". Once you manage all of that, about 2 miles worth, you reach a ridge and then are confronted by the last 0.5 miles which is along this thin little ridge with a chain running along it. I managed to get all the way up to the top. You really have to scramble up the rocks, its not a regular trail. Some parts are so steep and a tiny bit technical that you have to use the chains to steady the ascent (and descent) once you get to the top though you have 360 degree views of Zion and all the peaks there. Its beautiful!
I met a really nice man on the top of the trail and ended up walking down the trail with him. He is from Las Vegas so he was interested to know what my group got up to while they were there. We hiked up to Emerald Pools after that and then parted ways. He took my email and name and we're going to try and connect when I come to Las Vegas. We'll see how that goes. But it would be fun to have someone to walk around with at least. He is a Mormon so we'll just be friends but company will be nice.

So I came back to the hotel and took a shower and had a little walk and fell asleep. I was supposed to meet my group here at 6:45pm and at 6:45pm I woke up suddenly from my nap and ran out the door. Yikes!
Dinner was supposed to be a big group thing and it was a disaster! They couldn't get us all together and then the service was terrible, it was really too bad because I'd been there the night before and had a good time. It was too bad! I think I'm the only one who was disturbed by that. My group has really divided and I'm not sure how to work that out. They are finding it hard to get along and its their vacation, do you force them to get along or just keep the peace?
So we're off early in the morning. Headed to Bryce. It will be a big push for the next few days. Packed with hiking and optional things and go go go. These guys will be so worn out! They have all opted for the "Dreamcatcher" tour in Monument Valley so we'll be having a jeep tour with a Navajo guide and then dinner with them and entertainment, dancing! Should be great fun.
So now to bed. I have to get up early and get the van cleaned up and get ice bought etc. Oh boy. The fun begins again!