I was so certain I had this place all figured out. I look forward to coming to Springdale, doing laundry and just settling in. I've done it that way twice now. Well my Death Valley, Las Vegas sprint turned into a marathon and after 8 hours of driving we finally got to Springdale at 7pm. Its as I expected but what I had forgotten was that its getting dark earlier now and the visitor center and entrance station are closed so that meant, no mini tour, no stickers for early entry in the morning (their free hiking day) so luckily one of the other tour guides was also staying here and had two extra stickers that they could use. Everything was arranged, the early risers (6:45 bus) would go early to start their hike and the rest would meet me at 8:30am and we'd go in together. Turns out those stickers were only a day pass not a week like normal (do they have that?) so at 7:28am ( I know that because my alarm was set to go off at 7:30) I got a really loud knock and the guys were at my door saying they couldn't get into the park. So I had to get dressed and find the keys and take them back to the entrance. The guy saw me coming with my binder and felt bad but the stickers didn't have the yellow mark so I got them all in the gate and I returned to the hotel to get ready and meet the group.
I was planning to do Hidden Canyon, as were one of my couples and I'd started up the steep bit when a ranger came down and said they were closing the trails for trail work! I was like "Nooooooo!!" I just sent those two guys up a trail that was closing. I'd never hear the end of it for sure! But it turns out they were ahead of the rangers and were both very happy and worn out so I was off the hook. It did mean I didn't get my hike in. I was to meet them at one o'clock to do the Narrows trail so by the time I got down it was too late to start another hike, i decided to hang out at Zion Lodge and that was nice! I got a big table on the patio outside and I shared my chairs with a bunch of different people while I waited. I met these two old guys who were riding motorcycles all over the US. They were from OK and TX and were making a big look. The one guy was 87 or something. They were funny. Then I got a set of three ladies, two really old cute ladies and their caretaker daughter. They were so grateful for a seat and they were nice. Then it was a couple, I'm not sure from where. I did finally run into part of my group so they sat down and we had a good catch up. Then the boys showed up
After a while we went up the Narrows which is a hike that turns from trail to river and the canyon narrows and you literally walk through the river up the canyon. Its the most fun! I mean, really fun! So scenic there too. The light was reflecting and the hanging gardens and the waterfalls and the rock, it was great. So glad I got my shoes wet!
I turned us around at about 5:30pm because I didn't want to be in there when it got dark and that was good. We came out and caught the bus and went to the Court of the Patriarchs and watched the sun go down a bit and then we came back to town. I had to do laundry so I ran across the street and put my stuff in and the boys met me there and we did laundry and then had some dinner at Pizza and Pasta. It was good.
Tomorrow I'm getting up really early to go see sunrise here and then I'll head back and take a nap and get packed and go enjoy the park a bit more.
We drive from here to Bryce tomorrow. We do that at 2pm so everyone gets time to do another hike and see the park some more. Its a nice schedule. We get to Bryce around 4ish and I'll get them checked in and to the visitor center and to a few view points and then we'll eat at Ruby's I think I'll buy a sweatshirt there too. Its supposed to be getting much colder there now.
Anyways, all seems well. I just don't feel very in control and one guy I have on this tour has been subtly hinting to me about things, he is a natural teacher you can tell. He does teach so there you have it.
I've quite a few Londoners this time and its been a funny mix. They seem to be coming out of their shells a bit more. I should have done more intro games or something.
Well I think that about covers it. I'm managing alright but not happy with my performance. Not sure what they all think of me either. Its hard to say.
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