the journey continues

 John figured out a fast way to dry out our shoes on our way back to the park.

Our first hike was up to weeping rock which was only 1/2 mile up.

The rock literally "weeps".  I've copied this from the park website as we found it very interesting.

"An impermeable shal, the Kayenta layer, makes up the floor of the slot canyon that prevents water from absorbing into the ground and forces it to find a place it can penetrate, such as at Weeping Rock. This is not a quick process. The water has been in the rocks for a very long time, about 1200 years in fact."

 Joel lets them fall on his head while Jayden catches 1200 year old water drops

 Looking out from under the weeping rock

 The next hike was the hidden canyon.  It was a little longer, over an hour but we were fresh and ready at the beginning of the day so we headed up.  John spotted this little guy in the rock, can you spot it in the left picture?

 Ok, so John's look explains it all in the picture on the right.  The hike at first was just switchbacks going up. Nothing scary or different then what we've done in the past.  Then we reach these narrow steps going up and down which make us a little more nervous.  Next we reach these cliff's with chains that you have to pull yourself up on!! I couldn't believe how scary this was with kids, oh my.  I'd have probably turned around there but there was a family in front of us with even younger kids, probably 2 and 4!! So I kept convincing myself that this IS a family hike. I'd have definitely turned around had our kids been any younger and am shocked that family ahead of us kept going.  The boys did very well because we kept telling them to make sure both hands were on the chain at all times and to not let go.  The little kids ahead of us however would let go, and one kid even had to put his shoe back on so just plopped down facing the cliff which means his back was WAY to close to the edge.  I think HALF my nervousness was for THAT family!

A look over the side going up.

The trail ends at the mouth of the cavern so we decide to hike back in a bit. 

After we were done with that hike we hopped on the bus to go to the Lodge to hike the Emerald pools.

The view at the trail head.

 

Where was this sign on the last hike? I'm sure it was there but I didn't see it.  This hike wasn't near as scary.

When we got back to the pools there was also a pretty waterfall.  The pools weren't very emerald if you ask me though which was a little disappointing.  

We had sore feet by the time this hike was over so we had to call it a day and start heading back home.  Boo hoo.

Goodbye Zion

 On our way home we found this cute little diner we thought we'd try.

 When we got inside there was a big sign that said "seat yourself"

So we did. When we got to the table we saw the instructions.  Write down your order and call it in! Jayden was very excited to take care of the ordering for us. 

While your food was being prepared there was a beverage area where you got your drinks, silverware, napkins, condiments and anything else you may need.  Once your food was ready the phone rang at your table to tell you it was ready.  Hence, the one man band.  It really was a very fun restaurant and unique experience.  When we came out of the restaurant it was raining so once again we got to see a beautiful rainbow over the mountains.

We were blessed with another beautiful sunset to end our day.  This one was especially neat as the colors changed so much while we were watching it and it even glowed red on the mountains as you can see below.