Up early (we learned fast that that’s the way to do it –
parking/crowd/temperature-wise), sandwiches for breakfast and packed
some away for lunch. Drove into the park and parked at the Visitor
Center, then took the shuttle to the Weeping Rock stop. Summer (high)
season, you can’t drive through the canyon, but they have a shuttle
running every 7-10 minutes all day – nice system.
We took the shuttle to the Weeping Rock stop. First item was the
Observation Point hike, although not the whole way - our destination
was just to go through Echo Canyon, but I was enjoying it so much I
made Aba go a little further. We stopped when we made it into the sun
- at the turn-off to the East Entrance (2 mile marker), where we ran
into the same backpackers we'd seen take off the day before. Had
lunch at the junction, then returned. Really beautiful trail, next
time I go back I'm taking the time to do the whole thing.
Back at the trailhead we walked up to Weeping Rock – one of the more
prominent rocks with heavy seepage and hanging gardens – put my hood
on so I wouldn’t get rained on! Also very pretty, but by then the
park was really filling up - big change from the morning.
Back on the shuttle to Temple of Sinawava stop and walked the
Riverside Walk. Beautiful but also much more crowded. Would like to
come back in summer and hike the Narrows up the canyon through the
water, but as it was we weren’t interested in renting dry pants to
keep us warm so we just dunked our toes in the (freezing) water and
hung out a bit by the river.
Next shuttle stop was Big Bend. Nice view, and Aba promptly made
himself comfortable on a rock to take a nap. Prying him off of his
scenic resting spot was not easy.
Went back to the Lodge in the park, and rested on the lawn there for a
bit (and got a souvenir!), then moved on to check out the museum on
the way out.
Checked out both Oscar’s and Bit and Spur for dinner options in
Springdale, and stuck with Bit & Spur, probably more because we didn’t
feel like driving back to the other than that it stuck out as better,
but food was good. Beautiful view from the porch (I don’t think you
can find a spot without a view in the town). I had a stuffed poblano
pepper with mushroom, polenta, and goat cheese – pretty damn tasty.
Also a chocolate lava cake that didn’t measure up to any lava cake in
Portland but was exactly what I needed. Oh and as we were leaving the
couple next to us asked if we were from Portland and liked the
restaurant on Aba’s shirt… hah! Shout out to Toro Bravo! That was
pretty funny.
Got back on the road, and stayed the night in a AAA 2-star rated Motel
6 in Cedar City – classy!!
1941 年，日本郵便的
