The Narrows

It is hard every day to come up with more superlatives to describe the fantastic scenery and experiences.  Today we left the campground in Hurricane, and travelled back up the road to Springdale to find somewhere to park the RV, before catching the free shuttle bus which runs the length of the town picking people up from hotels/lodgings, car parks (free) - Salisbury could learn something here.  We then boarded another shuttle bus which took us up the canyon - we had opted to travel the entire length (some 40 mins) to walk to the end of the riverside path and thereafter attempt the river crossing to begin the section known as The Narrows.  It was a pleasant temperature but we knew it was going to soar later and were anxious that the buses would be comfortable, but with all roof vents and windows wide open - it was much more pleasant than air con.

We ambled along the path until we reached the river - taking the usual numerous photos along the way.  The red cliffs soared into the brilliant blue sky, the river rushed along - the most water we had seen on this trip! We reached the end and watched a few people making their way across the river - it didn't seem too bad so we decided to risk it.  Les opted for bare feet, Stella for jandals (which the rest of the world calls flip flops) and Charlotte for walking sandals - we noticed quite a few people with what appeared to be waterproof shoes (and presumably socks?).  We chose a route across the river and picked our way across - the tripod was useful for balancing on the slippery boulders.  We emerged on the other side none the worse and worked our way up the river bed (sandy) to the next crossing which looked a bit more tricky but after some slight changes mid stream (!) we triumphantly made it across. From then on, there were no beaches to cross too, resulting in continuous wading, which we felt a bit too much for our inappropriate equipment/footwear, so we turned back.  It was a fantastic experience and surprisingly we had known even colder water in the UK!

We retraced our steps (more confidently) and lunched by the side of the river with sandwiches purchased at the start of the journey which were surprisingly tasty.  So much so that we found we had a little friend (a plump squirrel!) who was so determined to seek out the food that at one stage he was trying to get into one of the rucksacks after attempting to climb up Les's leg!

We ambled back along the path in the now baking sun and then ventured on one of the trails to the lower Emerald Pool.  It was certainly over 100 degrees so we ensured we made frequent stops for water.  The pool itself was by now a small pond but some water still cascaded down onto the path to provide a welcome shower! The way back also involved a very close encounter with a male mule deer buck, just next to the path.

The bus back was very hot and we were baked when we reached the Visitor Centre in time for a quick spot of shopping before catching the next shuttle back to Springdale - although we were not quite sure which actual stop we required until we spied the RV in time to disembark.  The route back took us past some sparkling displays of crystals for sale, which necessitated another stop!

Boy were  we glad to get back to the campground and connect the aircon!  Followed closely by a welcome shower and drinks!  We've been busy booking future campgrounds whilst we have a reasonable internet connection as we head tomorrow for Bryce Canyon.  We have been advised that it is not as hot but that it also gets very cold at night - perhaps as low as freezing which may necessitate the use of the RV heater - known as the furnace!