Monday, April 14, 2008--The Emerald Pools

Our plan for the day was to hike to the Emerald Pools--Lower, Middle, and Upper. The trail is a 2.5 miles loop. We made it to the lower Emerald Pool and found that at this time of year, it is not emerald! The color is brownish because of the melting snow's run-off from upper elevations.In summer and late fall, the algae turns the pools green because there is limited water flow!

As you can see, the trail goes behind the waterfall for Lower Emerald Pool. If you look closely at the next picture, you can see the waterfall from behind. It is to the right of the railing.

We stopped behind the railing for a picture.

The hike to Lower Emerald Pool was not too bad. The hike became more strenuous as we approached Middle Emerald Pool. After the steps, there was red sand, like beach sand, about a foot deep. It made walking more difficult. Middle Emerald Pool had a waterfall, but you didn't walk behind it as you did at Lower Emerald Pool.
Here we are at Middle Emerald Pool.The hike to Upper Emerald Pool was more strenuous. The rocks were uneven and the sand on them made them slippery. Most of the hike was in the sun, but here is a rest spot where it was shady!The waterfall creating Upper Emerald Pool was much higher than the other two. We could see it from quite a distance.

Once we got to the falls, the air was cooler and the area was serene (everyone was recovering from the huffing and puffing of the climb over desert rocks!).

Joyce climbed over the rocks in the stream for this picture.

The volume of the Upper Emerald Pool was greater than the lower two pools.

As we descended from Upper Emerald Pool, we had a great view of the lodge.

Instead of riding the shuttle all the way to the visitor center, we disembarked at Canyon Junction so we could walk Pa'Rus Trail back to the campground. The trail is 1.75 miles. It runs along the Virgin River with 5 bridges cutting back and forth over the river.

When we got to the campground, we decided to drive into town to shop. Joyce purchased a new pair of hiking boots.

On our return to the campground, a couple came by and said they would be glad to help if we were having trouble with anything--it was our German friends from Glen Canyon! Florian and Nadia sat and talked for a while. They had arrived around 3:00. As we were talking to them, we met a couple from DeBary! The were driving by and saw our Volusia tags. They worked at Yellowstone last summer and are working their way home. If anyone knows Sam Pilcher (DeLand Fire Department), please tell him his parents are doing well at Zion National Park!

After everyone left, we ate our dinner then went for a walk around the campground. We stopped at Florian and Nadia's site to tell them we needed help. The thought that was hilarious! We asked them to eat breakfast with us Tuesday morning. We knew they were leaving later Tuesday for Las Vegas.

After we left their site, we saw the Pilchers again. They told us about work camping at Yellowstone and gave us some tips on what to see!

Tuesday we will have breakfast with Florian and Nadia, then if weather permits we will hike to Angels' Landing!