Zion Canyon Day Update....

The Zion National Park Day - Saturday 4th April 2009

The Zion Team

the girlies :-)

some of the boys

The Hoover Team

The Bryce Team

more team photos to follow.....

Well after a hearty breakfast in our hotel, we made our way to Zion, via the Walmart - where the lunch options were vast.  The challenge was to find anything in a 'normal' size rather than the supersize we found on every counter!!

The trip was short and sweet with our driver, Robert, taking us smoothly through the majestic landscape of the Zion National Park.

The weather was perfect, with sunny, clear blue skies.  We parked up and took the steepest option to start.  Some found the going a bit tough, but soon got used to the terrain and soon we were at our first stop.

We eventually made our way to the Emerald Pools - and had our lunch.  To say the scenery was breath-taking would be to do it an injustice.  The many times when we just had to stop and take another photo - or look up at the pure vastness of the cliffs above our heads, was numerous, which to be honest, for me and my lungs was a blessing!

After the decent back to the main Zion Visitor Lodge, we caught the shuttle bus to the mysterious Temple of Sarawava.  The mile walk brought new glimpses of nature - with Mule Deer and chipmunks sharing our travels.  The whole group of students enjoyed the hike, with many realising new limits of stamina and strength - in a good way of course.

During the onward journey to Bryce Lodge, the whole group were challenged to an inpromptu quiz on the events and facts of the day.  With questions on the scenery and the more obscure, the winners were eventually identified as the 'Hoover' team, headed up by Mr Daniel.  It was a very proud moment for all.

I will keep you abreast of the daily quiz results, as we build up the scores on each days' events and trivia.  

As for now, we have returned from the Bryce Lodge buffet dinner - where even I had to forgoe a dessert.  The infamous Bryce Canyon walk looms on the horizon tomorrow.  I am sure the briskness of the temperatures will mean a 'fresh' day.  This evening on running back from the Hotel pool, our adventurous swimmers found their hair actually frozen by the time they had completed the 5 minute trip!!

All in all, we are indeed having a fantastic time - with a few new catchphrases for the trip diary.

When Megan was asked by a local what our plans were while we here, all she could answer was "well we are going to look around at some 'stuff'"! - we are grateful that the two years of planning and last minute panic has really paid off for Megan.

Also, the Linforth 'Bryce' team have started a new phenomenon of shouting 'Milk' at interesting points of conversations.  

Indeed, all these memories will no doubt mean everything to those here but may be lost in the travelling across the miles.  Rest assured that they are creating memories which they will hold onto for years to come; when they meet in future school reunions the shouting of 'Milk!' will then bring a silent room to their knees in laughter. Yes ladies and gentlemen - this is indeed the stuff of memories and inspiration. 

Rather than take a long time to put lots of photos on here - I have included a short movie of the day's events - the actual photos and video will be available to copy when we return...

Keep in touch and give us your comments - it is nice to know you are watching over us......

Noreen x