Ground Squirrel attack in Zion National Park

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We weren't actually attacked but the minute we sat down by the river a couple of squirrel warriors appeared. They pleaded for a bit of my muffin sitting up begging with their little paws outstretched - looking so cute - and not getting any ( there is a big fine for feeding the animals !!! and it's something I don't do with wild animals) they then started running around me and looked like they would jump into my rucksack and search for more muffins . Suzanne on Mother-alert said move mum they might bite you and I thought it best to obey.

So watch out for the little beggars if you are doing the Riverside Walk in Zion National Park.

That was yesterday, we started with a great coffee stop in Springdale and took the free shuttle bus into the park. NPS - National Parks Service - have everything so well organised for the visitors. you can stop off where you want and do sections of trails. Although it was hot we really enjoyed the walks as sometimes you were in the shade of trees or the canyon wall towering above , and even better when we were under the weeping walls of rocks where springs seep out and it's like being under a waterfall.

Zion is stunning with the Virgin River running through soaring rock canyons.. But see for yourself, I am running out of adjectives to describe the wonders we are seeing every day.

Earlier in the week there had been a big rockfall on the exit road towards Bryce Canyon which was to be out next day stop which meant the highway was closed for some days. We were most fortunate as the rockfall and clearing up was finished by Sunday evening when we went through. This was another fantastic road during up and up switchbacks and through tunnels to appear right at the top of the plateau with awesome petrified sand dunes rock formations .... And so it was on about two hours drive to our little motel cabin in Hatch. So far all our motels we have booked have been great little stops , not luxurious but clean and comfy and we are glad we pre- booked as most of them around Zion and Bryce Parks are full - No Vacancy.

I will try and blog a little each day as there are going to be so many photos each day !! Hope you are all not too envious!

Bye for now X

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Comments

[Robert Aitken]

It is a different beauty than we are used to in green wet climates. Sounds like a great visit

[Mumtraveller]

Mountains
Yesterday we crossed over Boulder Mountain in Escalante ... Golden aspens ...such varied landscapes. Good to see you keeping track of me !,

[Dancing Dave]

Seasons
This pic in particular highlights the changes in the seasons in Zion for us having been there in Winter...the Weeping Wall. Is it late Summer or early Autumn when you were there? What a lovely National Park.

[Mumtraveller]

Seasons
Dave It is beginning of the Fall here now , but temperatures very high still 95 deg F in Zion when we were the on Sunday. We did Goblins today .. Fabulous , thanks for that tip ... Will blog about that when I have more time.