Kanab, UT & Zion & Bryce National Parks(June 18, 19, 20, 21 2023)

​Upon arrival at Coral Pink Sand Dune State Park, I set up camp.  While getting settled I managed to put a splinter under the nail bed of my right middle index finger.  Boy did that hurt.  Since it still hurt in the morning and it was quite red, I decided to go to the hospital clinic to have it checked out and make sure I did not get an infection. I was assured it was not infected and was given some proactive measures I could take to ensure it did not get infected later.  Then I spent some time exploring Kanab, UT and then went to the city park that had cell coverage and shade to relax.  After the previous few days of being on the move a day of relaxation was needed.  When I headed back to the state park, I explored some of the overlooks and trails.  Infront of me was sweeping acres of colorful sand dunes.  People were riding buggees and hiking in the shifting sands.  The sand dunes were formed by sand and high winds.  The Venturi effect occurs by wind funneling between Moquith and Moccasin mountains increasing wind velocity to where is carries grains of sand from the eroding Navajo sandstone.  When the winds decrease in velocity the sand is deposited among the dunes. 
The next few days would be early mornings and full days exploring and hiking national parks.  The first was Zion National Park.  I was told to get to Zion prior to 9am when the visitor parking lots fill up.  And once there, take the shuttle to the furthest point and work your way back.  The furthest point is stop 9 on the shuttle, “The Narrows”.  I was not prepared to do a 7-8 mile hike out and back in 90% water, but other people were and arrived with Flyfishing waders, water proof hiking boots, and dry bag backpacks for supplies.  Next time!  I stopped at “Big Bend” and did a short hike by the river, then on to “Weeping Rock” where I climbed up and stood under the curtain of water to cool off.  Then it was a hike along “The Grotto” trail to the lodge where I met other hikers.  On to “The Three Patriarchs” where I climbed to the plateau for the amazing view of “the three Patriarchs”.  I then took the shuttle to “Canyon Junction” where I got off and walked the two remaining stops along the river to the visitor center.  I had a picnic lunch in the shade at the visitor center before leaving the park around 1pm.  That was when I saw the hour-long line of cars waiting to enter the park which validated why leaving early in the morning was a wise move. 
After leaving Zion National Park, I went back to Kanab, UT to visit the Kanab visitor center for Grand Staircase Escalante National Park.  The Rangers were very helpful showing me where I could see the Grand Staircase Escalante National Park on my drive to Bryce National Park, and Capital Reef National Park.  It was the rangers that convinced me to stay at Capital Reef National Park campground for a night and leave Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park early. 
That night I had trouble sleeping and could not figure out why until I got in the car to drive to Bryce National Park and found the temperature was down to 44 degrees.  I was cold and found myself dressing in layers including my down jacket.  On the drive to Bryce National Park the temperatures dropped to 32 degrees.  I arrived at the park before the rangers were on duty, so I drove out to the furthest point “Rainbow Point” and drove the scenic drive back to the visitor center.  The scenery was magnificent and the clouds fluffy and provided depth to the vistas.  It was so cold, and I was dragging due to little sleep, so I did not take any longer hikes.  I drove to all the points and took the shorter walks to the viewpoints.  I made it back to the visitor center before lunch and the masses had arrived. I went back to “Sunset Point” for a picnic lunch overlooking the vista.  I met a few groups of people while eating lunch and struck up conversations and helped take group photos for them.   After which I drove back to Kanab, UT hung out at the city park and then went out for an early dinner before heading back to Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park for the night.