12/11/12
Awoke to a dismay rainy day. Killed off any plans of short walks in the park. Decided to go to the lookout at the top of Zion Canyon. A short drive followed by a 1 kilometer walk. The walk required a steep climb up the side of the mountain. We thought we were prepared by rugging up, and taking umbrellas. It started to snow lightly at the start of the walk, no big deal. When we arrived at the lookout, it was a covered in clouds, so no view of the canyon.

There was one other person at the lookout. A gentleman from Canada. We shared a lengthy conservation, before it started to bucket down with snow. It was so heavy, and the wind was so chilly, but we braved it out. Then to our amazement the cloud moved out of the Canyon so we could see it for all its beauty. By this time the Canadian fellow decided to leave us to enjoy the view. The cold can be quite bearable, its the wind that cuts right through you and all you want to find refuge in the nice warm car.

We did see some other sights and did a short walk along the canyon following the river.
driving back to exit the park we spotted some Mule Deer grazing. Stopped and walked back to get some pictures. There was about 10 of them. So cool to see them in the wild.

Driving though the park on our way to Bryce early in the morning, we came across a herd of Big Horn Sheep walking along the road. It must have been a lucky sighting as the car following us stopped as well to get some pictures. There was about 20 of them. One of the guys was a local, and he had never seen this herd before, especially the male bucks with their huge horns. So lucky!

13/12/12
Our destination today is Bryce Canyon national park. It is only a short 160k drive. Unfortunately the weather is not much better. The drive has some impressive scenery, especially Dixie state forest. As it is too early to check into our hotel room we visit Bryce Canyon. Not the best day as it is cloudy. As we drive into the park the main road to all the sights is closed. The park had 10" to 15" of snow, so they shut the road. So we are left to see only a few of the lookouts. Well they turned out to be one of the most amazing sights we have seen! They call them Hoodoo's. The whole canyon is full of these incredible rock formations.

The access was limited as there was so much snow, and all the foot paths were knee deep in snow. Well this didnt stop us from walking knee deep to get some pictures.Boy did our feet freeze!. It took ours before i could feel my toes again.

14/12/12
Awoke to a perfect blue sky day with the temperature at about minus 10C. The wind chill made it so much colder. The car was frozen, and took its time starting. The whole car was covered in ice, and our water bottles in the car were frozen solid.

Our destination today is Salt Lake city, about 4 hours. As time was on our side and the sky we clear, we headed back into the park to revisit the Hoodoo's. The park rangers had cleared all the foot paths with their snow blowers, so access to the lookouts was easy. It was worth going back to see these sights with full sunlight.

Alan was hurling snow balls over the edge until a group tour turned up. We followed the group around so we could listen to the Ranger. The first thing he told the group was not to throw snow balls over the side as there are hikers below. Woops!

Arrived at Salt Lake city late in the afternoon. Checked into the hotel without any trouble. Looks like we will be lucky with the weather. For the last few weeks Salt lake city has had a smog cloud hanging over the city, so no clear blue sky. Well the weather report for the next few days is beautiful clear blue skies. How lucky.

Planning to drive out to see the Bonneville Salt Flats tomorrow or the day after, as we are here for 3 nights.