Adventures in Zion--The Emerald Pools

Friends, I'm suffering. Actually, I take that back. When I think of all the horrific things happening in the world right now, comparing my minor misery seems tone deaf.  But "deaf" is literally where it's at. Two days ago my ear got clogged and despite trying multiple home remedies and over the counter products, it's only gotten worse. Now the other ear is starting to get plugged and the original culprit is borderline painful. Mostly it's just incredibly annoying--difficult to concentrate, plus everything sounds like I am underwater. If it doesn't improve soon, I may have to bite the bullet and make my way to InstaCare.

To distract myself, I wanted to share some photos from our trip to Zion National Park at the beginning of February. A couple months prior, I was supposed to be cleaning out the basement with Brooklyn and Talia. Instead, I started procrasti-googling and found a great price at our favorite Springhill Suites hotel in Springdale. It's never hard to talk me into a trip to Zion! Even better, our college gals said they would be able to join us. We've missed them!

On Friday, February 6th I picked Annika up from Hillside, Jason from ASSIST, Brooklyn from her apartment and Talia from her dorm. Bless his heart, Eli took Trax over to Jason's work so I didn't have to make another stop. Even so, gathering the masses for a family road trip used to be easier. But hey, worth it! I love the chaos in this picture, even if is incriminating evidence for how I chew my pens. By the way, Annika is wearing a face mask, in case anyone is wondering about the ghostly white.

As we pulled away from Provo, I asked the family if we should try to enter the lottery to hike the Wave. If we drove quickly with minimal stops, we would have just enough time to make it into the geofence before 6pm. Even though it would be a super long shot, everyone was interested in trying. Jason just wished we had time to get a good meal and make it into the lottery zone.

In the end, we made it to the geofence outside of Orderville with ten minutes to spare. I paid the fee and entered the lottery using my recreation.gov account. Then Jason realized that he could enter with his account as well. We pulled over and he quickly threw his name in the pot too.

An hour later, we were happily seated at Oscars. Our meals had just arrived when I got an e-mail saying that I hadn't been selected for the lottery. We debated about whether or not Jason should look at his e-mail, knowing that it would probably be more disappointment. Instead, Jason got the BIGGEST smile on his face and started to squeal.

It would be hard to overstate the joy as he cheered so loudly that the entire restaurant looked over to see what was going on.

We had been trying to get a permit to hike the wave for more than a decade. I can't tell you how delighted we were to finally win the lottery as an entire family. It's so seldom that all six of us are together. It felt like a miracle to have the chance to share the experience. The stars definitely aligned, granting us the time and the health to explore this special place with the people we love most. Not to mention, the weather was perfect.

But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. First we had to finish our meal at Oscar's. We've long loved this restaurant, but now the positive memories associated with this spot are priceless.

Memories as massive as their Mucho Nachos and burgers. Like I said, big.     

Before playing, Jason and the big kids also had tons of work to get done. At least the lobby was a nice place to work! Plus, we enjoyed hopping in the hot tub first.

Taking a break to shoot some pool.

The following morning dawned beautifully on Zion. Jason and I left quite early to drive to Kanab. We had to be there by 8:30 am sharp to pick up our permit.

Of course, driving through Zion is never much of a chore.

Learning about the Wave and the permit process was pretty fascinating. We left feeling so very fortunate to have secured a spot! Even though we'd be hiking on Super Bowl Sunday, they still had a larger number of applicants than they'd had in a while. They only allot a maximum of four groups or 16 hikers from the walk-in lottery, so it's quite low odds. In peak season, you might be competing with up to 400 other people for a permit. Hiking without a permit can cost you up to $40,000 and six months jail time, so definitely not worth the risk. Apparently there are rangers hiding out looking for trespassers.

But hey, we were legal and the conditions were predicted to be ideal. We left feeling SO excited to share the experience with our kids.

Meanwhile, our kids had a great relaxing morning sleeping in. Okay, maybe a little too relaxing since they slept right through breakfast. (My bad for telling them the wrong buffet hours.) Fortunately the hot chocolate bar kept everyone content until lunch.

Standard Wheeler picnic fare. Yum!

Next the kids and I drove into the canyon to hike the Emerald pools. Jason stayed in the car to draft, but hey, there are worse places to work.

Per usual, I took far too many photos. But hey, enjoy!

Every time I watch Annika hike, I feel so delighted and grateful for everything her heart allows her to do.

Of course, having all the kids together makes my own heart SO happy as well.

Brooklyn, we missed your smile!

Eli took gorgeous pictures the entire way. Following in his father's footsteps. :)

Talia takes a turn with the lens, then gives her sister a tote.

After hiking the Emerald Pools, we rejoined Jason for a meander down past the Temple of Sinawava to the Zion River Narrows.

Perfect way to end a delightful day.

And hey, good news! In the time between I started this post and finished it, I went to InstaCare and had an embarrassing amount of ear wax flushed out of my ear. The sound of life is lovely!