I came home from work today to discover that my partner in crime had revamped my blog.  I LOVE the new logo and feel ready for the big time.  Somerset just came out with a new journal called “Artful Blogging” and Chuck says I should submit mine.  I still have a ways to go, but Adobe Photoshop is a magical thing!  

Now, where was I with our vacation adventures?  Oh yes, we had just finished our swim, and hopped back on the bus for another hiking escapade.  This time we decided to investigate the emerald pools.  According to our map, it would take us about an hour to make the round trip hike to the lower pools.  On our way up, we ran into a rather charming couple enjoying their evening meal.

They were so close, we could touch them.  I was a little nervous and I told Chuck not to get too close — those antlers looked like they would hurt.  I imagined that the doe was telling the buck, “Honey, don’t get too close.  His lens looks like it might hurt.”  We watched them for a while and then then traipsed off.  Once they left, we headed back up the mountain.  The lower pool was gorgeous!

Above this waterfall are the middle and upper emerald pools.  We didn’t have enough time to make the trek.  By this time, we were pretty pooped.  Interestingly enough, there were signs everywhere warning not to swim in the upper and middle pools.  Apparently there is a current that will sweep you off the cliffs and each year people perish.  It reminds me of back home in North Carolina where folks fall to their death along Looking Glass Falls.  Mom said that a few folks have already died this year.

As we made the trek back to the car, we took a really nice 1.5 mile hike along the river and enjoyed the sunset.  

This photo reminds me of a Maxfield Parish painting.  Notice the moon in the center of the picture.  

We made it back to the car without incident and had a delicious meal at a local restaurant in the town of Springdale.  I splurged and had an oh-so-tender filet and we split an almond creme brule for dessert.  We then grabbed a room at a hotel off the interstate.  I laughed hysterically when I realized that our meal cost more than our room.  

Anyway, stay tuned for the saga that will unfold on Saturday as Chuck and Nicole realize that their idea of fun is perhaps a bit different from each other’s.  Cue the ominous music…