National Parks of USA

[Ewelina Wajgert]

We choose trail to Weeping Rock.

1. We meet deer, that graze peaceful
2. Weeping Rock - from the rock flow down streams of water, it's perfectly environment for ferns
3. We stay behind courtain of drops
4. Primula or Dodecatheon (it has suggested Gerd) hold on rocks
5. View on the valley from Weeping Rock

[Ewelina Wajgert]

Then we make trail to Emerald Pool

1. We cross the river,
2. that cool hot body.
3. On the way we meet this animal. It's rock squirrel, Spermophilus variegatus (identified by Lori).
4. From this rock flow down stream of water. Even though this is not imposing, strong wind prevent us from takeing the photos. I have put wet camera to the rucksack.
5. Emerald Pool was modest in comparision with Hanging Lake or Emerald Pool that we have seen in Yosemite.
6. But the vertical walls of Zion were imposing.

[Ewelina Wajgert]

Leaving Zion we admire already

1. farm of bison,
2. carriage in Kanab
3, 4, 5. and interesting rock's formation by the road 89

[Armin]

Fascinating caught sceneries
Thanks for sharing with us!

[Gerdk]

We choose trail to Weeping Rock.
2. Weeping Rock - from the rock flow down streams of water, it's perfectly environment for ferns

...... and for Viola clauseniana - a rare and beautiful American violet species - nice to see the place where it is occuring!
- your plant on 4. is a Primula or Dodecatheon species perhaps.

Gerd

[Ewelina Wajgert]

- your plant on 4. is a Primula or Dodecatheon species perhaps.

Gerd

It's pitty, that it isn't in bloom.


And who knows animal on my photo? It is a little similar to squirrel.

[Maggi Young]

Ewelina , your little animal is a type of ground squirrel, a relative of the Marmots in Europe. I think the group of these species ia called Marmotini, but I do not know which species your little friend is.

[Lori S.]

Wonderful sights, Ewelina!  Zion is unworldly!

I think your critter in 18686 is a rock squirrel, Spermophilus variegatus.

[Maggi Young]

Doesn't the rock squirrel have more black and a bushier tail than 18686?
see this Californian Ground Squirrel phot... right colour, narrower tail.....??  Spermophilus beechyihttp://www.mnh.si.edu/mna/images/images/815432211121054.jpg

[Lori S.]

I was thinking that the bushiness of the tail (yes, somewhat lacking...) may just be individual variation, though of course my suggested ID may be wrong, too.
The range of California ground squirrel doesn't seem to extend into Utah, though.   

[Ewelina Wajgert]

For me these two animals look identical but I have "eye from a button"  

[Lori S.]

From an old Peterson Field Guide to Mammals:  
California ground squirrel (S. beecheyi) has a conspicuous dark triangle on the back between the shoulders, plus whitish sides of neck and shoulders.  Other ground squirrels are all smaller with shorter, less bushy tails.

Rock squirrel (S. variegatus) - usual colour grayish, sometimes nearly black, mixed with cinnamon or brown, sometimes with head and back blackish; tail nearly as long as head and body and somewhat bushy; a slightly mottled effect over the body.

[Ewelina Wajgert]

Arizona greet us sweltering. Hot air don't allow to stay long outside of air-conditioned car. We approach again to Lake Powell, this time from Glen Dam

1. Yucca that grow in poor, sandy soil
2. First view of Lake Powell
3. I begin to dream of cruise...
4. ...and we managed to  catch the last one to Antelope Canyon
5. Lake is perfect for aquatic sports

[Ewelina Wajgert]

And here we can admire fabulous colorful rocks.

1. On the rocks distinct line show the highest water's level.
2. Our ship come in Antelope Canyon and form this moment move between two walls in narrow pass.
3. Very interesting rock's formation
4. Here we return
5. and aproach already to Glen Dam

[mark smyth]

One word- Stunning

Thanks.