Two More National Parks

Friday, 14 August 2009

Trek Day 17

It was with little regret that I left Easton's and the partying that went with it behind. It was, however, one of the prettiest settings for a campsite and well equipped too. Still, as I have said before, that's water under the bridge now.

Those with hangovers appreciated the impromptu stop at MacDonald's. I was still full of Cheerios so passed on the MacMuffins and had a little heart-to-heart with Kate about group dynamics and so forth. It helped for me to talk, especially after a night which, to my old, sober eyes, was pretty rowdy, not to say inconsiderate behaviour.

With the air cleared and groggy bellies filled, we hit the road on the way to the latest of Kate's "surprise" stops.

Surprise!

We've had a number of surprise stops en route with some well received such as the Jack Daniels distillery (not to my liking but most others did) and some less so, namely the Tabasco Factory in Louisiana.

Today's surprise was stunning though and another highlight of the trip. We stopped at Bryce Canyon National Park. The main draw here is the Hoodoos which are tall pillars of rock, sculpted by nature into various peculiar forms.

Bryce Canyon, like Zion and Grand Canyon sits on the Colorado Plateau but the erosion here has resulted in a deep canyon full of these strange looking pillars. Again, and with apologies, they do have to be seen to be fully appreciated, but I will post photos when I have a strong connection and plenty of time.

I took a stroll along the rim to see the two main areas of columns be fore returning to our faithful van for the remainder of the journey to our two day stop at Zion National Park.

Zion

Apparently, when Mormon explorers came through this area they believed it to resemble the biblical Zion and named it accordingly.

We entered the park and took the scenic switchback drive down the canyon. The road s-twists and turns down to the bottom of the canyon and gives fantastic views of the geology here. There's also a long tunnel for part of the journey with occasional cut-outs in the tunnel walls allowing glimpses of the chasm you are entering.

Our Last Campsite

We're here for two nights before driving on the Las Vegas for two days, so this was the last time we'd be pitching our tents. A relief to all of us as it can be quite a chore moving from camp to camp.

Burgers were on the menu tonight and I took the opportunity to feed my face with three tasty patties. Greedy maybe, but after missing out on 2 or 3 of the community prepared meals, I don't feel guilty.

Chillax

With my appetite satisfied I showered and sat around with the girls to chill out. The three guys in the group had gone to see the girls in the parallel who, to my unashamedly great relief have been given a spot right over the other side of the campsite. I am so relieved not to be near them. I'm assured by my fellow travellers that they are each, individually, lovely girls, but as a herd they are insufferable. They also bring out the worst in our three male companions.

With the men away I had a chance to bond with the girls here and feel a thaw in relations. My thanks go to the booking clerk who put our parallel tours so far apart.

Goodnight.

Stats - Day Twenty One

Distance travelled (as the crow flies) - 60 - Easton's Campground, UT to Zion Canyon Campground and RV Park, UT.

State count - 14 + DC

Burgers eaten - 7. That's a rise of 3 in a day, but we'd been apportioned 2 each yet there were still some left over and I hate to see good food go to waste.