We’re Marching to Zion
…well, driving really…
We decided to simplify our day today, so we didnt need to get on the road as early. So, we slept in a bit - which was awesome. It is surprising how quickly we can get everything packed and loaded, considering the amount of stuff we have with us. But, producing world-class watercolor art doesn’t just happen, you know. After everything was loaded, we left to go fill our tank, and fill our drink mugs with ice. I went in this morning to also get some coffee, and when offering a $20, got the same reaction that Carrie did yesterday - “Don’t you have anything smaller?”. I responded, well, I do have a One :). I don’t think she found it humorous.
Back on the road, we went through some more beautiful Utah landscapes. In one small town, Carrie saw a billboard, and made me turn around so that she could get a photo. “Home of the Ho-Made Pies”. Well, advertising works, you know. I did wonder if that really was an appetizing descriptor for food. Many laughs were had by all.
After not too much time, we could tell we were getting close to Zion National Park. We sure are getting good use out of our annual pass. After we entered the park proper, we were inundated with the overwhelming beauty of the area. The speed limit was low, so I could drive slowly and enjoy the sights as well as Pat and Carrie. If you’ve never been, you should go. It is amazing how beautiful it is. We were able to see everything, at least the stuff you can see without hiking. It would be great to come back and explore more.
The visitors center parking lot was totally full, so I dropped Pat and Carrie off to be able to get our passport stamped, and all the other visitor center type activities. I was just going to circle the lot until they were done, but I ended up being in the right place at the right time, and parked. We found some interesting gifts, and headed back on the road.
We decided to take a different route to our next stop instead of going back through the park, and ended up driving past a park that was totally not on our radar. Pat noticed on the map Pipe Spring National Monument, so we stopped. At the least, we could get another stamp on our passport. They had some longhorn cows in a pen, and some 19th century dwellings, as well as some Native American lodgings as well. We couldn’t enter the “castle” as it was closed for the noon hour, and we didnt want to wait, but it was an interesting small site.
While we were there, we started feeling rain drops. <foreshadowing> We got back in the car and continued on to our hotel in Page, AZ. We saw some heavy clouds on the horizon, and then, suddenly, the entire sky opened up and dumped water on us. We couldn’t see the road, even with the wipers on high. I kept braking, slowing down so that we could get some visibility. Just then, Carrie’s phone shrieked to announce a flash flood warning. It stated to avoid travel. She was extremely concerned that we were on the road at all. Shortly after, it subsided, and we were able to make it to Page. Right before we entered town, we saw that we were going to drive by the Glen Canyon Dam. We saw that there was a visitors center, and there were lots of people on the walkway taking pictures of the dam. So, I made a u-turn, and went back across the bridge to park. We walked out on the bridge, and got some photos. Walking back to our car, we decided to go into the visitors center, as we might be able to get more passport stamps. Mission accomplished!
We also saw that there was another site nearby that was a part of the same recreation area - the Horseshoe Bend. It was just a few miles past our hotel, so we drove to it. As we paid to enter, they told us that it was about a mile and a half round trip walk down to the viewing spot. The skies were still heavy, but we decided to chance it. We started down the path, and noticed that the vast majority of people were walking opposite to us, leaving. As we got close to a covered seating area, it started to rain. Not as much as before, but enough that we took shelter to protect the cameras. it eventually subsided, and we continued down to the platform. It was pretty spectacular.
As we walked back on the path, the sun came out, and it got hot. By the time we made it to the car, I cranked the AC and gave thanks for Mr. Carrier. We made it to our hotel, and unloaded the car. While Carrie and Pat set up their painting equipment, I made a run to Walmart for some supplies. Once I returned, we headed out for dinner. Carrie had found a cool spot that we decided to check out - the Birdhouse. They had great chicken, and a wonderful discovery at the soda fountain. It seemed unusual, so I tried a sip before committing to a full glass - Pineapple Cream Soda. It was delicious. My favorite gummy bear flavor (the real Haribo ones) is the clear one. This is what that tasted like. Pat also suggested the Dole Whip as another similar flavor. I ended up drinking several glasses, as I foolishly chose the Spicy chicken for my dinner. It was super juicy and SUPER spicy. It was great, but my eyes and nose were watering. I’ll probably pay for it later.
Back at the hotel, Pat and Carrie started whipping up some magnificent artwork. I’m enjoying some rest after a few long days of driving. And its time to sign off.
