Zion is zion

I have come to the conclusion that this is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. S didn't believe me on the phone but it really is. "Pictures?" he asked. Nope. They can't capture it.

Actually, they can try, but it's so much more than visual. It reminded me of the sweat lodge. An experience that leaves you quiet and calm afterwards. It's very hot and dry here, yet as you go into the canyon, it gets cooler and cooler. You have to get into the water to walk the trail (why there are no pictures--I'm too wimpy to risk my camera), and then it unfolds. The shear scale of it, the age, the amazing color (all the rocks are orange or red, the water is blue-green), the texture of the sandstone (it's crumbly and sand, but also stone!). This unassuming river has carved it over 3 million years. And it continues to carve it. But only our great (times 150) grandchildren will even see the slightest change.

I had more to say but it is time to get back on the road unfortunately.

Zion hiking

Zion isn't a place for a trailer like Alice. Most of the park is cut off to traffic and can only be accessed by shuttle. Don't worry; I did get some nice images of her before tucking her into her campsite for a few days. I'm planning on trying a "difficult" trail today. When I asked a ranger at the visitor center if there were any trails I shouldn't do alone, she smirked at me. "Why? Are you afraid to be alone?" I said, "no, I'm used to hiking Yellowstone, where lone hikers are mauled by bears and never found." Later, I asked another ranger about a trail I was thinking of taking. Here's what she said. "The Narrows is at the top of the canyon, formed by the Virgin River. Take the shuttle to the last stop, then there will be a one mile paved trail along the river. When that trail ends, prepare to enter the Virgin." Entering the Virgin at her Narrows? With so many visitors, I don't think she's a virgin any more. I walked the one mile trail last night. This is what the end looked like.

Bryce Canyon

Day 7: Outskirts of Zion

Drove 100+ miles yesterday. Stopped at a couple junk shops. Gave in to some old bottles and CDs. Lost the radio soon after, so the CDs are helping. Drove through Zion to get a feel for it. Will have a campsite there tonight. Was planning on camping in the Dixie Forest last night, but after I stopped at a rest stop, I just didn't feel like leaving.

This morning, I'm going to get an early start to check out Bryce Canyon. It's pretty hot here, so every stop I make, I leave the engine on for AC for the cats. This morning it's cool, like I thought it would be (cool enough, the cats want to stay under covers) so I can get some sightseeing in before checking into camp, where I'll unhitch and run lots of AC.

Fishlake National Forest Campground

Day 6 - Fishlake National Forest.

Today, I drove about 190 miles, minus some detours. As I said before, the goal was to dry-camp on public land (also called boondocking). The first road I tried quickly turned into a steep, rocky ATV trail. My first forced back-out of a scary road. Back down the hill was a sunny, still parking area, in sight of a park utilities station. Not what I was picturing.

Back on the road.

The next turn off I chose was a confirmed car-road (with the trail map I scored at the parking area). Even it was dirt, narrow, and rocky, but at least not steep. First several miles, there were tight turn-offs. Fine for a small car and tent camper. No point stopping and possible blocking the road, if I still couldnt turn around in the morning.

Finally, a clearing. The sun was behind a hill then. Outside went from the high 80s to cooler than my AC. Nice.

The Plan

I just took another shower. Two showers in less than 15 hours? A girl could get spoiled. But when you pay $40 for an RV park, that's what you do. It certainly isn't for the "free WiFi"... One modern line for more than 100 campers? Yeah, I had to drive to McDonalds last night to set up my online class. Which I was sure started later...

Tonight and tomorrow, I'm going to experiment with bondocking on public land. Battery is all charged up. I'll fill the water tank (it tastes terrible, even after using a filter) and empty the toilet before I leave (again, if you're paying for it....). I bought some groceries last night (though still no can opener).

Wish me luck. Don't know how my signal will be.

Day 5

No miles. Explored Salt Lake City. Was on a quest tip find a can opener, but no luck so far.

Window thrift shopping

I left the trailer at Denny's and walked to an awesome shop called Retro Rose. I think I should own a shop like this someday. I saw many things I've  purchased for a dollar for sale here for $30. I'm an excellent bargain hunter! But still fun to look.

Day 4: Salt Lake City

Mileage... Probably 100 miles... Got into Salt Lake City after a 85 mile detour to visit Spiral Jetty. I didn't realize out was that far, out I would have gassed up first. The last few miles were nail buying, with visions of me riding the $6 bike 10 miles with my lawn mower gas can in the basket. Luckily, that $2700 really did improve the mileage. I had at leadt another gallon to spare.

Anyway, I wish there was a Spiral Jetty cam or update out something. To be that afraid of yet another thirty mile dirt road and running out of gas... I would have liked to be prepared for it to be under water. It was still neat though.

Pic is the local beer I am enjoying at the Devil's Daughter Bar & Grill. I'm hoping I can talk them into letting me camp in the parking lot.

UPDATE
I found this bar on Yelp. Out boasted of excellent buffalo wings, cheap beer, and free pool. It was the perfect amount of divey-ness with friendly service and locals. I asked the owner if I could start in the parking lot. He said sure. Toward closing time, he came over and said, "I saw your website." "Huh?!" "Yeah, I google my bar and I saw you mentioned us!"

So, in thanks for a great evening, I thought everyone should know about the yummy wings and local beer. Also, no one made me play pool alone. Neat!