Mum & Craig's Visit

Up relatively early this morning to head up to Utah and into Zion National Park. After a stop in Mesquite we were in the park and wandering around by the late morning. I gotta say - I love this place. It gets better every time I come here. This the first time I'd been here when it was cold and I could only think how beautiful it'd be covered in snow at winter. I'll be back. I think Mum & Craig thought it was great. Nothing like it back home. We did a few small hikes, including my favorite up to the river, though it was way to cold to wade up it. Another thing I like is the drive to and from, so many varied landscapes that are so picturesque. 

We got back into Vegas at 8pm and had a casual dinner at Paymon's.

 Mum, A & Craig @ River Walk @ Zion

 Mum & Craig @ Weeping Rock, Zion National Park

Craig, Mum & I @ Zion National Park

Arches National Park, UT

We were up early this morning and straight into Arches National Park. We started the day driving to Devil’s Garden Trailhead at the end of the park to do a 5 mile hike that included Landscape Arch, Partition Arch and Navajo Arch. All the rock formations here are formed by wind erosion and, as the park name suggests, are literally archways. Our second stop was at Sand Dune Arch (2 small natural bridges) and then a mile further along to Broken Arch, which is a predicted name as currently it is only cracked. From there it was on to the Windows, along with Turret Arch and Double Arches. 

Amy, Partition Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Me, Broken Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Turret Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

Landscape Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

We left the park for a late lunch and to escape some of the heat. We ended up in Moab diner for a huge meal. After lunch it was back to the campsite for a swim.

We went back into Arches, stopped at Balance Rock, before heading the 1 mile to Delicate Arch, where we – and many others – watched the sunset. Due to a sandal blowout we couldn’t get as close as we’d like, but the setting sun behind this lone arch was pretty spectacular. 

Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah

We went into Moab for the evening and saw Scary Movie (yawn) before packing it in for the night.

Bryce National Park, UT to Arches National Park, UT

We were up early this morning to pack up the campsite and drive to Inspiration Point. In the early hours we hiked a mile and a half along Navajo Loop at Sunset Point. Walking down into the hoodoos and canyon gives you a whole new perspective and appreciation for this natural wonder. I was reluctant to do this walk so early, especially with the long drive ahead today, but I am grateful that Amy made me do it (this is not the first, or last, time Amy will win over my reluctance for us to do something awesome).

Navajo Loop, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Just after we left Bryce we stopped at a place called Fairyland. There was nothing special to see here, so time to move on. From here we started our long haul to Arches National Park, near Moab, Utah. The route we take is a minor highway which, while long and windy, was extremely scenic with the canyons, salt hills and various rock formations to be enjoyed with the top down on the car. Our only stops along the way were for gas and Wendy’s for lunch. 

We arrived at Arches at 5pm and went straight into the park for a quick look around. Instead of getting out and looking around, we left to find some accommodations near Moab and the campgrounds in Arches were full. We ended up at the Funpig’s Campground. This sweet campground offered us a spot with a tin roof covering. The site also had a pool, which was all the invitation we needed to stay on site for the late afternoon. Next door was a restaurant, Bucks Grill, where I took Amy on our first real date. A steakhouse was maybe not the best place for me to take a vegetarian, but we were very limited for choice. I also came across the unusual Utah rule where you can’t be served a drink until you have completed the one you have. 

Back to the campsite for a much needed night’s sleep.

Zion National Park, UT to Bryce National Park, UT

We started the day off at Oscars, a local café, for our breakfast sustenance. We then drove into Zion again and caught the shuttle to the Court of The Patriarchs. This reminds me of the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, (but warmer and redder).

Court of The Patriarchs, Zion National Park, Utah

Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah

After that hike we went back to the car and started our journey on to Bryce Canyon. We leave through the tunnel at Zion and exit on the east side of the park before driving Highway 2 (a 1-lane picturesque road) the 80 miles to Bryce.

We arrived in Bryce around lunch and went straight into the park, to the Visitors Center to watch a movie of the history of Bryce National Park. Afterwards we went to the Sunset Campground and scored ourselves a camp site. Once unloaded, we headed along 18 miles of road which runs above the National Park. In contrast to being in the canyon at Zion, Bryce’s road is up high and the canyon features run down the slopes either side. 

Amy & I, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

We made a stop at Yovimpa Point, where we saw the first of many hoodoos this park has on offer. 

We stopped again at Ponderosa Canyon to take in the breathtaking views, we also took a cheesy photo at the sign with the altitude, because I’d never been so high up before (that’ll change in a few days when we are in Denver). Whilst here, we hiked a mile along Bristlecone Loop and saw Rainbow Garden. 

Our next stop was at Agua Canyon, where the rock formation is caused by water erosion, including spectacular Natural Bridge. We next stopped at Piracy Point, Paria View and Bryce Point. While Bryce Canyon is beautiful, it is basically the same hoodoo rock formations at every stop, which makes things a bit samey and lessening the impact of the beauty. I think I much preferred Zion to Bryce.

After a long day, we left the park to hit a supermarket to purchase dinner. A quick meal before we head back to camp.

Bryce Point, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Zion National Park, UT

On our way into Zion today we stopped at the supermarket to buy lunch and water for the day’s sightseeing. I also dropped of some film to be developed.

Zion does not allow cars just after its entrance, so we park at the ranger station and make the most of the shuttle that runs through the park. Zion is beautiful! The road runs along the bottom of the canyon, next to the Virgin River, and the canyon walls head skyward either side of you. So many red, oranges and greens together, combined with the gentle river running through just makes this place amazing.

Our first stop on the shuttle was the Temple of Sinawara, at the far end of the park. We walked for half a mile up to the river’s edge, where you then continue wading up the river through the ankle to wait deep water. I went about a mile and a half up the river while Amy waited, as she did not have the right footwear to get through the rocky water. It was a hard walk, but relaxing at the same time. The further you walked the closer the canyon walls got. Very beautiful! 

Me, River Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

The next stop was Weeping Rock. We walk the 2 miles up to Hidden Canyon. The last 100 yards was steep and the dodgy ledge made me feel uncomfortable. To turn around and hike back down was incredible. The panoramic views of the park were breathtaking and definitely made for climb in the killer heat well worthwhile. 

We take our lunch to the grassed area in front of Zion Lodge. It is nice to be in the shade and under a beautiful, huge, old tree. We also enjoy our daily ice cream fix. 

We leave there and walk a mile to the Mid Emerald Pool. We see some deer during our walk – which was pretty amazing. The walk was supposed to finish at the foot of a waterfall, but the summer’s heat and lack of winter’s snow melt had dried it out completely. It was a little bit disappointing but a great walk none the less. 

Amy, River Walk, Zion National Park, Utah

We ended the day back at the Visitors Center, checking out the ranger’s station and learning more about this great park. 

On the way back to the hotel we stopped to pick up the photos, which like all others so far, make me grateful of this wonderful trip I’m taking.

We relaxed with a swim at the hotel before a thunderstorm arrived and sent us inside for our Mac & Cheese dinner.

Yosemite National Park, CA to Zion National Park, UT

We had the tent packed up and we were on the road by 8am for our long drive to Zion National Park. Days have been hot here, but we have been camping at 7000 feet so nights and mornings have been cool, to say the least. Breakfast was had at Bishop Casino, about an hour out of Yosemite.

We drove for what seemed an eternity – there is not much out see out here in the Nevada / Utah desert. We arrived at Zion National Park at around 6pm. All the camp sites were full and the local Bed & Breakfast were relatively expensive, so we end up staying at Terrace Grove Inn, not far from the entrance to the park. We went and got sandwiches for dinner at a local deli and came back to the hotel for a late night swim. 

We had a relatively early night in, as the long drive in today’s heat has taken its toll on Amy & I. And a real bed and some television is quite tempting.

Amy, Nevada

Salt Lake City, UT to Las Vegas, NV

Vans Warped! Rock! Here I come. Well so I thought – but on with the story.

I left the hostel at noon and down 2nd and North Avenues for 75 minutes to the Utah State Fairgrounds. Here I lined up for half an hour to get in. I am looking forward to seeing The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Supersuckers and Lunachicks in particular. When I hand over my ticket, security searches my camera bag and refuses me entry and the basis that I have a “professional camera”. Protests fell on deaf ears and without baggage storage my only option is to sell my ticket and head back to the hostel. To make matters worse it rained on me on the walk back.

On the way back to the hostel I change my Greyhound ticket to the 5.30pm bus this evening, instead of the one I had reserved for tomorrow morning – all done out of spite. Once back at the hostel I checked out, but am still charged for the room, and make my way back down to the bus station. I stop at Crossroads again for lunch.

At the Greyhound I met Stephan, a German guy on his way to Flagstaff. The bus leaves and hour late and is unexciting all the way to Vegas, although Stephan is good company. We arrived in Vegas at 2am, after sleeping the last 20 minutes. I jump in a cab to Spooners and arrive to find them in the spa with Coronas waiting. The Spooners know me too well.

Salt Lake City, UT

Last night I arranged with Chris to meet up and drive out to Park City, Utah. This is 20 miles east of Salt Lake City, and the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. We stopped at the Olympic site first and spent over an hour watching people practice on the freestyle and K-20 jumps. We then drove around into Park City, which looked like a great, clean city and a haven for the rich during ski season. Park City is also where the Sundance Film Festival is held each January. We walked around here for a while and had lunch at a local pub. Usually to drink in Utah, you need to become a member of the bar (usually around $5) or have someone sponsor you. For some reason Chris and I weren’t questioned.

Freestyle Jumper @ Olympic Park, Park City, UT

On the way back into Salt Lake City we stopped at the Hard Rock Café to pick up some more pins for Dave and Melissa. We were going to have a drink here as well, but opted against it when membership was bought up.

We went back to the hostel and decided we’d meet up later for a Chinese dinner. I walked up to the library, six blocks up the hill, to check my email. Upon my return, Chris and Alexandra suggested going to a concert in Bringham Young Historic Park. Each Tuesday and Friday in the summer an hour performance is put on for free by a variety of acts. Tonight it was Julie se Azevedo – a local celebrity – who plays original songs on a guitar and piano. We sat in the park, enjoying the setting sun, listening to the very personal songs and generally relaxing.

That finished at eight and we walked up to Pagoda Chinese restaurant, with another addition, Jean-Paul, a Swiss guy we met in the park. I had a great Chicken Chow Mien dinner.

After dinner I called Amy and spoke for an hour.

On the way home I was going to stop at the house with the massive US flag to take a picture, but to my disappointment someone had stolen the flag (Losers!).

Salt Lake City, UT

I got up this morning and walked up the hill to the State Capital. This great building looks south over Salt Lake City, and although the view is a little hazy, there are plenty of good photos to be taken. I went inside and joined one of the guided tours, which gave a history of both the city and the building. I had a wander around on my own afterwards to take some more snaps.

Utah State Capital, Salt Lake City, UT

Inside Utah State Capital, Salt Lake City, UT

I left there and went down the hill to Hansen’s Planetarium. The entry to this museum was also free and, amazingly, there was no one inside. The small museum had plenty of lunar artifacts, as it seems Salt Lake City provides plenty of support to such programs.

From here I walked over to Temple Square – the home of the Mormons. In the square we were given a guided tour of the building as well as a rundown of the Mormon belief. The main temple was being renovated so we couldn’t go in. But we (the group I was with) did see the Tabernacle, which is where a large organ (11,000 pipes) is situated and where the famous choir performs nightly. We also went into the tourism / visitor center, which had a statue of Jesus and many religious paintings. Also, I went into the Assembly Hall, which is basically a small church.

Mormon Temple, Salt Lake City, UT

Assembly Hall @ Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT

Tabernacle Organ @ Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT

Afterwards I went to the Crossroads Mall for a late lunch / early dinner, before heading back to the hostel. I made my nightly call to Amy before hanging out with Chris and Alexandra (also from Switzerland) on the steps – chatting away.

Salt Lake City, UT

Today will be an unorganized stroll through downtown. I leave the hostel at 10am and head west of the city, where I am keen just to look around. I stop at a small café for breakfast and then just wander aimlessly for a while. There is a Hard Rock Café here so I walk the 7 blocks east (then 5 blocks south) to buy some pins for Dave and Melissa. It’s a pleasant stroll, and while the weather is hot, it is not too bad.

I head back into downtown and pick up a local free paper to see what’s on. On Saturday the Vans Warped Tour is on (Green Day, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Nofx, Supersuckers etc) so I decide that if I can get tickets I will stay and extra 2 days. The ticket outlet is 2 blocks further away from where I just came from. So out I go again, stopping along the way to check my email. Tickets are only $27, so not a problem. I grab some fruit and water on my way back to the hostel and, once there, extend my stay for an extra 2 nights.

I spend the evening writing in my diary and hanging out with a German girl (who’s name I didn’t get) and Chris (a Swiss guy who is traveling around the US). I made my nightly call to Amy, who was on her way out, but we talked for longer later in the night. 8 days before I see her.

Boulder, CO to Salt Lake City, UT

Happy Independence Day! Well not really.

The cab picked me up at 7am for the $5 ride to the bus stop. I waited for late running bus and by 8.30am I was on my way to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The bus made a couple of stops along the way and pulled into Cheyenne at 11am. The next bus was supposed to leave 45 minutes later, but it was also an hour late – and packed to the rafters. I sat next to a young Oregonian guy named Vince and chatted most of the way. I hate Greyhound – and the 2 kids sitting in front of me who, for some reason, needed to put their seats all the way back, so my knees were up my nose. The trip to Salt Lake City is extremely uneventful. We make 3 stops – in Larime, Rawlins and Rock Springs (all in Wyoming). The scenery is merely rolling hills as far as the eye can see – and nothing else.

The bus pulled into Salt Lake City at 9pm, and I then walked up the hostel. Along the way I passed many families and blocked off streets, celebrating Fourth of July. I also past this amazing historical house, which had an American flag hanging of it which was at least 2 storeys high and nearly as wide as the house. I checked into the hostel and went straight to bed. I will start tomorrow off afresh and hope Salt Lake City is good value. Oh! And of course I rang Amy again tonight.