A Place of Refuge

From the coast of San Diego, I drove northeast through the Mojave Desert, and passed through Las Vegas as fast as I could! That said, I couldn't make it into Utah in one day so I took advantage of the cheap casino hotels in Mesquite, Nevada to spend one night in comfort mode. When I arrived it was 112 degrees; too hot to use the pool but I enjoyed the a/c in the fitness room, and put $1 in a slot machine. Yes, they got an extra dollar from me but only because the game was called, "Twice the Monkey"! 

During my June visit to Utah, I didn't make it to Zion National Park, and woe is me, I was feeling a bit deprived. So, it was time to pitch the tent again, and for the first time on this trip, I winged it and showed up on Friday morning to the first-come, first-served campground. Success! I spent 4 glorious days in Zion, and while it was hot (90's), I was early to rise to it. I biked, hiked, and attended multiple Ranger programs. I also discovered a new sport, canyoneering, though I think I need to be a better swimmer before I find time for that! 

Every view is stunning at Zion, and while it's getting tougher to name my top 3 national parks, southern Utah is absolutely one of the most amazing regions in America. I've now rolled into Colorado where I'm at my 2nd of three stops; that update to come in a few days! 

Note to Barbara from Beijing: please send your email via my Contact page & I'll be in touch!