Lift up your gates, O Zion!

The desert pilgrimage went smooth. Smooth as the peanut butter I have digested for lunch over the past 3 days. Lots of abandoned cars along the way... Why does Las Vegas exist? (please, no one answer that).

We rolled into a campground just a 1/2 mile outside Zion National Park. We cozied up next to our neighbors (a massive RV which provided some nice shade, and a quiet couple that weirded us out more than once). Of course, setting up the tent went slow...and we swat (past tense of sweat). So we waded in the river rushing behind our campsite to cool off.

This morning, we arose early to go explore Zion. Wow. Everyone, quick, go to Zion National Park. It is that good. Photos won't do this desert wonderland justice. We couldn't spend much time there since an 8 hour (so we thought) drive loomed ahead. 10 hours later we arrived in Denver. Notable events on the drive: nearly running out of gas due to Mike's unwillingness to pay for more expensive gas, buying gas for $3.86/gallon (Remember when that seemed high to us Californians?), holding our breath through long tunnels, snow on the Rockies, Mayo sandwiches for breakfast, lunch and dinner. (one of the previous statements is false).


Photos! Enter!









Katie's river mud facial. Or Katie's 5 o'clock shadow.


















Camp. We are the middle one. To the left of Dan Gamel's RV Palace.










Zion sings! It is like a sandstone Yosemite. Only with less black bears and more RVs.

Scenery to start the 8 or 10 hour drive to Colorado.

Scenery to end the drive. Note: change in geology, presence of condensation, Mike's sore rear end from driving.









Music...

Favorite desert music: Patty Griffin or Mr. Cash
Favorite mountain music: John Denver (kidding), Over the Rhine (not kidding)