The Road Trip Day 7: Colorful Explosion
Zion National Park, Utah
May 13, 2015
After yesterday's long haul, it felt nice to take things a little slower.
A shower, an opportunity to do laundry, and a bagel with some schmear hit the spot. Most of the morning was spent talking with our friends who graciously let us crash for the night.
I realized this was the halfway point of our journey.
It was hard not to.
We packed up, said our see-ya-laters, and set out for the day.
Spending some quality time getting to know the Veterans Memorial Highway, also known as I-15.
Roads remained clear the entire way to Zion National Park.
For 150 miles, we meandered up I-15. Apparently, it continues all the way to Canada. Perhaps I'll drive its entirety one day.
The portion we covered was magnificent. Here's an excerpt from my journal:
Click here to view this in Google Street View.
“Succulent cottonwoods adorned wrinkled slot canyons, their crevices filled with sagebrush and rubber rabbitbrush; a colorful explosion.”
Virgin River Canyon Campground looks like a great place to spend a night or three.
Carter is on a hot streak.
We arrived in Zion, got our campsite, set up, and hopped on the shuttle for a quick tour of the canyon floor. It was a great way to get an idea of what we want to do tomorrow.
After the tour we caught another shuttle, this time to Springdale for “hors d'oeuvres and aperitifs”.
Back at camp, chili gently simmered away while we played a few more hands of cribbage and had our chips and beer.
I scavenged empty campsites for firewood. After a few trips, I collected enough unburned $16 firewood to use both nights we plan on staying. Score.
After dinner, I decided to take a walk around the campsites before it was time for bed. Carter informed us there's a 50 percent chance of thundershowers tonight through tomorrow afternoon. We are prepared but all of us are thinking dry thoughts.
Our neighbor's fire illuminated the cottonwoods in a mysterious manner.
Hopefully we don't end up hiking in the rain. I always seem to struggle at having fun in the rain.
Watchman Campground at night.
It looked clear out.
