Terrace Brook Lodge At Zion National Park Springdale

... surrounded by the huge mountains that are in the Park. It rained a bit last night but has been great again today. We are taking so many photos as everywhere you look is another Photo opportunity. Big day tomorrow as we are heading up to Canyonlands National Park, stopping in on Bryce National Park along the way.

... the dubious distinction of being the most expensive mile of road ever built-costing $503,000. July 4th, 1930 it was completed.

This is a double lane tunnel, but if there is a large truck, the double lane becomes a single lane. Large trucks also require an "escort." Trafic does back up, so be prepared to wait, especially during the summer months.

At the end of the tunnel begins a series of switchbacks down the mountain. There is a ...

... Emma strolled past. Utah is a small state! We finished setting up then all walked into Springdale together to grab a bite of dinner. The Pizza and Noodle place was great - packed though but they were quick with the service. A big serving of garlic bread and a pasta was needed after our hike.

A long day we were both stuffed again so we crashed in our tents to rest and prepare for another busy day tomorrow. !

... the freezing water. Afterwards, we retraced our steps back through the Narrows to return to our campsite. Back at the campsite, we just relaxed and rested our weary bodies. After making dinner, Kevin decided to hit the bottle quite early. He was downing shot after shot of Tequila while I was taking it easy with a few shots of vodka. We just sat around the campfire making smores and talking about ridiculous things. Apparently, we were quite loud for ...

... and lots of advice about Zion. One was that at this time of year we probably wouldn't need reservations anywhere. We were planning to camp anyway and National Park camps are first come first served, so far, we have discovered. Of course, we were back to cold water, no showers. I think that's so you won't stay long and more people have a chance to come and see the places. It works that way for me, anyway. Zion is ...

... a swim in the great pools. Cassandra and Chris also went skeet shooting, Cassandra doing target practice with a 22. Samantha made friends with two young girls who lived here and spent way too much time in the sun in the pool and had a ball. They invited her to sleep out with them in homemade huts, but her cruel mother wouldn't let her.(the lack of sleep already being had was pretty scarey and with a big drive the next day, no sleep ...

Our first task of the day - to find Jacq some work clothes at the outlet centre. She had indicated beforehand that she wanted to pick up a skirt or two. Hah! One or two! Not likely. If I remember correctly she ended up with about SEVEN and about the same number of tops AND a pair of shoes! Well, I guess with the kind of prices available in the outlet centre, one has to take advantage when one can. We finally got away ...