Can't find a campsite? Just park it by the cows
Trip Start
Oct 29, 2009
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Trip End
Nov 08, 2009
Zion National Park, Utah, United States
Monday, November 2, 2009
We left Cedar City to drive the scenic route hwy 14 as we entered the road we noticed the Road Closed sign. There was a snow storm last week, so we figured they just never updated the sign. Then a semi-truck cruised by, that was that, if he could make it so could we! The view was fabulous winding up the mountain. There were plenty of pine trees and some Aspen groves as well. Brett is a great driver, navigating tight switchbacks and an 8% incline. We enjoyed the view until the road turned to a single layer of ice/snow. The semi we so eagerly followed was at a dead stop. Apparently the driver deserted the vehicle and was in the back of a pickup truck currently tossing sand on the road. We only needed to travel six more miles before intersecting with Route 9 south of Zion. What a bummer.
There was snow at least 6" deep on the ground and we let Dolly out to play. It was her first experience with snow and she went totally wild running figure eights around us. The kids stayed in the RV. Their shoes would not have recovered from the snow in time to walk this afternoon in Zion. I wish I had packed their snow boots. That’s one of the problems to flying to the RV, you have to be such a bag Nazi. We don’t check luggage because waiting for it is so painful. I didn’t pack a stitch of clothing for myself. I’m no slave to fashion, especially while on vacation and there is always Wal-mart.
Traveling down the mountain was uneventful and the views just as spectacular. Defeated we backtracked to Hwy 15 south and drove the dreaded interstate to Hurricane. Route 9 took us through Springdale to the west entrance of Zion National park. We pulled over in Springdale for a delicious mocha at the Springdale Lodge? The visitor’s center is very nice with a great bookstore. We loaded up with books, maps, and other goodies, spending over 300 bucks. Can’t say we don’t support our national park system!
The Zion canyon scenic drive is wonderful. Walls of pink, mauve, black, and hunter green surround a clear flowing stream filled with colorful round river rock. Wind, rain, and snow have eroded these sandstone mountains to form beings in the stone. Everywhere I look I see faces of Indians, pioneers, and animals in the stone. I can see why humans through history have cherished this wonderful place.
We drove to the end of the road to hike the Riverside walk trail. The trail is paved but covered with red dirt. Clayton was sleeping when we arrived, so he was loaded into his stroller and Cleo into hers. We packed chips, apples, waters, and nuts and headed out. The trail followed the Virgin River north, winding around outreaching red rock. The air is fresh and the trail fairly desolate, tourism slows down after October. We lucked out with a 75 degree day in November. The trail passed several hanging gardens and weeping mountain walls. I am amazed that plants are able to grow on the side of these seemingly barren mountains, but vegetation is abundant. According to the guide there are desert bighorn sheep and mountain lions living here, though we weren’t lucky enough to see any. We have seen several mule deer. Ironically, before I knew what the deer were called, when I spotted one at the side of the road I commented that it looked like a donkey. We now refer to them as donkey deer.
We reached the end of the trail and walked on the rocks on the river. Photographers were numerous, tripods set, perched on rocks and side hills. The scenery certainly is inspiring and I would be right there beside them if given the opportunity.
Hwy 9 leads us out of the park then we turned on 89 north toward Bryce Canyon. November is definitely past the camping season here as every campground that we passed was closed for the season. We kept on north as the sun was setting over the mountains and from the road saw the perfect camping site. There was a flat area next to the winding Sevier River in a cow pasture. Brett decided to poach the spot. The full moon was glistening off the flowing river and providing enough light to walk in the dark with out a flashlight.
We woke refreshed. Brett, Cleo, Clayton, and I walked in the morning, following the river as the sun continued to rise. We returned to find Grandma cooking a delicious breakfast of eggs, ham, and potatoes. Tummies full we were on the road again.
