Zion

  Zion National Park, Utah, United States
Tuesday, July 15, 2008

15 July, from Page to Zion

30°C/86°F in Page to 35°C/95°F in Zion, sunny day till st. George, there cloudy

This morning a little later than usual, we stood up at 07.30. Everything packed and near the hotel we took a breakfast in a type of steakhouse of which I unfortunately forgot the name of. The ladies were very kind, the pancakes were nice, very large and above that not expensive. I didn't know how big they would be as I ordered, so optimistically I ordered two pancakes. The pancakes were served and turned out to be as large as the plate underneath them, they were also thick and tasty. I tried very hard but after one pancake I couldn't eat anymore. My husband is a good sport, so after he finished his own omelet, who wasn't childish either, he worked himself bravely through the second pancake! So with very full stomachs we went on our way.

At the end of Glen Canyon dam we briefly parked the car and took a walk across the dam. Less large than Hoover dam but still very impressive and moreover, a beautiful view on what you could call the gate of the Grand Canyon. When you stand on the dam, facing the Colorado river at your right you see the part what later becomes the South Rim and at the left what later will be called the North Rim.

Refueled in Wayweap Marina, from there we enjoy the view at Lake Powel, which is very beautiful especially because of its deep blue color. In Kanab we took a stop at Denny's wigwam & Curio (not to be mistaken by the restaurant chain Denny's). Since our luggage in a strange manner had increased in the previous weeks, we needed something to transport this extra luggage in. So we bought a nice trolley. But at Denny's they also sell homemade fudge! I first got to know about fudge at the outlet stores in Las Vegas and the fudge which we bought there, of course was already gone. With great difficultly we could restrict ourselves to choose 5 different tastes, but at least we had some supply again!

Zion 1

Zion 2

At half past twelve we arrived in Zion National park. We wonder ourselves again how it is possible that the different parks and areas in this part of the country, are so different. The rocks are differently of form and the colors are different and beautiful again! It was quiet, not many visitors, so we could park inside the park at the Visitors Center and from there take the shuttle further into the park. First we took a small lunch followed by a nice walk.

Lower emerald pool

Zion 3

We made the walk to Lower Emerald Lake. This is an easy, short trail that took us about an hour in total. Unfortunately the melting water was less than in Yosemity therefore the water that came down from the rock was not really impressive, but it was a nice walk. The sun was shining and the temperature was high, so after the walk we cooled down with an ice cream. An enormous ice cream! Large, tasteful and cold! Relaxing under the trees, sitting in the grass, enjoying the view. After wards we viewed the park from the shuttle. There are still enough other possibilities for walks but we had a lack of energy and the places where the shuttle comes along, are also very beautiful. At Visitors Center we finally picked up the car and at half past four we drove out of the park.

An hour later we arrived we in Saint George at our Best Bestern hotel the Travel Inn on 316 E Saint George boulevard. Maybe we just were lucky but we feel that this hotel knows how it works. The lady at the reception is very kind and provides us with all kinds of information on diner possibilities. The room has been nicely decorated, not with standard hotel material but warm colors and modern, but warm material. The television is large and everything have been made excellent clean. Typically a hotel where you get more value for your money.

It appears that we passed again a time border today, therefore it is an hour later. We freshen up and drive up to the mountain to have dinner at Steakhouse Rococo. It lies near the airport on the edge of a mountain and the view is spectacular. Unfortunately, there was exactly that day a small problem with the alcohol license, therefore the steak we ordered had to be accompanied by water and Coca-Cola. Again unfortunately, the ordered baked mushrooms were not available, therefore the steak came dressed up with onions. The dessert was okay but for coffee we didn't want to take any risk and so we went to the nearest Starbucks.
The day concluded traditionally with looking photographs, video and drinking wine.

Beautiful ride of 157 miles.