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Zion National Park
Entry 6 of 16 | show all | print this entry |
I again am playing catch-up with this blog as I am finally able to get Internet access in Torrey, Utah. Hang in there with me as I recount our journey to one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.
Our trip from Kanab to Springdale was uneventful. Beautiful scenery everywhere. We stopped at a small gift shop outside of Zion and picked up a few gifts. Recipients shall remain nameless!
To arrive at our hotel, we had to drive on Zion National Park's scenic drive. To enter, we had to pass through a one mile long tunnel carved out of the mountain. That was amazing! We could see the drill marks in the rock above us (we have a sunroof on our rental car). The tunnel traffic is controlled by a ranger at each end. You sure don't want to meet a motor home halfway through coming in the opposite direction!
After entering through the tunnel, we came upon some scenery that can't be described in words. I have taken so many pictures, none of which will ever do this place justice. If I can ever figure it out, I will upload some of the pics in this blog.
There are so many switchbacks on this road, I was having a difficult time with my "control" issues...that is, Joe was driving us along a road with a sheer cliff on my side of the car, I was saying slow down and hyperventilating! LOL! While the scenery was breathtaking, I think I need to have taken my little white "happy pill" reserved for flying.
Everyone needs to experience this park for themselves in order to appreciate the beauty.
Finding our accommodations for the next two days was easy thanks to Dora (our GPS). We pulled into the Desert Pearl Inn to find our rooms weren't ready yet. Those of you who know me well know how much I was looking forward to my stay here. To wait one more hour until check-in seemed cruel!
However, to pass the time we headed down the street to Blondie's Cafe for lunch. We were munching away on our meal on the front porch of this converted house/cafe, when we looked over and saw we were sharing the space with some domestic elk, long-horned cows and other creatures. Right in the middle of this quaint little town is a pen with these animals in it. I'm sure the artsy-fartsy shops in town are none too happy with that land use!
Finally, time to check into the most expensive hotel I have ever stayed at, as well as the most unique. The Desert Pearl Inn is an oasis in the desert. Surrounded by the red rocks and overlooking the Virgin River, our room was a delight. We had a private balcony which we shared with a few lizards who found their way to our deck. (You want to see Joe jump? Watch him when a lizard scoots past his feet! LOL LOL)
The modern decor was softened by the use of hardwood floors and warm colors/fabrics. It was divine! While sitting on our balcony, we could hear the rushing waters of the Virgin River (as well as see the tubers coming downstream all day). The bathroom had a bidet...which I had to look up on Wikipedia to know how it was used! Okay, I never said I was sophisticated! LOL
Wonderful room for two days, wonderful gardens surrounding the grounds and pool area and beautiful views from every angle. It was heaven!
We were able to ride the free Springdale shuttle right to the entrance of Zion. We then were able to ride the park's shuttle throughout the park. Very organized and convenient. Our first day I made a very "easy" hike to the Emerald Pools (lower). As described by the brochure, this was to be an easy .7 mile hike on a paved path to a hanging garden, waterfall and pool.
I don't know who wrote that brochure, but I think it was some suit in New York who had never seen that path! LOL
Long walk short, it led to a beautiful area of the park. I made it, I hung onto chain ropes and walked on wet, slippery red rocks, I climbed, I huffed and puffed, but by golly, I made it!
Back to the hotel after that little adventure to swim and relax in the hot tub...stay tuned for part two of Zion.
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