Day 48 - No Lions In Zion

Trip Start May 19, 2008
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Trip End Nov 08, 2008


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Flag of United States  , Utah,
Saturday, July 5, 2008

We awoke to a very grey morning with big storm clouds in the direction that we were heading, and it was actually quite chilly, enough to make us wear T-shirts with sleeves and 3/4 length trousers for the first time in weeks. After packing up we headed north through the forest and Chip claimed his first road-kill victim, a ground squirrel we think.

Just a short drive up the road we entered Zion National Park. Another $25 entrance fee, so we're in credit now!

Zion is a mix of desert canyon and green oasis where red rock monoliths of Navajo sandstone tower above you. The drive down into the valley was, for us, better than the "attractions" down on the valley floor. To their credit, those in charge at Zion have closed most of the valley road off to cars and it can only be accessed on foot, bicycle or the shuttle buses that are provided Zion Nationat Park 1
Zion Nationat Park 1
 . These measures have significantly reduced traffic congestion, pollution and damage to the natural resources. In 2007, the shuttles reduced the number of visitor vehicle miles travelled PER DAY by 50,385 and reduced CO2 emissions by 12 tons per day.

By the time we left Zion just after lunch, the sun was out and it was hot again. After a couple of hours drive north we arrived at Bryce Canyon National Park and the Sunset campground within the park. The clouds had built again and it was quite chilly and overcast. After having a much-needed shower we had our dinner then cosied-in with a couple of episodes of "24".

Distance travelled: 130 miles

Total distance travelled: 2951 miles

Days on road: 28

States visited: 6

National Parks visited: 6
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