Bob's Thoughts - Day 13

Today we went to Bryce Canyon National Park.

This park, although relatively close to Zion is very different. The elevation and geology made it a much easier day. The high temperature was only 86, and the overviews and walks were from the top of the cliffs.

The drive to Bryce Canyon goes through a portion of Zion and then on to Utah state roads. One of the unique characteristics of this drive is that you go through tunnels. OK - what is so unique about going through tunnels?

Well...these tunnels were built in the 1920s, when cars were much smaller. The tunnels were bored out of the mountainside, and have never been widened. As a result, it is somewhat of an adventure to go through them.

Unfortunately, the tunnel situation works against us for our drive to Williams, Arizona tomorrow. Our best route of travel would be to use the road the tunnels are on. However, there are restrictions on the size of vehicles that can use the tunnels, and our motorhome would require that all other traffic to be stopped as well as a paid escort - with no guarantee that the driver (me) could navigate the vehicle without banging the sides. So - we are going to go the long way around.

Well, I really hope that we can resolve these internet problems and get to a more regular flow of updates.

I will post again tomorrow from Arizona.

Bob's Thoughts - Day 12

Change in plans.

Karen did not feel that she could handle the heat today, so she opted to stay in the RV with the kids while Matt, Steph and me went to Zion National park. Initially, I was disappointed at her decision, but in retrospect, it was the correct one. The temperature has been as high as 109, and she would not have done well.

Because of limited parking in Zion, there is a system of shuttle buses that take to you from town to the park, and a separate bus route that takes you from site to site within the park. The bus to the park is almost literally in front of the RV park, so getting to Zion was easy. We got an early start (before 9) and Matt had selected some "easy" walks for us to consider. The one that the three of us did was in three levels and we ended up doing the middle walk. It was really terrific, but I was drained from the heat.

(Once again we are having Internet problems which have made it impossible for Matt to post pictures in a timely manner. Hopefully when we get to our next stop (Williams, Arizona), we will have reliable service. I am writing this from the Internet cafe a short distance from the RV park).

After that walk, we had lunch at the Zion Lodge and split up. Matt and Steph went on to do another walk and I went back to the RV to help Karen and rest up. Matt and Steph told me that the walk they did was a level grade alongside the river and in the shade. Hopefully pictures can be available soon.

Tomorrow we will drive to Bryce Canyon National Park, which is about 60 miles away.