U-turn: CANYON GLORY!

Today's musical score: Billy the Kid, by Aaron Copeland

I am grateful for:
clean water
digital cameras
peaceful ride
the invention of "kleenex" and "wet ones"

Well, I thought nothing could top the vistas of the last couple of days, but Zion National Park is truly Canyong Glory! The views during the entire ride from Duck Creek were astounding. All of these canyons expose over 250 million years of sediment layers, much of the sand being blown there by the wind.

In some places, the rock is less porous and the water from the melting snowpack will pour out as a spring. Zion Canyon is sliced by the fast running waters of the Virgin River.

We traveled from the Duck Creek elevation of 8400 feet down to the Zion Canyon floor, the highest peak being just over 7000 feet. On the way into the park, it is necessary to drive through a mile-long tunnel which is has no interior lights.
At 97 degrees today, the breeze helped to cool the hot rays of the sun, but also covered us in the fine, red sandstone dust. At this time of year, shuttle buses carry visitors through the park to reduce the number of vehicles driving on the roads and to avoid traffic backup.
The town of Springdale on the eastern side of the park provides additional parking and some good choices for food.
Today's favorite food choice: the hummus wrap at Cafe Soleil in Springdale. (Yay! healthy food)

We did spot a mule deer on our way out of the park, as well as a herd of Buffalo on Rte. 9. Tonight, we are resting comfortably in the cool mountain breezes back at the Pinewoods Resort. Utah is definitely a place for another vacation trip!