The day started dark and early at the Miles house with a hot shower and coffee before we left. Thanks again for the wonderful hospitality! We knew we had a big day in front of us and wanted to have as much time at Zion National Park as we could so we hit the road in a flash. We were quick to slow the pace after seeing many deer dash across the road. As we started back to South Fork we played a nice game of deer darts, but the object was to not hit the bulls eye. Wolf Creek Pass was quite pleasant compared to driving it in a white out. The ground gained on Wolf Creek was quickly eaten up with heavy, but beautiful fog through Pagosa Springs.
One of our main destinations today was the Four Corners, this also meant today would be the day with the most states traveled. Four corners was desolate and ugly but it was cool to learn the history and travel through 4 states in 4 seconds!
Soon after Four Corners we hit some awful construction which was biting into our time at Zion, but we used it to get out, stretch and snack. UT OH! Not soon after the lane opened back up the check engine light came one in what seemed to be one of the worst places possible. We were about ten miles from Mexican Water, Arizona on the hot, hot highway 160.
Of course we developed our theories of what it could be as we sat on the side of the road for 5 minutes or so. We decided to drive until we got cell service to call AAA. The car seemed normal but neither of us are mechanics so who knows what it could be. By the way, your gas cap can trigger your engine light if not screwed on tight (not our case though.) As we traveled up and over a series of rolling hills a gas station appeared. Oh wait a mirage, not its real! We soon called AAA to get towed to the closest service station when we met our first guardian angel of the trip. Don’t know her name, but if we were to name her it would be No Nonsense Navajo Nancy. She proceeded to explain how stupid the makers of cars are and don’t warn you about how you’re A/C works.
Nancy was gritty and ready to show that the car had a puddle under it and the puddle was clear as her message: it’s your A/C. The first day we were traveling in the mountains we got 20 miles to the gallon. Today we were getting around 18 on relatively flat roads but we cranked the A/C for quite a while especially when we were sitting in the construction zone. The question remained do we trust Nancy’s diagnosis or wait 4 hours for AAA? The next town, 45 minutes away, had two certified AAA repair shops. The power of Google inspired us to proceed, as we read first-hand accounts on our exact situation. Let’s Go! Travelers prepare for lift off! What? Where’s that glaring light? It’s gone! Sweet, it’s so ugly on the dash. After letting the car cool off a bit Nancy proved to be right.
Wow! What a surprise. This is perfect timing. I bet they have really nice bathrooms. Let’s go in. As we pulled into the parking lot of the Glen Canyon Dam we were unsure what to expect but the visitors center ending up being super interesting detailing the project coupled with spectacular views of red cliffs, scenic Lake Powell and rushing white water. The only downfall… they didn’t sell bumper stickers, but the bathrooms proved to be nice with Dyson hand dryers.
We then traveled the remaining distance to Zion National Park with no problems. Thank You, Nancy.
Zion was breathtaking (we both want it back!). We pulled into the park to learn that our camp site was on the opposite side of the park so we enjoyed a 12 mile ride of twist and turns that left us speechless. Half way down the road we approached a magnificent tunnel. It spanned one mile long and had no lights! Scary, yes but an incredible feat as it was made directly into the beautiful sandstone of the park and was 1400 feet above the bottom of the canyon. As we neared our campsite, we shared laughs about the fact that we were at a campsite. But nonetheless, we were excited to still have daylight to hike around the park.
We decided to take advantage of the resort like shuttle system the park has to take the thousands of tourists to the trail heads. Our mini tour of the park on the way to The Narrows was great as we learned the history of Zion while spotting baby deer, wild turkeys, and incredible views of the hundred feet walls of sandstone…this really is a sanctuary ! As the shuttle driver dropped us off at the end of the line to hike The Narrows we were warned of the potential flash floods, unsteady footing and strenuous climb ahead…we were ready! It turned out to be one of the most beautiful hikes we have ever done. After walking for a while we quickly learned while they are called The Narrows as the tall walls of sandstone narrowed in on us. All the sudden Clayton veered off trail and was asked by the little traveler to come back to the trail…but where was the trail? Clayton! What are you doing in the river? The river was the trail! The trail ended and the fun began as we grabbed a walking stick and headed into the river... The water was warm and rushing quickly by us as were the several European men in short shorts. When the water got chest high we decided to stop and marvel at where we were. An absolute paradise nestled in the canyon.
On our way back down the trail we quickly realized how outnumbered we were to the European tourists as we were the only ones walking on the right side of the trail and we played chicken followed by a dance of side stepping with every on comer until the path opened back up. Before going back to our campsite we stopped for a quick bite to eat in the Zion lodge which over looked the river and sandstone walls around us. It was a much needed meal as we took full advantage of our entire day. Setting up camp in the dark after dinner proved to an easy task and we were asleep in no time! Another early morning is coming our way….a long drive to Yosemite awaits us.
Total miles for the day: 351.2
Miles per gallon: 18.6
From sunrise to sunset
Total miles for the day: 351.2
Miles per gallon: 18.6
From sunrise to sunset
The morning fog through southern CO
Pagosa Springs...look close to spot the steam coming out of the hot springs.
Clayton stands in Arizona and New Mexico & Ash stands in Utah and Colorado...all at the same time!
The desolate desert near where we the check engine light came on.
We are finally in Zion!
This. Was. Huge.
These pictures don't do it justice.
The sign before the tunnel says 'please take off sunglasses and turn on your lights' WHAT!
Inside the tunnel....it was so dark we couldn't see eachother. But luckily we could still see the road!
And even more lucky...they had small peeking windows through out the tunnel. QUICK snap the shot!
Our campsite.
Taken from the shuttle to The Narrows.
Amazon Woman.
Amazon Man.
The walls begin to narrow in....
Oh no...the trail ends and the river trail begins! Grab a walking stick!
Should we go farther?...the farther you go the higher the water.
We opted not but still got pretty wet!
Standing tall in The Narrows.
Surfin in the river!
Exploring through the river proved to be quite theraputic on the knee!
We already want to go back!
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