ADVENTURES IN ZION

“Traveling: It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”
- Ibn Battuta

Zion National Park is in southwestern Utah, near the town of Springdale. Being our third visit there, we easily settled into our favorite RV spot along the Virgin River, right outside the entrance to the Park. On either side of our campsite, brilliant red, orange and yellow cliffs welcomed us back.



After hooking up, we immediately went to Blondie's Diner, home of our favorite  buffalo burger. Each time we go there, we're greeted by this handsome fellow:

2015

2016

2018

"Not all who wander are lost"
- J.R.R. Tolkien

Zion Canyon itself stretches for 15 miles and is up to 1/2 mile deep in some spots. It was formed by the uplifting of the Colorado Plateau, along with millions of years of erosion by the North Fork of the Virgin River. Zion is a slot canyon and therefore, the majority of the Park is accessible only by shuttle buses that run continuously between nine locations. Each spot has different topical features and trails, making it Sue's favorite place to hike.  Some trails, such as Angel's Landing - a 5 mile, 1,488 ft. gain to 5,785 ft - are out of her league and best left to the next generation. Other trails are just as beautiful, but  less strenuous and some even allow pets. Par'us Trail is Coco's favorite because it winds along the Virgin River.

"Forget the scenery, Mom - look at this cool lizard!"



"Hey! I'm over here!" 
(Can you find Coco in this photo?)

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence." - Henry David Thoreau

At the top of Zion Canyon is a place called "The Narrows", one of the most popular stops on the shuttle drive.  Named because it is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon, this gorge has walls a thousand feet tall with the Virgin River flowing through just twenty to thirty feet wide in some areas. Photos can't adequately capture the height perspective of these dramatic cliffs. If your interest has been "peaked", you'll just have to come see it in person. 




"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression & knowledge." - Albert Einstein

Doug loves teaching workshops in this spectacular place and this year, his cousin Janet joined the group.




Workshop paintings

We extended our stay at Zion beyond the workshop so Doug could have plenty of time to capture the diverse landscape. He even sold a painting that was given as a wedding present to a couple who had just gotten married right at the where spot he painted.

Other inspiring paintings by Doug: 






Parting Shots of Zion:









"Why can't we live here?"







Comments

  1. UnknownMay 22, 2018 at 6:48 AM

    Beautiful! I love Zion. Thanks for sharing your adventures!
    Bri bri

    ReplyDelete

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