Day II (July 7, 2009)

We woke up in Utah, and the reality that we were hundreds of miles from home set in. Already we had accomplished a lot, but none of the targets on our map had been met - no sights seen. After breakfast at the hotel, John took control of the car and drove us to Four Corners Monument (a monument where the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah intersect).





Eric at Four Corners John and Four Corners

After we posed like this (our limbs in each state) everyone else at the monument copied our pose. Some people even got back into line to take another shot in John's silly pose. We were trend setters, or at least let ourselves think so.

We also added New Mexico and Colorado to the state lines we crossed.

A "Welcome to Colorado" sign A "Welcome to New Mexico" sign


After a lengthy drive we found a Sonic Burger and stopped in for food and a rest. John drove Eric to the post office and then back to the open road where he blazed ahead. Well, he blazed ahead until a police officer decided he was blazing a bit fast and pulled us over. After a stern talking to, we took a warning and Eric took over behind the wheel.

As we winded through the scenic routes, most roads were under construction. One in particular cost us 15 minutes. But the view from the car was beautiful and walking around was a much needed vacation from our vehicle.

Part of our drive took us over Lake Powell, and the shots from the bridge show how odd the man-made lake seems to be - an oasis in the sprawling desert we traversed.

Lake Powell (taken from the moving car)


At a Gas Station, Eric pulled in and received a phone call from Wells Fargo (to verify a series of payments for gasoline - which he had made, but the fraud department wanted to verify). Adrenaline pumping he pulled away from the station - with the hose still in the car. Sadly, we don't have a picture. But the scene was... hilarious.

After a long drive and an ever longer wait, the tired travelers pulled into Bryce National Park. We hiked a half mile to "Inspiration Point" and took in an amazing view and a beautiful sunset. Exhausted, we settled down to a quiet dinner and a fire (and smores... but that's a given).



Bryce Canyon Park, as seen from "Inspiration Point"

The night ended quietly. Having taken in the splendor of the first National Park on our roadtrip we went to sleep expecting a great deal from Zion National Park - our stop on Day III.

John watching the sunset



The sun sets on Day II of our adventure