Day III (July 8, 2009)

Today, we woke up in Bryce National Park from a campground that served us well for the night we spent there. When we left, the goal was clear - we had a broad set of new destinations in sight and first in line was Zion National Park.



The Zion Welcome Sign

It was a puddle jump, a quick drive from Bryce to Zion along Route 9 (the "Zion Scenic Route"). The road actually carves itself through Zion's breathtaking canyons and we took the trip at a cool 20 mph to soak up the scenery. Part of the way we drove through a mile long tunnel (a major accomplishment in 1920s architecture, and the final link between Bryce and Zion parks). Below are a few shots that can say much more than either of us are capable of saying.



The backdrop is the entrance to Zion Park


The entrance to a mile long tunnel


t taken from our camera (sitting on the street)


This shot shows how massive the rocks truly are. The cliffs are giant.

After the trip we were hungry, and stopped over at Blondies Diner for a great lunch. The place was a converted house decorated with novelty items, we laughed throughout the meal and walked to the "Zion Prospector" store to look through rocks, pebbles, and carved items.

Once we were finished we put the peddle the metal and made our way towards Las Vegas, NV. By the time we arrived Eric had tallied 20+ hours behind the wheel and John, a steadfast wingman, had stayed seated that long too.


Arriving in Las Vegas, NV around 3pm

It was a rough arrival but when we pulled into the Luxor Hotel we were exhausted and ready for a nap (see image below :D )


John, in Las Vegas, NV at the Luxor Hotel

The rest of our day we spent wandering Las Vegas seeing hotels and sights. We cruised through the Paris Hotel and Margaritaville, walked the strip, and found our way back to two comfortable beds and warm showers.


John, putting the size of the Monte Carlo in perspective


The New York, New York Hotel from the strip

The Belagio Hotel from the strip

This entry is short, but our trip today was eventful. Even now it is amazing to think that we woke up in Bryce National Park and will close this entry from the comfort of a Las Vegas hotel room. We've put serious road beneath our tires and miles behind our smiling faces. Tomorrow is a calm day, a short expansion of our adventure and a calm night.