Hike, Hike, Hike, Hike, Hike, Hike, Hike

No, that doesn't mean how many times I have heard that coming from the television. It is how many hikes we have been on this week!
We decided to wait for the weekend crowd to thin out at Zion. The National Parks are celebrating 100 years of service and Zion is on target to welcome four million visitors!
  

 On Monday we went to Snow Canyon State Park which is just west of St. George, Utah and it was a great decision because it was peaceful and no trouble finding parking. If you are in the area we highly recommend this park.

Our first hike was the Petrified Dunes.

We made it to the top.

Second was Whiterocks Amphitheater. 

These photos don't really show the height and depth.

The third one was called Pioneer Names.

The names are written in axle grease and date back to 1881.

Below is a zoomed in picture of the left indentation.

When we travel in the West we always think about the pioneers and what they had to endure as they traveled across this beautiful country.

 Jenny's Canyon

This is our first slot canyon and the fourth hike of the day.

We rested a day and then headed to Zion to tackle The Narrows. You hike one mile to the end of the paved trail and then chose to continue down the Virgin River or go back. 

 Hanging gardens along the trail.

 Oh yeah, the water is very cold!

 Around every bend it lures you to go just one more turn.

Our last hike was on Weeping Rock Trail. A short but steep hike to see a curtain of water drops which is so unusual in this dessert setting.

Zion National Park is amazing and should be on your list of places to see. 

Zion National Park

Friday we went back to St. George to submit my paperwork for a passport. We loved Snow Canyon State Park so much we went back for one more hike on the Butterfly Trail. After hiking to the lava flows we turned around and were asking ourselves, "Why it is called Butterfly Trail?" when we saw this rock formation. It didn't say anything in the brochure but we think it looks like a butterfly. Maybe we have been out in the sun too long.

We are taking advantage of the Utah State Park Pass we purchased and pulled into Sand Hollow State Park on our way home. The water was so clear but there was a sign at the ranger station warning there is Swimmer's Itch present. We didn't get in the water because dealing with an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that burrow into your skin for over a week didn't seem worth it.

Check out the America the Beautiful Pass through the National Parks. America the Beautiful Passes There are several different passes and Scott has the Senior Pass which is a lifetime pass for only $10.00. To get into Zion it is $15.00 per person for seven days, just to walk in, no car. A great way to save money.

Oh yeah, Scott has been watching football too.

"I believe the world is incomprehensibly beautiful - an endless prospect of magic and wonder." Ansel Adams

"America, The Beautiful!"

On our last night in San Luis State Park we had a magnificent sunset reflecting on the mountain.

Crossing the Rocky Mountains at Wolf Creek Pass 10,856 ft, just north of Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

As we drove through Cortez, Colorado we discovered the Farmers' Market. We walked around and found some homemade Rosemary Braid Bread. The fragrance filled the RV. I mixed up some Parmesan dipping oil and we enjoyed!

We snaked our way down through Arizona, up to Utah, down in Arizona and back up to Hurricane, Utah.

The scenery is so different everywhere you look.

 We are fortunate to stay at Willow Wind RV Park for a month. It is well kept, clean, with shade, full hook-ups, WiFi, cable, and a wide cement spot. It is about 20 miles from Zion National Park. If you have vacationed in the area, what was your favorite sites? Post in the comments below.

Some of you may think we are crazy to live in a 28 foot RV, but the other morning we saw an older couple who were sleeping in this. I took this picture off the internet. It is a Habitent for a Prius. We are spoiled!

"Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures." 

Lovelle Drachman

We will never forget 9-11-2001.

Cool Colorado

How cool for Scott to watch the Broncos play on the outside television and then look to his left and see the lights from the stadium in downtown Denver. Front row seat!

Dinosaur Ridge –  skip the museum but go on the shuttle bus. The tour guide was so enthusiastic about dinosaurs he made it interesting. They darken the tracks to make it easier to see.

Colorado Springs

 Garden of the Gods

You can see most of the rock formations from the road. The trails were paved, easily accessible by wheelchair, and partially shaded. Don’t miss this free natural landmark if you are in the area.

Three Graces -  Faith, Hope, & Love

Balance Rock

Kissing Camels

You need to look at the top by the hole. 

We stayed so close to Fort Carson we heard “Taps” being played on a bugle at 10:00 p.m.

Leaving Colorado Springs down the winding highway 115, led us through breathtaking canyon views with flowing mountain streams.

Then west on 50 through Canon City where we found an interesting winery. 

The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey.  Notice the vineyard in the foreground.

Do you know where the tallest sand dunes in North America are located? 

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. It is located on the west side of The Sangre de Cristo Mountains (Blood of Christ).  We did get a short hike in before the afternoon storm. Hey Joel, do you remember hiking the dunes?

San Luis State Park is where we are staying for five days. 

 No television but you can’t beat the 360-degree view of the mountains!

Afternoon rains are very common.

Prairie Sunflowers

 Colorado Mountain Blue Birds

We picked up our mail in Alamosa on Friday and saw lots of cool cars. Since it is Labor Day weekend we figured they were having a car show. Alamosa is about 15 miles away so Saturday morning we headed into town to see at least 350 classic cars.  

Scott reminisced about some of the cars he has owned.

Scott’s 64 Impala was dark blue. 

The coolest view we have seen, was the vast Milky Way from one end of the sky to the other and the countless stars in the night sky.

"The mountains are calling and I must go." John Muir