Wanted to get an early start from Vegas so I skipped town while the sun as still rising, deciding I’d get breakfast and coffee along the way. Ended up in St. George, which felt like an appropriate place to stop, and was delighted to find a place called George’s Corner. George in George at George’s! How could I refuse? Amazing coffee as well, which is only fitting, I would expect nothing less!
Properly fueled, and seeing as it was still pretty early, I decided to make today my trip to Zion, especially once I realized I could drive through it to get to Kanab. Definitely the most crowded park I’ve been to yet, but even so, it wasn’t all that bad, even had a few quite moments next to the river with no one in sight. Maybe this is a bit harsh, but lots of folks seem to stick pretty close to the parking lots. Less than five minutes away and suddenly there’s no one.
Didn’t stay long, but had a pleasant walk and splashed my feet in the river. I thought I was being clever by putting my sandals under the back window to dry off in the sun, but when I stopped to check on them and climb a cool looking rock…
The Carmel Tunnel was a really neat way to exit the park, and shorty thereafter I arrived in Kanab. Planned on staying in the area for two nights, as there was lots to see, and I figured I couldn’t come this close without seeing the Grand Canyon, so that was what I spent to following day doing.
When I arrived, I was informed that it was opening day for the North Rim! The ranger couldn’t believe that I hadn’t planned that, and I almost couldn’t either. One day earlier and I wouldn’t have been able to come! Well, needless to say I was pretty stoked. I took lots of pictures, but the sheer scale of everything was hard to capture. I can see why this is such a famous spot. Hard to even comprehend the distances and sizes involved.
Took a drive out to Angels Window before I left, and hiked out to the end, easily the highlight of the day. There were so few people that I only ran into one couple on the trail.
I’d already had a wonderful time, but as a final bit of good fortune, there was a lunar eclipse happening that night (thanks for the reminder Mom!), so I laid on the hood of my car and watched the show. Really couldn’t have asked for a better day. I really have been incredibly lucky thus far, here’s hoping I haven’t just jinxed it!
Where’s George? 