What a Difference a Day Makes!

And by that I mean that the topography we experienced on our drive today was spectacular from beginning to end (all 10 hours of it!!).  Carol provided coffee and treats for us before we headed out at 4:30.  By the way, my computer died last night before I had the chance to say how much we appreciated the hospitality of the Norcross family on this trip.  Visiting family and friends has always been the highlight for me on our adventures.  Last year Paige and I stopped in to see our niece/cousin Sarah in Albuquerque on our way to California, and three years ago (can't believe it was that long ago) Joel and I shared time with over 10 of our family and friends...you know who you are!...on our bike trip from Maine to Florida.

So back to today...after leaving Broomfield we immediately got into the mountains and began heading west through switchback passes through the Rockies.  We saw all the big ski resorts and can't imagine the traffic jams that must occur in the winter as there is only this one road leading to them.  At one point we were screaming downhill at a 7 and a half grade with trucks passing us on the left.  Still and all it was beautiful and fun.  We stopped a few times along the way for photo opps and gas, which by the way we almost ran out of.  Got down to 35 miles left in the tank and started to worry about where the next station would be.  If anyone has done this drive they know that amenities are few and far between...sometimes there is a hundred miles of nothingness.  No worries.  As we approached Zion National Park the already beautiful scenery became stunning.  My pictures don't do justice to the amazing striations of color and texture and height.  We couldn't stop oohing and ahhing.  Checked into our Hampton in Springdale which is right at the entrance to the park and then immediately headed out in the car to explore with Garrett at the wheel and Paige with the map.  There are many scenic drives and hikes and tours.  Today we followed a twelve mile path up and down and all around.  It took us through a funky tunnel and to several observation points.  Paige was extremely excited to see a long horned sheep on the rocks!  She and Garrett also educated us on the different types of trees and how the huge rock formations came to be and how they will disappear in the future; but certainly not in our lifetime!!

Another terrific day!  Dinner at a steak and seafood grille within walking distance.  Joel, Paige and Garrett even sneaked in a run.  Holly hit a few shops:)