Moab to Zion

As far as days on this trip go...today was very mellow. Not in any rush to leave, (today's drive is a measly five and half hours!) I didn't set any alarm and woke up on my own, luckily with enough time to go find the provided "breakfast". I say breakfast in quotes because with COVID the options are limited and you have to take it back to your room so after picking out a fine bowl of Fruit Loops and a tiny muffin I scurried back upstairs to quickly go over my itinerary for the day and set out.

There wasn't anything really memorable about the drive, aside from the looming cliffs and mountains that never really left your view. It was another several hours on the interstate listening to the continuation of "We're The Nerds." It seems funny to think this was my second to last drive of the entire trip. I've gotten so used to the explore and drive model it I think I might even miss it.

I'm spending the night just outside Zion National Park in a town called Springdale. The park is about a mile down the road but unless you're staying in the Zion Lodge (a really cool hotel inside the park) this town is where all the hotels and restaurants are.

The entire town is in the canyon with high rock walls and it felt so cool! While Moab was certainly a desert town as well, there's something about Springdale with the more unique architecture and lack of tall buildings that made the community feel more genuine. Each hotel had a cool look and the restaurants and stores scattered down the main street all looked like they belonged in a desert.

When I arrived, the temperature was around 105 so I decided to kick back with one of the beers I bought in Arches and just relax until a little later in the afternoon. Something about triple digits just doesn't strike me as "exploring" temperatures...

It's an incredible room! Hopefully I didn't get charged extra for a room with two beds but....too late to worry now! I turned one bed into my "cover in stuff and sit on" while the other remained a pristine sleeping area.

After a little R&R discussing with my Mom and Dad about what hike I should do in Zion, the temperature seemed to have gone down enough for me to stick my head out. I left the hotel and headed out in the direction of the park to have a look around and pick up some necessary supplies. Something told me I should probably buy a healthy amount of sunscreen AND I decided to purchase one of those Outback hats with the wide brims. If I'm going to be hiking in a desert I might as well look the part!

The town was full of fun looking gift shops celebrating the heritage of the area with lots of Native American art and pottery as well as restaurants with everything from Thai food to a 50s diner. There was also a store called "Zion Prospector" that sold some absolutely beautifully carved stone statues and jewelry. They even sold particular types of rock by the pound!

I settled on a place called Meme's Cafe for dinner. It's menu boasted a delicious sounding bacon & egg burger as well as a mango mimosa! I had both and took the time to just take in this totally new environment from the sounds of life to the cliffs.

Finally, I retired back to the motel and read my book on the outside walkway while watching the sun set behind the canyon. Truly a blissful end to a relatively calm day!