Thursday 27 September 2012

A.R.T. 3

What a drive to Bryce Cannon! The distance here are enormous. But again, the destination did not disappoint. Here's a shot. I reckon the local indigenous population were well aware of it, but it was 'discovered' by Ebenezer (there's a name you don't hear much these days) and Mary Bryce, a couple of Mormons with a wagon train and god in their hearts. As the info board quoted, "It's one heck of a place to lose a cow."



On the way out of Bryce, we saw a car accident that had recently occurred between a mini van and another car. It was ugly. There were at least six emergency vehicles there and we saw another four headed there on way back to Hatch. It seemed like such a remote area, yet their ability to respond so quickly with so many ambulances and fire trucks and sheriffs was impressive.

We pulled up at an RV park in the tiny hamlet (do they have hamlets in the US? Sounds a bit British...) called Hatch and it was the friendliest place we've been too. We had dinner at our one option - the steakhouse over the road that didn't serve alcohol. I guess we were in Utah. But from the RV manager to the waitress at the steakhouse and the owner/waiter at the Galaxy Diner where we had breakfast to he woman in the 'antique' shop, everyone was just delightful, friendly and helpful. The Galaxy Diner was classic America and the guy, run off his feet waiting on all the tables, still managed to sprint out to the road when we were hesitating to ask if we were coming in and then guide us to a 'drive through' park around the back. Next minute, there he was filling my coffee cup every 4 minutes - heaven!



From Hatch it was on to Zion National Park - and for once, some greenery! It's beautiful but a bit of drag that you have to park and get on and off shuttle buses. Elle and I signed up for the one hour horse ride along the Virgin River - and got mules!!! We were at the back of the queue as they asked each person how much riding they'd done. They'd already told me 60% of their guests have never been on a horse. I pointed out to Elle that this line of questioning was just a forma;ity as clearly we'd be getting whatever was left in the mounting yard. Elle and I can both ride and yep, we got the mules. As suspected, there was no riding required but it was a very pleasant hour along the river in the late afternoon when the sting had just gone from the heat of the day. And gee that beer tasted good when we got off!!

This is exactly the trip - but this fuzzy pic is off their promotional website....?!


We found an RV park just out of the National Park, had a quick dip in the pool, did a couple of loads of washing and had barbecue for dinner (the meat here is all really good) before sitting around the fire. These RV parks are so well set up.

On to Vegas.....




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