Subtle Suggestion:  (Okay, maybe I shouldn't be so subtle?)  Some of my loyal followers have pointed out that the blog is best enjoyed in chronological order.  I agree whole-heartedly.  Many entries refer back to previous posts, ideas, discoveries, incidents, allegations, etc.  You get the picture.  I really hope that you enjoy, reflect, and perhaps walk away with an insight or two from my aimless musings.  That, however, is best accomplished if you begin at the beginning...  Occasionally, I ask someone I really care about, "Hey, have you read my blog?"  And they will say, "I looked at it" or "I browsed it."  I'm afraid it's not one of those 'browsable' or 'perusable' pieces of prose, it is really meant to be read....  

HAPPY READING.  I TRULY HOPE YOU'LL BEGIN WITH DAY ONE.

And, physically, I've come full circle.  I'm writing this note from the home of my dear friend, Mandy.  This is not only her home, but it's the launching point for start of my road trip back on July 3.  Since that time, much has happened, but I'm going to save a final reflection on the trip at large for a subsequent posting.  For now, I still have some Zion adventures to share with you.

I awoke Friday morning in St. George, Utah, refreshed and eager to zip the 45 minutes or so up to Zion.  While attempting to get breakfast in the lobby of my hotel (thanks again, Billy), I wondered why I was surrounded by adolescents and pre-teens...  I was informed by someone that Friday was UEA Day.  When I inquired, "What's that?"  He said, I'm not sure, it just means all the students in Utah are out of school today.  Uh oh...  This didn't bode well for the weekend, but I didn't dwell on this, rather, it motivated me to get on the road sooner, and so I did...

My intent was to arrive at the park, purchase my pass, and drive straight to Lava Point to claim a free campsite from the six on offer there.  The only drawback to Lava Point was printed right on the map - Elevation 7890 Feet!  It has been a little too cold at night, even at lower elevations, so I eagerly accepted the suggestion from the ranger at the ticket booth to camp at the South Campground, and I snagged one of the very few remaining spaces.  (Yes, I had to pay $16 for the privilege, but it was money well spent; it dropped to below freezing in Lava Pt. that night.)

I set up my tent, and headed off to explore Zion.  I have (re-)learned a simple lesson on this trip - it always a good idea to ask questions and seek information when you arrive somewhere you've never been.  I'm pretty good at avoiding touristy cliches when I travel, but the insights from locals and experts can certainly help.  To that end, Larry, the campground volunteer host at Zion, asked me if I liked to hike.  "Yes," was my confident reply, since I'd done a fair amount of hiking with my brother Danny this summer in Upstate NY.  Were it not for that hiking prelude, this fat, old man would have countered with some self-deprecating comment like, "Oh, I'll have to save the hikes for my next visit..."  Or whatever.

The fact of the matter is that packing for a cross-country motorcycle trip creates logistical challenges as it applies to packing for other activities.  What does that mean? It means I didn't have my hiking boots, socks, Camelback, anorak, etc. that I would normally have along on a hike.  So, what did I have? A hat, a long-sleeve wicking base layer, my awesome and versatile Harley sweater vest, sneakers, and enough pockets in the cargo shorts my son bought me this summer to hold everything I'd take with me - except water.  It was a functional ensemble, I'm proud to say...

After ignoring the stares from the uber-outfitted tourists on the shuttle bus, I practically sprinted to the trailhead and devoured the initial 13 switchbacks up the first part of the trail.  I noticed that I was gaining ground quickly and the shuttle buses were shrinking away...  I was hiking!  And I was hiking in Zion National Park!  And I was hiking the trail to Observation Point; a hike rated 'Strenuous' at 8 miles round trip!  I maintained a steady pace as I passed through a slot canyon, stopping to take dozens of photos...  The scenery was breathtaking and the topography, geology, and flora on display were incredible!  I arrived at Observation Point after about 2 1/2 hours of ascending.  The view down Virgin River Valley was stunning!  I hung out at the top for 10-15 minutes, had my picture taken, and took some very crappy photos (I needed to get closer to the canyon rim so I could shoot down into the canyon instead of out across the canyon... alas, paranoia, fear, and confusion ruled the day at this point).  The descent was uneventful - albeit painful - and I arrived back at the shuttle bus stop 3 hours and 45 minutes from my first steps up the trail.

It was an incredible hike, a beautiful view, and I am so happy I did this, but....   (Damn, dude, why does there always have to be a 'but'?  Just enjoy and be happy!!!!)  But this very challenging hike really took all of my exploration energy for that day and a few of the other spots I wanted to visit were left unseen - for now.  I will be back to both Zion and Bryce soon.  I promise.

I wrapped up my first day in Zion visit with an excellent pasta dinner at Zion Pizza and Pasta, and a good night's sleep in my  tent (I had turned in not long after 7PM - fresh air and hard work equals sleepy).  When I arose the next morning, I was greeted by 5 mule deer who were enjoying their breakfast in the greenery surrounding my tent.  I took some photos and videos and they remained non-plussed throughout...  I packed up and headed off to see the other parts of the park on my motorcycle.  I stopped repeatedly to take pictures, and I think some actually turned out :)   [An aside here: I've taken over 1400 photographs on the trip and I can't wait to see them on a screen other than my iPhone!!]  I road up to Lava Point in the northwestern corner of the park (and confirmed that the camping the night before had been COLD), and took in all the magnificent vistas that part of the park had to offer.

By the time I left Zion around 4PM, I was grinning like a fool and ready for the trip down to Mesquite, NV.  Only one problem, the trip to Mesquite turned out to be a trip 75 miles further down the road...  My $24 room deal in Mesquite turned into a $122 room rate, which my budget could not support.  Down the road I went, stopping at any exit that sported a motel, looking for a place to rest my weary bones.  It was not to be found until I reached Vegas, and not without a price!!  Now, Vegas has millions of hotel rooms, some to be had for as low as $29.  I, however, did not have the patience to seek out the best deal, and settled into my $100 room to shower and sleep.  Oh, well...   [Note to self:  Next time, call AAA before you leave Mesquite, tell them to find you the lowest price room in Vegas, then e-mail details to me...  Hey, it's a learning process taking a road trip...]

After exploring two more parks (Joshua Tree!!!!!! and Red Rock Canyon outside Vegas), I'm ready for my last jaunt of this trip...  I'll be heading to San Diego to surprise my peanut at work.  I haven't seen my daughter since July 3, and that means I haven't seen my granddaughter since then, either...)  I can't wait.

If today's entry feels a little business-like to you, you're not alone.  I really have grown weary after being on the road for so long, and I haven't included as many reflections and revelations in this posting as I normally would, but I'm saving those for my next post, which could be as early as tonight, but most likely will occur tomorrow in San Diego.  Wow.  Back in Cali.  Let's see how this feels.....