Post #6- Mesquite, Nevada
Friends,
Today we left Tuba City to hike Zion National Park. I am
going to reiterate what everyone else will tell you-do Zion AFTER the Grand
Canyon because the hiking trails are more easily accessible and the views are
more varied and impressive.
On our way to Zion, we stopped briefly at Vermilion Cliffs
Highway in Kaibab Forest to see the view. Local shopping booths like this one
are incredibly common in the southwest among the Navajo nation.
We also found some buffalo!
…and a pretty flower :)
When we arrived at Zion, we had to drive to Springdale to
park our car, and ride the shuttle into the park. Before entering the park we
stopped at a gift shop to pick up shot glasses, and headed over to what we
thought was “Whole Foods,” but was really “Sol Foods.” Honestly, the two names are
interchangeable because the prices are just as high at both stores.
Our first hike at the park began at the Emerald Pools trail.
I have to say the pools aren’t quite as impressive as I was hoping, but still
pretty cool nonetheless. Check them out.
After the Emerald Pools trail, we took the Watchman trail
and saw the most incredible views of the trip. My legs were sort of itching to work
after so many long hours in the car, and I really enjoy hiking. The trails were
largely uphill and composed of steep rock staircases. Zion is a beautiful place
and here are the pictures to prove it.
We also found many neat looking lizards! So many lizards!
The three patriarchs: Abraham Peak, Isaac Peak, and Jacob Peak.
Taylor and I were unable to do any more hikes due to our
late arrival at the park. I have found it is really hard to time anything when
you are visiting so many places in such a short time frame, especially because timing
is so easily affected by traffic and weather.
Exhausted from our hikes, we stopped in again at a gift shop
to grab a sandwich (for Taylor) and an icecream cone(for me, obviously, froyo
please!). I also found this epic
t-shirt. Don’t ask me where I found the self-control to dismiss the urge to buy
it. I just don’t know.
The drive to our hotel, the Virgin River Casino (which runs
along the muddy, Virgin River), was filled with crazy pink skies, lightning,
and rain. It was terrifying and amazing all at the same time. As Taylor and I rolled into Mesquite, Nevada we pondered the origin of Mesquite...was this the birth place of Mesquite barbecue sauce!? Well, I just did a little researching, and I believe mesquite barbecue sauce is named after the mesquite plant, rather than the city. It is unclear whether or not the city is named after the plant, but mesquite does grow in Mesquite, Nevada! I should tell you, late night driving through Mesquite, Nevada led to accents and inquiries about the barbecue sauce-it was quite the show.
I am currently lying on a bed in the hotel, writing this
blog, itching my belly button, and shivering cold. I have developed what looks
like a poison ivy rash, and Taylor has turned our hotel into an icebox, but I’m
a happy girl regardless!
Tomorrow we take on Las Vegas. I’m so excited. I can’t wait
to see what Vegas has in store for us!
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