Finding America

We left Richland fairly early with our compass point towards Zion National Park and the Zion River Resort RV Park. Around lunch time we stopped of in a nice little town called Cedar City. We had a delicious lunch from a fresh-mex restaurant and then stocked up on some groceries in case there wasn’t any shopping near our rv park.

Before we knew it we were pulling into our RV park in Rockville. The Zion River Resort was by far the best park we have stayed in to date. We both smiled as we pulled up to our spot with its own yard and fire pit. The prospect of staying here for 3 nights almost had us giddy.

The weather was a little misty and overcast as we left Kodi and drove up to the park. We took a quick spin through the park’s headquarters to get some hiking information for tomorrow and then drove up the main road to the history center to watch a 20 minute video about the park. While the area was inhabited by Native Americans in the distant path it wasn’t until a Mormon mission out of Salt Lake put Zion on the map. The settlers were part of what become known as the Cotton Mission. Life in the valley had a steep learning curve; the settlers faced challenges like flooding, poor soil and isolation. However, steadfast in their calling they stuck it out and under the awe inspiring red walls generations of homesteaders have called the area home from that day till now.

We took route 9 through the park up along the switchbacks as it ascended the walls of the canyon towards the tunnel through to the east side of the park. Stopping to wait for the passing traffic we had a respite from the drive to take in the magnitude of this place. I was deeply moved by Zion. The vista was so impressive, from fertile floor to vaulted cloud clad peaks the view literally brought me to tears. I was completely unprepared for how a place like would affect me. I have never had that kind of experience in any other natural environment, and I’ve seen a fair few.

Anyhow we moved through the tunnel and into the section of the park which houses the Checkerboard Mesa. This unique formation lives up to its name. See the image below.

We drove a bit more and then returned home via the ranger center to pick up a book and a DVD about the area. We also took a quick stop off at the Springdale Market to check out their wares.

Once we got back to Kodi, I put a fire in the pit, we cooked some dinners and capped the day off by roasting marshmallows and making smores. Now this is living. Ahhhh!