Zipping through Zion

Since we were so close to the National Park, J and I continued north toward Zion. Thanks to his handy Parks Pass and i.d., we were able to get in with no entrance fee. For those not fit enough, or equipped to hike, Zion has lovely roads that you may traverse by vehicle to see the splendor of the peaks. Good for more guerrilla photography.

It would have been lovely to hike, but alas, look at all the snow up here. Remember those flipflops? Too cold for the toesies and not good for ankles.

Although beautiful in Zion, it was approaching lunch time and (*ahem*) nature was calling. Since it was New Year's, all the restrooms in the Park were closed for the season and the lodges were full of those touristy types. We headed back down to Springdale for victuals and facilities.


J remembered a greasy spoon in town that was great, so we headed there. Much to his dismay, the much loved Bumbleberry Restaurant has been taken over by new management, remodelled, and renamed as Wildcat Willies Ranch Grill & Saloon. Neither of us were very impressed, and judging by all the comments by people who had been to town before, the previous incarnation is going to be missed, no matter the waitstaff's and management's pride in recuping investments on the new version so quickly.

The Bumbleberry Inn has pictures of what the old restaurant looked like. That was charming. Being confronted with this was not.

Do I really want to be looking at a vulture as I eat my burger and fries? I don't think so!

On the way up to Grafton and Springdale, we passed various small towns, including Hurricane. You have to hear the Southern Utah accent to know that it is not pronounced like the storm, but Hurr-i-kun. Strange people, these Utes.

Southern Utah is also home to the largest populations of Virgins on Earth.

Residents of Virgin, Utah ... Because of the Virgin River people!

(Who thought putting cherries on this sign was a good idea?)

The town may be small, but they have High Speed Internet AND Virgin Goods.

(I guess they are saving the Good Virgins for the Apocalypse?)

Way to pose bro! If we didn't know you had two kids, we'd be worried about your Virginal aspirations.

We still had half the day ahead of us, so we maturely thought we should leave the Vestals of Virgin and head down the mountains before we were run out of town. Next stop ... Silver Reef and Arizona.