Leaving Zion

Well, this morning I had to tear myself away from Zion. I got a call from the park ranger at 10 am saying that he didn't see much activity from my spot, and he wanted to let me know that check out was at 11am. I laughed, and said oh, I'm in here having my coffee, as I was trying to keep warm. I was already out at dawn to walk Jo Jo.

So, after my "daily" chores, I took off back down route 9. This time the lineup before the mile long tunnel was really backed up. As usual, there were crowds of people, and parking along the pullouts was completely full. I didn't have any real intention to pull out, or do a hike this time, but in any event, it was beautiful seeing this unique scenery for the second day in a row!

As I approached the east gate entrance, those majestic cliffs and rock formations had already diminished down to mild hills of rock, pine and juniper. I drove on to locate a place to spend the rest of the day, and did some exploring in the area finding a very high ridge with a spectacular 360° view. However, it was incredibly windy and chilly, and there was rain in the forecast. So, I thought a spot lower down this ridge, a little more sheltered, would prove a better choice. But, this particular spot was also the gateway to many other spots, and I was concerned whether or not it would be a crowded intersection for many other RV travelers. As soon as I made this exit, I saw two huge trucks and their travel trailers, take over this space. So, I merely drove about 10 minutes further down the road, and found a place along the East Fork Virgin River. The reviews were pretty good, and I found a spot that was high and dry, away from the river, and nestled in between some canyon rocks. It was by far less windy in this spot, so I decided to stay. I had a nice little walk, to the river, yielding me some peeks of sun which really offset the golden yellow poplar leaves. This is Utah, and much like Arizona's version of fall colors, mostly in the yellows, and by far fewer orange and red tones compared to what I am used to seeing in New York state. Along with various shades of green and red rock shades, it's still beautiful.

My only complaint were the ATV buggies that were buzzing around. Several of which passed by "my spot." I'm really on the fence with how I feel about these vehicles as they are incredibly noisy, obtrusive, and kick up a lot of dust. I guess it's their way to head into an area accessible only to 4x4's, a place that I cannot travel to. But they're just loud, and I feel like they chew up the landscape as too many times they go off road, into undriven fields which then effects the ecosystem of the area. 

I spent a lot of time in the RV trying to keep warm. The sun was in and out, but mostly, towards the end of the day, just before dusk. It's sprinkling. And the little cell service that I do have indicates a low of 27° tonight. I will be cozy using my propane heater. Thankfully its deafening silent now. Utah deafening. In this case its a good thing!
























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