End of rocks

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It is hard to convey, but not to understand, the girls’ disappointment that yesterday was our last day of rocks. I mean, who wouldn’t love a holiday based on driving around with two engineering parents constantly pointing out the rock formations, how they’d formed, the stratification, the changes caused by heat and pressure...it’s the stuff of dreams!!

So, we really tapped in to that when we told them that we were going to a ‘special rock museum’ to spend some time looking at rocks. In fact, we told them that we’d arranged for a special tour where they’d get a personalised three hour tour, walking around, looking at rocks. The gullible and trusting souls that they are still hadn’t twigged when we drove past the massive sign saying ‘Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’, all the while making comments that it was strange how many horses and goats there were at the rock museum. It took until half way through our induction and the admin lady spelling it out to them before they realised that they were going to be spending the afternoon with rescued animals at the sanctuary. From their reaction, we assume that this is slightly more attractive than rocks. No accounting for taste.

Beeb and I got to hang out with the kittens, just spending time with them, playing with them and getting them accustomed to having people around. We spent most of our time in the kitten room, but also ventured into the older cat room, where I was LOVED by the beautiful one-eyed Dotty. Naturally, we wished we could take them all home, but one in particular took a shine to Beeb and spent the whole two hours asleep on her lap.

Geoff and Eloise went to the bunny house, where they actually had to work (ha, suckers!!) cleaning out cages. But I’m assured they had fun feeding and playing with them too. Excellent choosing my me!

Short drive to Zion through the spectacular National Park and a much needed fix of cowboy meat dinner for Geoff (specially after the vegan lunch!!) before our two nights in Springdale.

Our first stop in Zion was the tame (and relatively boring) riverside walk. I’m sure it’s lovely in spring, and it was pleasant walking beside them river, but the grey hues that surrounded us were quite dull in comparison to where we’d been.

In contrast, we loved the Kayenta Trail and Upper Emerald Pools. As the name would suggest, we climbed a bit from the canyon floor, and were surrounded by beautiful green trees flanked by sheer red and tan cliffs, baked in the sunlight (which finally emerged from the clouds). A really enjoyable and refreshing walk, especially as we walked back above the river and spied a number of deer grazing along its banks. A short stroll to check them out...Beeb refused to join as she claimed they were territorial and there was the threat of attack, but their big ears and doe eyes said otherwise.

Back to the hotel and a soak in the (very) hot tub, punctuated by some dunks in the non-heated pool (them, not us).

A drive through three states today (very briefly in Arizona again) took us through some interesting landscapes before arriving in Las Vegas...first stop outlet shopping!! Surprisingly fun and successful outing before mummy and daddy fended off the credit card company and made everyone leave! Now settled into our Vegas lodging for a few nights of hmm...bogan!!

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