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Saved: February 24th 2016
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This is the oldest and perhaps, many say, the most beautiful of Utah's parks. It was named for an ancient Hebrew word meaning "sanctuary". Entering Zion for the 1st time, it is easy to see why. With over 229 square miles in the park it is hard to believe that all this was created, over time, by a little river named the Virgin River. Walls of sandstone stand over 1,000 feet tall and are many shades of reds and tans. From the east you will enter by going through a mile long tunnel -- which we could not do unless we got an escort and paid 15 dollars. If one is inspired by looking down into the Grand Canyon from the rim, here inspiration comes from those who travel along the bottom and look up. Trails abound from easy to strenuous and we started off with the easier trails and led up to the more difficult. Adventurous hikers tackle Angel's Landing which climbs 1,500 feet in just a mile, ending on top of a rock outcropping so steep you'll often see rock climbers inching up beneath you. Zion is also known for its "slot canyons" where going along the Virgin River
you splash along till you reach one of these slots. If you go to the westernmost section of the park (called the Kolob Canyon) you can take a short 14 mile hike to see the 310 foot Kolob Arch, possibly the largest freestanding arch in the world. The best way to start the visit is by going to the museum and seeing a 22 minute movie that gives you a feel for the park. Then it is off to speak to one of the rangers and gather more information so you can study what you want to do in the time you have. For us this meant studying the map and trying to make decisions which involved the high possibility of rain and scattered thunderstorms. The storms never really came although it did drizzle some.
I interrupt this blog for an important announcement! Our refrigerator has malfunctioned for the 2nd time since we have owned the rig. We have traveled 25 miles to Hurricane, UT to a Wal-Mart where we bought a cooler, ice for the fridge, dry ice for the freezer, and some other needed supplies. Returning to the RV we stuffed things in the refrigerator and
hoped it would hold. The next day we found things stable (although a little wet) and ventured out for a number of hikes thru Zion. Started off with a 2.2 mile hike and then on to a ½ mile hike. Then it was off to another 2.5 hike and this one proved to be rather strenuous and by the time we finished we decided to go to the Zion Lodge and get a meal. Being fully stuffed we returned to the RV, packed, and pulled out for Las Vegas where we are to have our reefer checked and hopefully repaired. This is very frustrating as we have gone thru this before and found ourselves held up because Norcold folks constantly wanted more things checked before they would do anything to help us. We fear the worse, but hope for a little bit luck and a chance to get back on the road.
Well the worse scenario has happened. Our cooling unit has once again failed. We decided that we are not going to continue with an RV style but go with a household refrigerator if we can find one. We went to Lowe's and found two that just might
work and tomorrow we'll move the rig to another dealer who said they'd do the work if we can find the machine and have it delivered. They can't do the work till Tues. so that means we'll have to try and keep our food cold till that time. We moved to our new location (Johnny Walker RV) and they have been very helpful and found a place nearby that sells dry ice. Now we have the refrig loaded with dry ice and we laugh as now the problem is trying to keep the refrig warm enough not to freeze. Our refrig must have a good seal as we have to open the door once in a while to let out some of the cold. What a mess and what a hassle. But we did find a unit to fit into our rig and it is going to be delivered here early Monday morning.
It sure is going to mess with our plans and we already have had to change some of our arrival dates. We don't plan on canceling anything but simply delay dates. Death Valley is really going to be hot and I doubt if we'll be able
to hike as we planned. While we are here in Vegas we plan on going to Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the strip(better get my money ready). With temps today in the 90's we are sort of glad to be sitting under a porch like structure where we brought the rig. They have not moved us to a parking spot as yet but will do so by evening. They are providing a free spot to stay with electric but no sewer or water. We will fill the water tank and drain the others just before they move us as they do have a dump. C U Next time.
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