Day 2, July 26

So we woke up early, 9am our time, 7am Las Vegas time! and fed the kids McDonalds breakfasts as the rumors about cheap buffets weren't substantiated in our experience, while George and I drank our protein vitamin shakes. Then we headed northeast towards the Utah border and



















Zion National Park, which Father Stephen had so compellingly recommended. The geology was very diverse along the way varying from sand dunes to dramatically erupting dark stone edifices and chasms to striated sedimentary sandstone cut outs. But those scenes are on video, so I'll try posting them later. Here's some from Zion though. 
























It's frustrating that you can't get a sense of the immensity of the mountains through the photographs. They just trigger a memory of how overwhelmed I felt but now can't convey. It was a beautifully cool noontime as we drove through the park eating our sandwiches we made in the rental van after stopping at a grocery store. I already showed you a window in the 1.1 mile tunnel that Father Stephen had told me about. The switchback drive up the mountain to get to the entrance was gorgeous.



















Here's a lady rock climbing near the entrance. That is really zoomed in as she was hard to spot on the cliff above us.
























The terrain was different on the other side of the tunnel with neatly stacked layers of rock rather than eroded ones. When I get to heaven I would like to see a time lapsed movie of how the earth was formed, and the whole universe for that matter.

Then after all that drama, there was virtual flatness until we got closer to the Grand Canyon's north rim. tbc

Whirlwind Tour

We have seen a lot these last 3 days. After checking into our hotel in Las Vegas, we ordered to go at McDonalds and headed to Hoover Dam around sunset. A cool front accompanied our arrival, which George thinks is just for him. Please pray for his health. He's having to take it pretty easy.

Next morning we headed up to Zion National Park and were amazed by the beautiful drive, before, during, and after we got there. We took Father Stephen's recommended 1.1 mile tunnel, and it was oh so cool. You can see one of the windows as you make the switchback up the mountain to get to the entrance. Like, I hope that's not the end of the tunnel! 
















Since we're two hours behind Texas time, we were able to get up early enough to also make it to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. I was surprised that it's about 1000 ft. higher than the South Rim, and more forested with Ponderosa Pines and Aspens at the top. Altitudes change quite quickly out in these parts.

Today we went through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, which was more treacherous than I remembered. I don't think our van would have made it. Luckily we're in a rental van. Tonight we're sleeping in Visalia which is 45 minutes away from the entrance to Sequoia National Park where the giant Redwood Trees are. I just wish George were able to do more.

Well I'm going to turn in now as we have an early start. Good night.