ZION!

Totally didn't expect this but as we spent our first day in southern Utah yesterday it got to be almost 100 degrees...BUT... last night, as soon as the sun went down it plummeted to the 60s! So great for sleeping! We were actaully COLD! So nice! Today there was so much symbolism that needs to be noted: First, it's Sunday and we needed to find a place of worship, so we chose ZION NATIONAL PARK! God's Cathedral! And it was amazing! We drove into the park from the east side to Third Day's "Show Me Your Glory!" It was such majestic, breathtaking creation! Secondly, we have chosen to read John Bunyan's "Pilgrims Progress" on this trip which has prompted alot of conversation. Christian's goal is to get to the Celestial City (aka Zion!) and we made it! (though we're not done with the book yet!) The park has different parts to it but in 1927 the National Park system constructed a 2 mile tunnel to connect the east and west of the park. From the west side you can take a shuttle to the north part of the park but because of the heat it was suggested that we get our hikes in early. We got to the Zion Lodge by 8:30 and did a river walk hike to Emerald Pools... there are three levels...so we went under the waterfall, and then on top of the water falls were the pools are... so pretty. We finished up with a shuttle ride to the absolute north of the park where we meandered around a bit. By the time we got back to the lodge it was 102 degrees! The park was for the most part founded by the Mormons with some influence of Protestant Settlers and therefore most of the peaks are named after biblical things such as Angels Landing, the West Temple, The Court of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), the Alter of Sacrifice and the Great White Throne. Though mormon, it was really cool to hear so so many biblical references. So enough jibber jabber... here's some pictures of this park...

This is the Great White Throne!

Here's the girls contemplating the symbolism...

One of the waterfalls that Kristin and I stood under which felt GREAT!

The Court of the Patriarchs!

Checkerboard Mesa!

This is Zions Arch. The two mile tunnel is kinda carved behind this.

Just south of the park is a funky little town called Springdale. Our host at the campground suggested we try a restaurant down here called "Oscars Cafe"...turned out to be TOP KNOTCH! They had two specialties, their MURDER BURGER and Mahi Mahi Fish Tacos... guess who got which? Another FABULOUS DAY!