Zion - Vermilion Cliffs - Marble Canyon:
People have occupied the landscape of what is now Zion National Park for thousands of years. Zion's first residents tracked mammoths, camels, and other mammals through open desert and canyons. Over one thousand years ago the Ancestral Puebloans made Zion their home.
Today I saw thousands of visitors weaving their way into the beautiful canyon. Zion is Mother Earth's cathedral.
Due to heavy traffic and larger vehicles being driven today the mile long tunnel into the canyon which was once a two way road is now one way at a time. Waited in line with over seventy-five vehicles to pass through the tunnel. Noticed a haze in the air which may have been caused by car exhaust.
The gift shop at the visitors center was busy with shoppers. Maybe they were looking for Father's Day Specials.
Leaving Zion I picked up Highway 89A into Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Another road less traveled. It was good to be back on the open road.
In the 1930's a woman bought land along the highway and built a series of dwellings around existing boulders. Her development became a popular travel stop called Cliff Dwellers City.
Kickstand down tonight at the Marble Canyon Lodge. It was built in the 1920's in anticipation of the opening of the historic Navajo Bridge spanning the Colorado River. Peaceful feeling parked under the cottonwood trees. Good dinner in the original old lodge. Need to leave early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. Monument Valley tomorrow.
be strong, be safe, Carlan
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