Tuesday October 8

We started off this morning in St George UT. There is this huge building in the downtown that we just had to drive by. A large Mormon Temple in a small town with a full parking lot on a Tuesday morning?

We had the Wally Wagon all loaded up for our dream trip to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks.

Unfortunately, when we got there, we found that, like the Griswalds, the park was CLOSED.

Couldn't go on any of the rides or even park in the parking lots.

Under threat of arrest, we did manage to stop and take a few photos. I think some of the traffic cones blocking the pullout areas are still stuck under the Wally Wagon.

After exiting Zion, we made our way to the Bryce Canyon area. We had heard that the surrounding Dixie National Forest still had trails open even though the Visitor Centre was closed.

I think we found where they are debating the Parks funding budget. Makes sense because they are handicapped and full of s#*t.

We found some trail maps on a sign and selected the Castle Bridge and Golden Wall trails for a hike.

No information available other than the posted map but we decided to give it a try. A fairly steep climb to Castle Bridge which tested Chris's tolerance of walking on steep ledges but we were rewarded with some tremendous views.

After this climb, we descended a bit before another strenuous climb to the ridge to view the Golden Wall.

The return trip was all downhill but on stones that were like ball bearings and required some caution.

How many faces can you identify in this picture?

We checked into our hotel, a newly renovated Quality Inn just outside of Panguitch UT, and had time to get cleaned up before heading into town for dinner. A small town with few eating establishments. We consulted Trip Advisor and selected the Cowboy's Smokehouse Cafe.

We got there just before the lineup started. The food was good, mesquite smoked chicken and ribs for us.

The beer was cold (no wine). I had the Polygamy Porter.

Actually had two....

First time I have ever had a Porter with only 4% alcohol (max allowed in Utah).

They had a singing cowboy!

The real bonus was the waitress who gave us a tip on a secret "back door" entrance to Bryce Canyon that only the locals know about. This will be a six mile hike to the heart of the canyon. If the blog stops after this post, it is because there is no internet service in a Federal Prison.