Day 40

Day 40: 6/26/15 (Grand Canyon to Zion National Park via Antelope Canyon)

228 miles

We were happy that the night cooled down a bit so we could sleep comfortably.  We didn’t make any plans for the morning because we wanted to make sure we definitely got to our tour for Antelope Canyon on time.  Arizona doesn’t do day light savings so it’s in its own time zone, and even though we were in Arizona, we were still nervous we would mess it up somehow.  On the way, we called to make sure our clocks matched their clocks to ensure that we would make it.  Right before reaching the tour company, we stopped at Horseshoe Bend which is where the river bends around in a “U” shape and the colors are amazing.  We were cutting it pretty close to our check-in time, but we arrived with just enough time to fill our water bottles and go to the bathroom.  The ride over to the canyon was in the back of a pick-up truck that was rigged with benches and a canopy.  It was a bit dusty, but the wind was nice in the hot desert weather. 

Our tour was through Upper Antelope Canyon, and it’s probably around a ½ mile walk one way.  The canyon is completely shaded, which was a relief, aside from the sporadic light beams that were shining through the cracks.  There were several tours going through, but the guides are very good at clearing out an area so you can get a person-free picture.  We took some really awesome pictures so check back in a few days when we can upload some.  You can’t get into the canyon without a tour guide because it’s Navajo land and flash floods can be deadly, but paying for the tour was worth it.

Once we were back from the tour, we drove straight to Zion which was about 2 hours.  When we arrived, the campground said it was full, but we figured we would drive through anyways and see if a site was open.  Sure enough, there was an empty site – no car, no tent, no tag.  We pulled in and found the camp host to make sure we could stay for the night.  She was surprised that something was empty, but just figured that the people found that it was just too hot and left a night early.  As we were setting up, we realized why the previous people left – it was friggen hot!  We couldn't stop sweating!  We pitched the tent and dragged over the picnic table to the little bit of shade that was available.  We stuck around camp for lunch to heat up some baked beans – just want you want in 100-degree weather.

Finally, we got out into the park taking the shuttle up to the last few stops.  At the last stop, the Temple of Sinawava, we hiked the Riverside Walk which brings you to the beginning of the Narrows hike which goes directly through the river for miles and miles.  We took off our shoes and went about a ¼ mile up the river before we headed back to the shuttle stop to catch the last shuttle back to the visitor center which was right next to our campground.  We almost skipped dinner because it was so late, but our stomachs didn’t care what time it was.  We quickly cooked up some pasta and headed to bed, at which time it was still 100 degrees!  SO HARD TO FALL ASLEEP!

Day 40 video

Fact: 

The Riverside Walk hike at Zion is actually a walk through the river, not along the side of it

Lesson:

Just because a campground states that it’s full, it doesn’t hurt to drive through it

Eat Well; Travel Often

Rico & Jillian