Days 11 & 12 October 16 & 17
Most trips to Kodachrome would have been followed by visits to Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks. But since the Idiots extended their lazy days in Kodachrome Basin, they decided to settle for views of Bryce from Kodachrome Basin and a drive-by on SR 12.
Then instead of driving through Zion (again) and doing the tunnel shut down required for large vehicles (again),
they found a road they don't think they've driven before... Utah Highway 14 – The Markagaunt High Plateau Scenic Byway. It is only 41 miles long and crosses a high plateau, connecting between two classic north-south routes, Highway 89 and Interstate 15. Highway 14 provided two great benefits – lovely scenery and a surprise find in Cedar City, Utah.
The Idiots were craving food they didn't have to prepare for themselves. While Idiot She was replenishing supplies at Walmart, Idiot He Googled eating establishments in the area and discovered a takeout with the unlikely name Sushi Burrito #5. Intrigued, the Idiots checked it out. Imagine classic sushi ingredients wrapped in sushi rice and rolled - not into a tortilla, but seaweed. Don't think little, like a California roll - think sub sandwich size... fill-your-hand diameter and two-meals-worth in length size. These were delicious!
Continuing their “We've never been THERE before” excursion, the Idiots moved on to two nights at Snow Canyon State Park.
St. George, Utah is an interesting place. A small city just a few years ago, a recent census ranked it number three in the nation for the rate of population growth. In just 10 years the population has increased by about a third to almost 100,000. Much of that growth is from retirees looking for beautiful surroundings and a mild winter climate. In spite of its growing retiree population, it remains a stronghold of Mormonism. Whereas only about 1/3 of the population of Salt Lake City identify as Mormon, over 2/3 of St. George are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Surprisingly close to thousands of homes in retirement HOAs, Snow Canyon State Park preserves some amazing slickrock wilderness. It is extremely popular with the locals – paved bike trails connect from neighboring developments into the park and serious hiking trails traverse the desert, cliffs, and slot canyons.
The formation of many of the features at Snow Canyon stem from a layer of hard volcanic rock that forced its way through cracks in softer ancient sandstone. When these rock layers were exposed to erosion, the volcanic caprock protected parts of the sandstone from erosion, resulting in the dramatic formations surrounding a giant sandbox full of the very soft, rounded sand that comes from being eroded twice.
The Idiots had two more days of travel, but they are ending this journal here... because after the shot of the moon rising over the cliffs of Snow Canyon, there is really nothing more to be said.
