Zion …. Part 1

Emma and Ben wading down ‘ The Narrows ‘

We leave the furnace of Lake Powell . Our destination ?…..Zion National Park . Regrettably we leave without viewing Antelope Canyon . The Navajo Indians manage Antelope Canyon Reserve . With the ever present threat of Covid 19 and the vulnerability of the Indigenous Navajo they have shut the canyon off to tourism . We could barely complain , there’s not much we’ve missed on the trip so far . Although the pictures on brochures and it’s website of people traversing through bizarre honeycomb canyons would’ve surely had the kids buzzing . I had been told by a couple of families I know that had visited Utah that the kids thought Antelope Canyon was the highlight of their trips . Ahhh , well maybe we can find something just as good .

We think we found something just as good ……In we go

We drive west , taking the 4+ hour drive through to Kanab . We briefly stop off at the Moqui Cave .

Tex looking in from the outside . It’s a cheesy little tourist place with a shop actually in the cave selling arts , crafts and touristy nick nacks .

As had been the case a couple of times already on this trip there can be some unexpected and sudden changes in weather . It’s easy to forget that you are at altitude a lot of the time in Utah . Thunderstorms and streaky clouds can funnel in over ridges from seemingly nowhere . Whilst closing in on Zion we were greeted with a blaring alarm over our radio warning of potential flash flooding in Zion . At 1st it seemed ludicrous as there was barely a cloud in the sky but as we got closer dark thunderheads started to appear on the mountains ahead . By the time we decided to leave Moqui caves the sky was an ominous dark grey . Temperatures had dropped quickly and the smell of rain was in the air . The two mums Megan and Emma came to a call of arms . “ Let’s wait the storm out . We don’t want to drive in winding unfamiliar roads in a potential flash flood .” We we’re just 25 minutes from our accommodation. Tex quickly piped in ..” That’s bullshit . The mums are just acting like pussies . Let’s just go now !” Eventually testosterone won out . We took our chances and scurried to Zion Mountain Ranch as light rain started to fall

Our back deck , looking over the ranges of Zion

Wow , our accomodation at Zion Mountain Ranch was excellent . Both families stayed in seperate 2 storey log cabins with upper and lower balcony’s , great shower and bathroom amenities and just a really cool authentic feel of country America . The surrounding farm had grazing bison , a mini farm with free range chooks , pony’s and a couple of big old sheep dogs . The restaurant at the main office and shop exceeded our needs . It was great .

Zion Mountain Ranch : The view from the restaurant, looking back over the farm toward our cabins .

Wow , how spoilt can you be . The peace , the big skies , the open mountain ranges and the fresh air . As a de facto Angelino you definitely appreciate space and clean air . The kids enjoyed themselves too . Kids love seeing animals , especially animals they can touch . Tomorrow we’ll hit the famous Zion National Park …. But wait , there’s news . The park is closed due to a mudslide brought on by a flash flood ! Are you fucking serious ! Shit , we’ll have to find something else to do . Luckily I’m here with the best two organisers going around .