On the road, continued

We left Las Vegas on Tuesday the 27th, maybe about mid-morning, and 3 hours later we were in Zion National Park. Very beautiful. But to be totally honest, the wonderful wife still prefers the Grand Canyon. (And to be totally, totally honest, so does yours truly). We ate lunch at the park and then walked a couple miles along the river before heading over to our accommodations, Zion Canyon Bed and Breakfast -- one of the most luxurious places we've ever stayed at. To quote from their web site:

You might want to put on a soft robe that is waiting for you in the walk-in closet and snuggle on the chaise lounge chair. You can watch a movie on the 50 inch flat screen T.V. using the DVD player or tune into your favorite program on the cable tv channels. You might also chose to sit outside on the private porch and soak up the grand views of Zion Canyon. Enjoy the comfortable King size pillow-top bed, made out of cedar logs. The luxurious marble bathroom has a separate steam shower, a large two person jacuzzi, double sinks, and a second T.V. The crowning touches in this room are the three way fireplace and vaulted wood ceilings.

We sat in lawn chairs for an hour or two, looking up at the cliff that rose a thousand feet or more feet above us, drinking a little wine, and (one of us, anyway) smoking a cigar. Dinner that night was carry-out from a restaurant in a building that had once been a service station (it had been recommended by our host and was quite good) and was followed by a lovely soak in that jacuzzi.

Next morning, we were off to Bryce Canyon. Also beautiful. And, again, something short of the majesty of the Grand Canyon. We spent the night at a nice Best Western just outside the park, and next morning headed off on a two-day drive to New Mexico.

(At both parks -- and a week later at Bandelier National Monument -- we were spared the $25 entrance fee, courtesy of my National Parks senior pass. Good move, Dan!)