Sacred Cliffs of Zion
Checkerboard Mesa
Entering Zion from the east entrance, our first Holy Mackerel is the Checkerboard Mesa, a majestic criss-crossed mountain 900 feet above the Mt. Carmel Highway. The left to right deep scratches are due to a north to south wind direction while the vertical cracks are a result of weathering, a cycle of freezing and thawing.
Just beyond Checkerboard is the 1.1 mile Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel which, when completed in 1930, was the longest tunnel in the world, blasted through solid rock. The tunnel provides an easier way to access Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon parks. I am advised to remove my sunglasses. No shit.
Just beyond Checkerboard is the 1.1 mile Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel which, when completed in 1930, was the longest tunnel in the world, blasted through solid rock. The tunnel provides an easier way to access Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon parks. I am advised to remove my sunglasses. No shit.
Me:
“How has the journey been so far?”
Madeleine: "Pretty
good.""
Sonnet: "Pretty good ?!"
Madeleine: "It’s been great. Accept for the hiking and biking and stuff.”
Eitan: "Awesome. Ooo I have 'Family Guy!" [Dad’s note: Kids banned from electronics since
the Grand Canyon. Eitan has is iPod back today. 'Family Guy' is an adult cartoon show.]
Me: "Other than your iPod."
Eitan:
“It’s been amazing. Trip of a lifetime."
