Name that Flower

Flower, Zion National Park, Utah, USA

We found this flower near the base of a "beehive" formation at Zion National Park.  We have no idea what kind of flower it is, but it sure is unusual and beautiful.

Night Swim

Swimming Pool and Hot Tub, Springdale, Utah, USA

The swimming pool and hot tub at the Majestic View Lodge were not empty this day because it was cold, or dirty, or uninviting.  These were empty because neither could compete with the scenery all around.  After dark, when travelers had completed a day of touring Zion National Park, the pool and hot tub came alive and we were rewarded with soothing waters and a beautiful night sky.

A Wild Virgin

Virgin River, Zion National Park, Utah, USA

The Virgin River runs wild for just a few weeks of the year.  Most of the time, it is but as trickle.  This photo was taken during a very busy time for the river, which shaped much of the surrounding scenery.

Working for Peanuts

Squirrel, Zion National Park, Utah, USA

This squirrel was neither shy nor afraid as he stood posing for our photos on the banks of the Virgin River in Zion National Park.  We know he wanted to be paid in peanuts for his modeling work, but for his own good (and ours) he worked for free.

Looking for Road Runner

State Highway 9, Springdale, Utah, USA
This beautiful scene was captured one morning in the western reaches of Springdale, just outside Zion National Park. The mountains and highway made us feel as if Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote would appear at any moment.

There Is Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Zion-Mount Carmel Tunnel, Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Opened in 1930, the Zion-Mount Carmel tunnel is just a little over a mile long. Not too long by modern standards, but with a restricted height and a speed limit of 25 MPH (which you are unwise to approach or exceed), it can take over 5 minutes to traverse the tunnel. As this tunnel is built into the side of a mountain, rather than through it, there are viewing portals every so often to let in a little light and fresh air, but completing the journey is definitely a relief.